The requirements that the European Commission (EC) had concerning Bulgaria and Romania’s EU entry were something normal, European Integration Minister Meglena Kouneva said.

Her statement came following the presentation of the EC report on Bulgaria’s readiness to join the EU. Bulgaria was going to become EU member on January 1 2007 without the introduction of safeguard clauses but under strict monitoring.

EC has been more critical when dealing with some areas during all previous enlargmenets, Kouneva told Bulgarian National Television. During the current enlargement stage the situation was the same, said she.

What was left for Bulgaria was to complete the reforms in its justice and home affairs sector Kouneva said.

EC’s co-operation was very important for Bulgaria, so that it could present a report on its progress in this sector in March 2007, Kouneva said.