The introduction of a safeguard clause might be necessary for Bulgaria’s EU accession, European Parliament rapporteur on Bulgaria Geoffrey van Orden said.

Monitoring measures, once the country is accepted, would be discussed later on, Van Orden said on Tuesday. In one day enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn will answer questions related to the eventual introduction of safeguard clauses, mediapool.bg reported.

Rehn will also elaborate on the European Commission monitoring system to be used during the first three years of Bulgaria and Romania’s membership.

On Wednesday Bulgarian officials will present the latest measures undertaken in each of the five critical areas. In its previous report, the EC criticised Bulgaria for slow reform implementation in five key sectors, including justice and home affairs.

In its May 16 report the EC is expected to recommend a date for the accession of Bulgaria and Romania.

Van Orden said the two countries are subjected to harsh monitoring. In the last year more than 60 EU inspections took place in Bulgaria.

An eventual accession delay would send the wrong signal and would encourage negative developments in Bulgaria, Van Orden said.

A safeguard clause might be needed but the decision will be taken in co-ordination with local authorities, said Van Orden.