European news channel EuroNews aired a report about Bulgaria's EU accession progress. According to the report Bulgaria failed to join the EU in 2004 alongside 10 other European countries because of the failure to achieve democratic and economic reforms.

The report also presents national sentiments toward EU membership. Bulgarians rank fourth after Irish, Romanians and Italians, based on positive attitude.

Bulgarians are enthusiastic because of various reasons, political scientist Ivan Krastev told EuroNews. People share the belief EU membership is a national goal, as the union will continue the modernisation process that started with pre-accession reforms, said Krastev.

Political and economic stability are among the main expectations of Bulgarians related to EU accession. Nearly two thirds of the surveyed people believe these would improve. At the moment nearly 70 per cent of the Bulgarians have no trust in the judicial system, Focus news agency reported.

EU is an instrument for globalisation but also offers some degree of protection, Krastev said. People expect as a result protection and higher incomes, said he.

Krastev said the positive attitude might change after Bulgaria joins the EU. It is possible for Bulgarians to start questioning European institutions the way they question officials at the moment, said he.