The German parliament was going to request the introduction of safeguard clauses after Bulgaria and Romania's EU entry, EUobserver reported.

The report said that such demands could increase further the tension surrounding the union's enlargement.

German media reported that such measures were needed as the two countries failed reforming thoroughly their justice systems to meet EU accession criteria. In case a safeguard clause is introduced the verdicts of local courts would not be acknowledged.

European Commission planned to use safeguard clauses only if the two countries failed implementing reforms once accepted to the EU, EUobserver reported.

A declaration drafted by a number of German parties said that "the [German] parliament deems safeguard measures necessary from the start of accession, if the deficits mentioned by the commission are not tackled before 1 January 2007."

In addition, Germany is among the few EU member states that have delayed the ratification of Bulgaria and Romania's accession treaty. The newest request could further increase 'nervousness in Bucharest and Sofia', the report said.