Former European Parliament rapporteur for Bulgaria Geoffrey van Orden said that he was disappointed with Bulgaria’s achievements in the judicial system and internal order.

Bulgaria’s progress was insufficient, van Orden told Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).

He was disappointed that Bulgaria failed to achieve more in the fight against organised crime and corruption. These fields were Bulgaria’s main weaknesses, which affected many aspects of life in the country, not only public confidence, but also business and investors, he said.

European Commission (EC) vice-president commissioner Franco Frattini said that Bulgaria was not a disappointment to the other EU members. The country was increasing its efforts to meet all EC requirements.

Bulgaria achieved very important results in security, external borders protection and fight against organised crime, he told BNR. The country also registered a progress in fighting low and high-level corruption.

The slow judicial procedures in the country were unacceptable, but authorities in Bulgaria were aware of the problem and were taking measures to resolve it, he said.

Bulgaria has to present a report on its progress in judicial reform and internal order in October 2007.