The introduction of a justice and home affairs safeguard clause was a theoretical possibility valid during the first few years of Bulgaria’s EU membership, European Integration Minister Gergana Gruncharova said.

Gruncharova commented on the statement of European justice commissioner Franco Frattini, who said that Bulgaria and Romania could see the introduction of such clause if they failed speeding up reforms.

Both Romania and Bulgaria should work harder on reforms in the judiciary and should intensify the fight against organised crime and corruption, Frattini said.

Justice reforms and the fight against corruption were a sensitive issue throughout Europe, Gruncharova said. Institutions should work taking into consideration a positive scenario, she said.

Bulgaria had the unique opportunity to prove that its justice system functions, Gruncharova said.

European Commission will soon present its monitoring report on Bulgaria and Romania’s progress in problematic areas. The report is part of the monitoring mechanism, accompanying the EU accession of the two countries.