On-time EU entry was among the Cabinet's main priorities and all institutions worked hard to meet all accession criteria, Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev told the Parliament Magazine.

Bulgaria would be part of the fifth EU enlargement, which was among the priorities of the Finnish EU presidency, Stanishev said.

Although the country experienced certain difficulties in the integration process, Bulgaria had a stable social model, Stanishev said. The country's re-union with the European family would contribute to the recovery of European unity after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The rich history, significant cultural heritage and geo-strategical position were only part of Bulgaria's advantages which made it a reliable partner, contributing to European political and economic stability, Stanishev said.

Bulgaria offered the EU qualified labour hand, modern legislation and many investment opportunities, Stanishev said. For the ninth consecutive year Bulgaria's economy registers a stable annual growth rate of five to six per cent.

Bulgaria executed many reforms in all social spheres causing EU concern like fight against corruption and organised crime. The reforms aimed at modernising society and boosting the European integration process, Stanishev said.

Bulgaria's activity in these areas was strictly monitored by EU institutions and co-operation would continue even after the country's entry to the union, Stanishev said.