The European Commission refrained from recommending the introduction of safeguard clauses for Bulgaria’s EU entry, which is a positive development, Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev said.

Bulgaria’s progress in the past six months has been acknowledged, said Stanishev. With its messages the EC stimulates further reform progress in the country, said he.

Problem areas are clearly defined and coincide with the shortcomings the Cabinet expected, said Stanishev. The number of areas, causing concern has been taken down to six from the 16 mentioned in the October 2005 EC report.

The favourable report should not be seen as a calming development as Bulgaria has more work to do on its way to on-time accession, said Stanishev.

The ruling tripartite coalition and the Cabinet will continue working responsibly in the coming months. Until October, the ruling parties will continue implementing reforms for the benefit of all Bulgarians, said Stanishev.