Germany demanded one more inspection of reforms progress in Bulgaria and Romania before EU entry on January 1 2007.

This inspection was going to help Germany decide if it will request the introduction of safeguard clauses after the accession of the two countries, Dnevnik newspaper reported.

German chancellor Angela Merkel said that problem areas in the two countries, like justice and home affairs, should be inspected once again.

Dnevnik reported that Germany cannot one-sidedly enforce safeguard clauses. If Merkel made such request during an EU summit in mid-December, Brussels would have to consult the other 24 member states before taking a decision.

Analysts said that a ‘domino effect’ was possible. Other countries could follow Germany’s example and request the introduction of safeguard mechanisms.

Last week all major parties in the Bundestag presented in a letter their demand for the introduction of a safeguard clause for Bulgaria and Romania’s justice sectors. Such measures were going to be needed if the two countries failed reforming the problem area by January 1 2007.

The European Commission turned down Germany’s request. Previously EC representatives said that Bulgaria and Romania were going to be given some time to deal with the problematic issues.