The EC report provoked controversial reactions from members of opposition parties and the ruling tripartite coalition in Bulgaria.

What the ruling parties considered a 'positive' report was a 'red card' for the opposition, Novinar daily reported.

Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev said the EC report confirmed Bulgaria's on-time EU accession chances.

Head of the European Commission delegation to Bulgaria Dimitris Kourkoulas said the same. EU-required reforms were achievable and the EC would actively co-operate with the government, Kourkoulas said.

Union of Democratic Forces (UDF) leader Petar Stoyanov said that the government should decide between its personal interests and the country's future.

Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) said that the country needed a new government. Justice Minister Georgi Petkanov and Interior Minister Roumen Petkov should be replaced, as their ministries received most EU criticism, DSB said.