Eu-Bulgaria Joint Parliamentary Committee

EU-BULGARIA JOINT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE

20th Meeting 28 November 2005 BRUSSELS

DRAFT MINUTES

1. Adoption of the draft agenda (PE366.146/rev)...... 2 . 2. Approval of the minutes of the 19th meeting of the EU-Bulgaria JPC, Sofia 24/25 January 2005 (PE 358.297)...... 2

3. Social policy and social inclusion of vulnerable groups, statement by Ms Emilia MASLAROVA, Minister of Labour and Social Policy of the Republic of Bulgaria, followed by an exchange of views...... 2

4. Economic developments in Bulgaria: progress in maintaining sustainable growth and macro-economic stability, introduction by Mr Petar CHOBANOV, Executive Director, Agency for Economic Analysis and Forecasting...... 3

5. Progress in the adoption of legislation and its implementation, concerning justice and home affairs, introduction by Mr Margarit GANEV, Deputy Minister of Justice...... 3

6. Bulgaria’s contribution to the political and economic stability of South- East Europe and its role in furthering the European integration process in the region...... 4

7. Exchange of views with the Commission, the Council and the Bulgarian Government on Bulgaria’s progress towards accession to the EU in the light of the Commission's 2005 Comprehensive Monitoring Report; the accompanying Letter of the Member of the Commission, Mr. Olli Rehn to the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Ivailo Kalfin...... 4

Statements and briefings by: • Mr Olli REHN, Member of the European Commission • Mr Dominick CHILCOTT, UK Foreign Ministry Director of Europe, representing the Presidency-in-Office of the Council of the European Union • Ms Meglena KUNEVA, Bulgarian Minister for European Affairs

8. Implementation of the recommendations adopted by the EU-Bulgaria JPC at its 19th meeting in Sofia on 24/25 January 2005...... 7

9. Adoption of a Final JPC Statement and of a Declaration on the imprisonment of the five Bulgarian nurses in Libya...... 7

10. Any other business...... 7

11. Date and place of the 21th meeting of the EU-Bulgaria JPC...... 7

Annexes: Lists of attendance Final JPC Statement Declaration on the imprisonment of the five Bulgarian nurses in Libya 23 February 2006 HO/VT/EC

1 Mrs. Catherine GUY-QUINT, co-chair of the JPC, opened the meeting at 10.15 and welcomed all present, especially the Bulgarian delegation. She said the outcome of the meeting was to be distributed to relevant committees and EU-Bulgaria friendship organisations in the 25 EU member states. She also mentioned that the Mr. VAN ORDEN's report recently had been voted on in the EP Foreign affairs Committee and that it would be dealt with in plenary during the December session in Strasbourg.

Mr. Atanas Atanassov PAPARIZOV, co-chair of the JPC, welcomed all participants and said today's meeting was very important and timely. The EP has always supported Bulgaria on its way to EU membership, he said, while stressing that Bulgaria must now continue to fulfil the criteria necessary for accession.

The draft agenda was adopted.

The minutes of the last JPC in Sofia on 24-25 January 2005 were approved.

Ms. Emilia MASLAROVA took the floor and gave a presentation on social policy and the social inclusion of vulnerable groups. She said Bulgaria has continued its efforts within the social field with reforms such as decentralisation of social services, promotion of equal opportunities for disabled, regional programmes to combat poverty and improvement of child protection. More emphasis was being put on social inclusion of the most vulnerable groups, for example mentally disabled, and for the first time the 2006 budget has money especially earmarked for inclusion of minorities. She stressed that the national action plan for the inclusion of Roma was focusing on education, health, employment and working conditions. To achieve good results the Government was working closely with social NGOs.

In the exchange of views that followed Mrs. Maria Ivanova ANGUELIEVA-KOLEVA made some additional comments on the progress regarding protection of the children and social inclusion. In particular, she said that services available to children, such as education and conditions in school, have been improved and that the general environment and attitude within the society were constantly changing for the better with the new laws. She said focus was now on implementing the Commission recommendations and mentioned the 2003 action plan aimed at inclusion and decentralisation as one of the tools for doing so.

Ms. Mia DE VITS echoed many of Ms. MASLAROVA's words and stressed the importance of establishing a social dimension in dialogue with NGOs and the respect for equal opportunities. She brought up the role of employers and unions in this and asked for the Government's view on whether a social dialogue was taking place. More efforts were needed when it came to public health care, she added.

Mrs. GUY-QUINT agreed with previous speaker on the need for a social dialogue and said the political will on the part of Bulgaria was very much visible. She stressed that focus needed to be put on implementation of the acquis into everyday Bulgarian life and called for increased aid from the EU.

2 Ms. MASLAROVA stressed that implementation of the acquis into everyday life and decentralisation were indeed important parts of establishing a social dialogue and achieving social inclusion. Coordination with social partners was a main feature of the Government social and economic development plan, she said. She emphasised the important role of the Bulgarian Parliament in monitoring implementation and its right to table amendments.

Mr. Petar CHOBANOV briefed the meeting on economic progress and stability policy in Bulgaria. He stressed the sustainable growth and macro-economic stability achieved mentioning specifically the services sector and the increasingly dynamic export sector. He spoke of the low inflation and decreasing unemployment. Reducing the current account deficit, improve business environment and enhance competitiveness were priorities. He also stressed that for the country to continue achieving economic progress it was important to maintain a social dialogue between the actors that are involved in implementing the economic plans.

Mrs. GUY-QUINT said the Lisbon goals were indeed hard to implement in practice but that she was surprised to note, considering the progress made, that the Commission in its Monitoring Report found that the current pace of economic progress was slowing down. She then introduced the next speaker, Mr. Margarit GANEV and said the topic of his intervention, the reform of the judiciary, was a key to accession as it was perceived to be very important by the citizens of the EU.

Mr. GANEV presented progress regarding the adoption of legislation and its implementation, within the field of justice and home affairs. He echoed some of the main recommendations put forth by the Commission and ensured the meeting that due actions were being taken in the concerned areas. He said the adoption of the new criminal code was of great importance, as was the Administrative bill which was currently in front of the Parliament, hopefully to be adopted before the end of the year. He spoke on measures taken in the fight against corruption, such as the report on the anti-corruption strategy implementation, due in December. He added that this initiative would be repeated also during 2006.

Ms. DE VITS emphasised Mr. GANEV's words about the importance of implementation and said that focus needed to be put on enforcement and reflection on what is a reasonable transitional period. She stressed that training of police and judges was important and asked the Bulgarian representatives about their view on training of customs officials.

Ms. Maya MANOLOVA commented that although great progress has been made and recommendations from the Commission have been implemented there was still a need for further amendments within a number of areas. She called for more operational cooperation between the police and the Government and improved administrative services.

Mrs. GUY-QUINT referred back to Ms. DE VITS intervention on implementation and said the possible discrepancy between changes on paper and changes in reality was a very important issue to stress. How do you change attitudes within a society? In her opinion enforcement of new laws into practice was the main challenge for accession.

3 Mr. GANEV said everyday represented a step forward in changing people's attitudes and that the Bulgarian authorities in different ways sought to help people become accustomed with the new laws. He pointed out, in regards to Ms. DE VITS question, that training police and customs officers was a very important aspect of changing attitudes within the society.

Ms. Meglena KUNEVA added that the incentives for reforms came from the magistrates themselves. Especially the young magistrates needed encouragement to stay in politics. She encouraged the members of the EP Delegation to ask for a meeting with young magistrates during their next trip to Bulgaria.

Mrs. Assia MIHAYLOVA emphasised the importance of the reform of the home office and the focus on enforcement of new legislation. She also spoke on the increasing role of the police.

Mrs. GUY-QUINT said that speaking with the Home Office, police and customs officers, including young magistrates, would be very interesting with the next JPC meeting in Bulgaria in 2006 in mind. It would also provide an opportunity to discuss citizenship issues.

After this exchange of views the meeting paused for lunch at 12.00 and resumed at 15.00.

Mrs. GUY-QUINT welcomed participants back from the lunch and gave the floor to Ms. Alexandra DOBOLYI.

Ms. DOBOLYI spoke on Bulgaria's contribution to the South Eastern European region and stressed the importance of cooperation, and that all political areas needed to be included in this. As examples she mentioned the PHARE programme and relations to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. She stressed that further cohesion within the area and with the EU and NATO was needed in order to achieve social and economic progress.

Mr. Rosen VLADIMIROV echoed many of Ms. DOBOLYI's words. He added that Bulgaria has grown into a country of strategic importance in the region, representing stability. This role would be heightened when Bulgarian borders also became the outer borders of the EU. He mentioned flourishing tourism, increasing foreign investment and the NATO membership as factors that contributed to Bulgaria's increasing role in the region.

Mr. Geoffrey VAN ORDEN, the EP rapporteur on Bulgaria said Bulgaria's accession to the EU would set an example for the region. Firstly, he said, it showed commitment to achieving real changes in meeting the criteria. Secondly, the accession showed that success can be achieved and that there are real benefits to reap from making the efforts. He also mentioned Bulgaria's contributions in Iraq and Afghanistan, emphasising that the country could be a constructive partner in the process of border demarcation with regards to Kosovo. Georgia was another example of where Bulgaria could play an important role, since with the accession of Bulgaria, the EU would have borders in the black sea.

Mr. Dominick CHILCOTT, representing the UK Presidency, thanked for the opportunity to speak and welcomed the progress made by Bulgaria. He said accession could now very

4 clearly be envisaged and that this was a decisive step towards healing Europe. He stressed that Bulgaria must keep up efforts in order for the country to join in 2007. He brought up some of the areas which the Commission in its report had identified as being "of serious concern" and where efforts had to be stepped up. He mentioned that the Accession Council would meet in January 2006 and take stock of the progress towards accession. He stressed however that the final assessment would only be made in spring and not until then would it be decided upon whether the safeguard clauses had to be used.

Ms. KUNEVA, Minister for European Affairs of Bulgaria, then took the floor and presented the Government's efforts made to comply with the criteria for membership. She specifically mentioned two kinds of measures, the technical and the political. During the next months implementation and follow up would form the core of activities to advance towards accession and in this she stressed that training of people working in the reformed areas would be of particular importance. Finally, she called for a more active political dialogue.

Mr. Jean-Marie GOBEAUX, representing the Commission, presented the Commission's perspective on Bulgaria's progress towards accession. He said cooperation between Bulgaria and the Commission was successful but stressed that it was high time to go from planning action to action and to put emphasis on implementation of the new laws adopted or amended. He also pointed out that Mr. REHN would give more details in his presentation later on during the meeting.

Ms. DE GROEN called for sufficient financial support to Bulgaria and asked about the degree of representation of Roma in decision-making processes.

Mr. DIMITROV commented on the reform of the judiciary and the need for "action". He also stressed that continued monitoring during 2006 was of high importance.

Mr. Harald ETTL said only full accession was acceptable and he hoped this would take place in 2007. He expressed hope that Bulgaria would be given more attention by the incoming Austrian Presidency. He also spoke on corruption and mentioned the written question sent to Mr. REHN regarding Turkish citizens transiting the country, adding that the Commissioner's answer did not clarify the issue. Finally, he said he did not agree with the current wording in the JPC draft Final Statement regarding nuclear power and the use of the word "flexibility", even though aware that this was the phrasing used in the recently adopted EP report on Bulgaria.

Mr. PAPARIZOV asked Mr. ETTL to forward him the question that had been put to Mr. REHN on the Turkish citizens and he could then try to seek clarity through the Home Office.

Mrs. GUY-QUINT commented on the nuclear power issue and suggested that the phrasing of the EP report should indeed be used in the JPC Final Statement.

Mr. GOBEAUX commented that the Turkish citizens crossing the Bulgarian borders were not isolated events. Furthermore, he said the nuclear power issue was in the Commission's view already settled and that the Commission had no intention of bringing it up again with Bulgaria. He also commented on food safety.

5 Mr. Dimitar STOYANOV said he believed that the issue of the Turkish citizens crossing the borders was a bilateral issue between Turkey and Bulgaria and that it should not be discussed within the JPC forum. He also spoke on the time frame regarding nuclear power. Mr. VAN ORDEN then commented on the integration of Roma, brought up earlier by Mrs DE GROEN. He said it was a two way process in which the Roma must learn the Bulgarian language and family planning. He also commented on the constitutional reform of the judiciary and the issue of nuclear power.

Mrs. MASLAROVA replied to Mrs. DE GROEN on the question of Roma integration saying Roma were represented on the various level of society and gave examples supporting this.

Mrs. DE GROEN welcomed Mrs. MASLAROVA's answer on Roma representation and said that this proved Roma were willing to integrate and that she believed this did not completely correspond with Mr. VAN ORDEN's definition of the two way process integration.

Mrs. KUNEVA made a clarifying comment regarding the nuclear power issue. She said it was not in the community acquis and hence not part of the negotiations but solely a political issue.

Mrs. GUY-QUINT proceeded by welcoming Commissioner Mr. Olli REHN and gave him the floor.

Mr. REHN thanked for the opportunity to speak and said the meeting took place at a very decisive moment with Bulgaria on the eve of accession. After congratulating Bulgaria on the legislative work carried out, and Mr. VAN ORDEN on his report he proceeded to present the main findings of the Comprehensive Monitoring report. He briefed the meeting on the progress made but said that if Bulgaria did not act in the areas found to be "of serious concern", such as food safety, uninsured vehicles and preparedness to reap benefits of structural funds, the Commission would not hesitate to postpone accession. He added that in the end, the date of accession would not be certain before April/May 2006 with the Commission final assessment. Finally, he emphasised that the JPC promoted political dialogue and was playing an important role in the process of accession.

Mrs. DIMITROVA-MOSER commented on Mr. REHN's presentation saying that Bulgaria was acting on the problems identified in the Report. Bulgaria has waited a long time and its advances will help other countries in the region, she said.

Mr. Evgeni KIRILOV said that monitoring could be of help in achieving further progress. He also raised the question of the financial perspective and the budget's possible impact on enlargement and asked Mr. REHN's opinion on this.

Mr. Jorgo CHATZIMARKAKIS emphasised that the general atmosphere within the EU was the key to enlargement and also congratulated Bulgarian representatives and Mr. REHN on a successful cooperation.

Mr. REHN said it was important to consolidate enlargement and separate the talk of new commitments with sticking to old ones. The positive impacts of enlargement, such as economics and jobs, needed to be better communicated to the public, he said. Mr. REHN added that he was pleased with the cooperation with the EU Presidency and that he hoped this would be reflected in the budget.

6 8.

The Final JPC Statement was adopted as amended. The JPC also adopted a Declaration on the imprisonment of the five Bulgarian nurses in Libya.

There was no other business.

10.

It was agreed that next meeting would take place in Sofia on 30-31st March 2006.

Mrs. GUY-QUINT and Mr. PAPARIZOV thanked the participants, in particular Mr. REHN, for a successful meeting with an interesting exchange of views.

* * *

The meeting closed at 18.00

7 BILAG/ANLAGE/ΠΑΡΑΡΤΗΜΑ/ANNEX/ ANNEXE/ALLEGATO/BIJLAGE/ANEXO/BILAGA

DELTAGERLISTE/ANWESENHEITSLISTE/ΚΑΤΑΣΤΑΣΗ ΠΑΡΟΝΤΩΝ/RECORD OF ATTENDANCE/LISTA DE ASISTENCIA/LISTE DE PRESENCE/ELENCO DEI PRESENTI/PRESENTIELIJST/LISTA DE PRESENÇAS/LÄSNÄOLOLISTA/DELTAGARLISTA

Til stede Formandskabet/Vorstand/Πρoεδρείo/Bureau/Ufficio di Presidenza/Mesa/Puhemiehistö/J.L. Presidium: (*) GUY-QUINT (P)), VÄYRYNEN

Anwesend Medlemmer/Mitglieder/Μέλη/Members/Diputados/Députés/Deputati/Leden/Deputados/jäsenet/ Ledamöter:

CHATZIMARKAKIS, DE GROEN-KOUWENHOVEN, DE VITS, ETTL, MENDEZ DE VIGO, MORGAN, TZAMPAZI, Παρόvτες VARVITSIOTIS

Stedfortrædere/Stellvertreter/Αvαπληρωτές/Substitutes/Suplentes/Suppléants/ Membri supplenti/Plaatsvervangers/Membros suplentes/Varajäsenet/Suppleanter: Present DOBOLYI, HORACEK, OLBRYCHT

Presentes

Rapporteur: VAN ORDEN Présents

Presenti Observers: ARABADJIEV, PIRILOU, STOYANOV Aanwezig

Läsnä

Närvarande

Art. 153,2

Art. 166,3

Art. 162.6 Endv. deltog/Weitere Teiln./ Συμμετείχαv επίσης/Also present Participaron igualmente/ Participaient également/ Hanno partecipato altresiτ/ Andere deelnemers/ Outros participantes/ Muut osallistujat/ Dessutom deltog

(Dagsorden/Tagesordnung Pkt/Ημερήσια Διάταξη Σημεί/Point OJ/Punto OG/Agenda Punt/Ordem do dia- punto/punto orden del dia/ Esityslista Kohta/Föredragningslista punkt):

* (P) =Formand/Vorsitzender/Πρόεδρoς/Chairman/Président/Presidente/Voorzitter/Presidente/Puhemies/Ordförande (VP) =Næstform./Stellv. Vorsitz./Αvτιπρόεδρoς/Vice-Chairman/Vice-Président/Vicepresidente/Varapuhemies Ondervoorz./Vice-Pres./Vicepres/Vice ordförande.

Til stede den/Anwesend am/Παρώv στις/Present on/Présent le/Presente il/Aanwezig op/Presente em/Presente el/Läsnä/Närvarande den.

(1) 28 November 2005 (2) (3)

8 Efter indbydelse fra formanden/Auf Einladung d. Vorsitzenden/Με πρόσκληση τoυ Πρoέδρoυ/At the invitation of the Chairman/Por invitación del presidente/Sur l'invitation du président/Su invito del presidente/Op uitnodiging van de voorzitter/A convite do presidente/Puhemiehen kutsusta/ På ordförandens inbjudan:

Radet/Rat/Συμβoύλιo/Council/Consejo/Conseil/Consiglio/Raad/Conselho/Neuvosto/Rådet: (*) KJELLGREN UK Presidency: CULLUM, CHILCOTT

Kommissionen/Kommission/Επιτρoπή/Commission/Comisión/Commissione/Commissie/Commissão/Komissio/ Kommissionen: (*) GOBEAUX, HORNER

Bulgarian Mission: DASKALOV (Ambassador), BANKOVSKA, DULEVA, EVTIMOV, HRISTCHEVA, KOSTURSKI, KRASINIRA, MANOLOVA, PETROVA, RUMEUVITCHEVA, Bulgarian Parliament: CHRISTOV, STOYCHEVA,

Andre deltagere/Andere Teilnehmer Επίσης Παρόvτες/Also present Otros participantes/Autres participants/Altri partecipanti Andere aanwezigen/Outros participantes Muut osallistujat/Övriga deltagare

Gruppernes sekretariat PPE-DE TSANKOVA Sekretariat der Fraktionen PSE MYLONAS Γραμματεία τωv Πoλ. Ομάδωv ALDE BASOGLU Secretariat political groups Verts/ALE Secr. de los grupos politicos GUE/NGL Secr. groupes politiques UEN Segr. dei gruppi politici IND/DEM Secr. van de fracties NI Secr. dos grupos politicos Puolueryhmien sihteeristö Gruppernas sekretariat

Cab. du Président .

Cab. du Secrétaire Général

Generaldirektorat I Generaldirektion II Γεvική Διεύθυvση III Directorate-General IV Dirección general V Direction générale VI Direzione generale VII Directoraat-generaal VIII Direcção general Contrôle financier Service juridique Pääosasto Generaldirektorat

Udvalgssekretariatet OLSEN Ausschußsekretariat Γραμματεία επιτρoπής Committee secretariat Secretaria de la comisión Secrétariat de la commission Segretariato della commissione Commissiesecretariaat Secretaria de comissão Valiokunnan sihteeristö Utskottssekretariatet

Assist./Βoηθός TUXEN

9 MEMBERS OF THE BULGARIAN DELEGATION TO THE EU – BULGARIA JOINT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE

National Assembly Delegation

1. Atanas Atanassov Paparizov Chairman Coalition for Bulgaria

2. Maria Ivanova Anguelieva-Koleva Vice-chairwoman Simeon the Second National Movement

3. Rosen Vladimirov Vice-chairman Movement for Rights and Freedoms

4. Asya Mihailova Vice-chairwoman United Democratic Forces

5. Mitko Dimitrov Attack Coalition

6. Konstantin Dimitrov Democrats for Strong Bulgaria

7. Anastasia Dimitrova-Moser Bulgarian People’s Union

8. Kamen Kostadinov Movement for Rights and Freedoms

9. Todor Kosturski Simeon the Second National Movement

10. Maya Manolova Coalition for Bulgaria

11. Silviya Stoitcheva Coalition for Bulgaria

12. Dimitar Yordanov United Democratic Forces

Staff

Mrs. Mila ASSENOVA Mr. Boris MAKEDONSKY

10 Government representatives

Mrs. Emiliya MASLAROVA, Minister of Labour and Social Policy Mrs. Meglena KUNEVA, Minister of European Affairs Mr. Margarit GANEV, Deputy Minister of Justice Mr. Petar CHOBANOV, Head of Unit, Ministry of Finance

Staff

Mrs. Teodora PETKOVA, Head of Cabinet Minister Kuneva Mr. Michail CHRISTOV, Senior Expert, European Integration Unit, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

From the Mission of Bulgaria to the EU

Stansilav DASKALOV, Ambassador, Head of Mission Peter STEFANOV, Plenipotentiary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Stansilav NIKOLOV, First Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zornitza VENKOVA, First Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Demetra DULEVA, Third secretary, Relations with the EP, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Alexander EVTIMOV, Counselor, Ministry of Labour and Social Policy Rosalina PETROVA, Third secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Policy Mariana HRISTCHEVA, Counselor, Ministry of Finance Boyan NATAN, Counselor, Ministry of Economics Charlina VITCHEVA, Counselor, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Rumen PETROV, Counselor, Ministry of Justice Antoaneta ANGELOVA, First Secretary, Ministry of Interior

24 November 2005

11 EU-BULGARIA Joint Parliamentary Committee

20th Meeting

28 November 2005

Brussels

FINAL STATEMENT (adopted on 28 November 2005)

______28 November 2005 HO/VT FdR 597392

12 The Joint Parliamentary Committee EU-Bulgaria held its 20th meeting in Brussels on 28 November 2005 under the joint Chairmanship of Mr. Atanas PAPARIZOV (Coalition for Bulgaria, Bulgaria) and Ms. Catherine GUY-QUINT (PES, France). At this meeting, the Committee held an exchange of views with Ms Meglena KUNEVA, Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ms Emilia MASLAROVA, Minister of Labour and Social Policy of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr Olli REHN, member of the European Commission, Mr Dominick CHILCOTT, representing the UK President-in-Office of the Council of the European Union, Mr Margarit GANEV, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Republic of Bulgaria and Mr Petar CHOBANOV, Executive Director, Agency for Economic Analyses and Forecasting. The Joint Parliamentary Committee addressed the following issues: - Bulgaria’s progress towards accession to the EU - Social policy and social inclusion of vulnerable groups - Economic developments in Bulgaria: progress in maintaining sustainable growth and macro-economic stability - Progress in the adoption of legislation and its implementation, concerning justice and home affairs - Bulgaria’s contribution to the political and economic stability of South- East Europe and its role in furthering the European integration process in the region - Implementation of the recommendations adopted by the EU-Bulgaria JPC at its 19th meeting in Sofia on 24/25 January 2005. The Joint Parliamentary Committee, in accordance with Rule 3 of its Rules of Procedure and Art. 113 of the EU-Bulgaria Association Agreement addressed the following statement to the Association Council, the institutions of Bulgaria and of the European Union: - having regard to the Treaty of Accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union, signed on 25 April in Luxembourg, - having regard to the European Parliament resolution on the application by the Republic of Bulgaria to become a member of the European Union (2005/2029(INI)), - having regard to the European Commission’s 2005 Comprehensive Monitoring Report (COM(2005)534), - having regard to the Letter of the Member of the European Commission Mr. Olli Rehn to the Vice-prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria Mr. Ivailo Kalfin and his reply, - having regard to the previous recommendations of the JPC EU-Bulgaria The Joint Parliamentary Committee on its 20th meeting welcomes the fulfilment of the recommendations of the previous JPC meeting and in particular

13 On Bulgaria’s progress towards accession to the EU

1. Congratulates Bulgaria for signing the Treaty of Accession to the European Union on 25 April 2005 in Luxembourg and for ratifying it on 11 May 2005. 2. Recognizes that Bulgaria remains well on course to assume the obligations for membership in time to meet the common objective of her accession to the EU on 1 January 2007, and underlines its strong support for the accomplishment of that goal. 3. Welcomes the ratification of Bulgaria and Romania’s Treaty of Accession by six Member States and urges the speedy completion of the ratification process by the remaining Member States; recalls that Bulgaria forms an integral part of the current fifth enlargement of the EU; emphasizes that its accession should not be linked to that of other acceding or candidate countries, nor be disadvantaged by unrelated concerns about the course of future enlargement of the EU; stresses that the ratification process should not be linked in any way to the monitoring carried out by the European institutions, since the Accession Treaty contains all the necessary guarantees, including safeguard clauses, for the fulfilment of the commitments undertaken by the parties. 4. Congratulates successive Bulgarian Governments on their steady commitment and progress towards accession to the EU and welcomes the Bulgarian Parliament and Government’s determined efforts after the elections in June 2005 to speed up the preparation for membership by taking quick legislative and administrative measures and improving implementation in order to meet the accession requirements. 5. Notes that Bulgaria is as close, and in some areas closer, to fulfilling accession criteria fourteen months before accession, as the new Member States were at the same stage of their accession process. 6. Recognises that timely accession remains a major incentive for increased efforts and acceleration of the pace of reform; notes that the target date for accession of 1 January 2007 is clearly achievable; notes also that the changes underway and reforms implemented are beneficial for Bulgarian society in themselves, not just as prerequisites for EU accession. 7. Welcomes the generally positive assessment of Bulgaria’s progress towards accession in the European Commission’s 2005 Comprehensive Monitoring Report and urges the Bulgarian authorities to take action on those areas highlighted as needing ‘increased efforts’ and to show, before the next Commission’s Monitoring Report in spring 2006 that it has taken effective remedies in the areas identified by the Commission as causing ‘serious concern’. 8. Warmly welcomes the arrival of 18 Bulgarian Parliamentary Observers to the European Parliament and expresses confidence that their participation in the day- to-day work will contribute to better mutual information and understanding, as well as to an active involvement of Bulgaria in the activities of EU institutions; welcomes their input and the anticipated positive impact this will have on informing the citizens of Bulgaria as well as contributing to an improved perception of Bulgaria within the EU.

14 On the political aspects

9. Is delighted to note that Bulgaria continues to meet the political criteria necessary for accession; welcomes the progress made so far and considers that Bulgaria, under the assumption that the pace of reform is kept up, will continue to meet the political requirements.

10. Is looking forward to the adoption of the administrative procedure code, currently in the Bulgarian Parliament, which is believed to give a necessary boost to the strengthening of the overall public administrative capacity.

11. Welcomes the establishment of a Parliamentary Ombudsman in April as called for by the EU-Bulgaria JPC meeting in January.

Economic developments in Bulgaria: progress in maintaining sustainable growth and macro-economic stability

12. Commends Bulgaria for the progress made in creating macro economic stability with falling unemployment and low inflation; expects that the current pace of reforms should bring Bulgaria in line with demands of the common internal market and enable Bulgaria to cope with the competitive pressure; encourages Bulgaria to keep up the current pace of reforms in the economic sector.

13. Calls on the Bulgarian authorities to pay increasing attention to the current account deficit that has significantly widened in the first half of 2005.

14. Recognises progress in the creation of a business environment favourable to investment and growth and in the development of appropriate legal, administrative and regulatory structures facilitating economic activity; and takes into account the Commission's recommendation in this area, especially with a view to continue the streamlining of business registration; emphasises in this regard the relevance of a reliable judiciary and public administration for a healthy business climate and a strong infrastructure particularly for the benefit of SMEs.

15. Recognises the need for further labour market reforms, especially with regard to flexibility; considers reforms in this area together with a comprehensive reform of the education system, to be of high importance for Bulgaria to be able to continue meeting the economic requirements of accession.

16. Stresses the crucial importance of ensuring energy supplies at a level which will meet future requirements both nationally and in the region; underlines the importance of new generating capacity on a sustainable basis, as well as of energy conservation efforts, and of the Kyoto Protocol targets; and calls on the Council once again to be prepared to view the closure dates for Units 3 and 4 of the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant flexibly until new generation capacity can come on stream in Bulgaria, without in any way compromising safety requirements, which remain an absolute priority.

15 17. Recognises the progress made in Bulgaria in the agricultural sector and calls for immediate actions to be taken to ensure that control and paying agencies are put in place in a timely manner.

18. Stresses that the management and control of pre-accession assistance must be further enhanced in order to prepare Bulgaria for a more efficient use of EU Structural funds.

On social policy and social inclusion of vulnerable groups

19. Notes with satisfaction that Bulgaria continues to fulfil the commitments and requirements arising from the accession negotiations in the area of social protection and is expected to be in a position to implement this acquis from the date of accession. 20. Welcomes the finalization of the Joint Inclusion Memorandum of the European Commission and Bulgaria, specifying strategies and paths for further promotion of social inclusion; stresses the need for action to be undertaken, ensuring full implementation of the open method of coordination in the area of social inclusion on the basis of the follow-up process, set up with the adoption of the Joint Inclusion Memorandum. 21. Welcomes the practical measures to improve the integration of Roma into the mainstream of society, especially in relation to education, housing and healthcare and insists that all efforts be properly resourced and that progress be evaluated by the tangible improvements achieved; underlines that social integration is a two- way process, requiring that the Roma make efforts to adapt; stresses that further efforts are needed in the area of human rights, especially regarding the protection of minorities and the integration of the Roma minority; welcomes the initiative between the South East European States to make the coming ten years the "Inclusion of the Roma Decade"; considers the implementation of the Framework Programme for Equal Integration of Roma into the Bulgarian Society to be essential.

22. Calls for more resources to be directed to improvement of orphanages for disadvantaged children and those with special needs and to more effective implementation of the de-institutionalization plan and further development of the alternative system of community-based social services. 23. Recognises that progress has been made in combating the trafficking of human beings and emphasises that further efforts are needed in this area.

24. Notes that continuing efforts are needed to promote full integration into society of people with disabilities, including by improving access to public areas, buildings, and transport, as well as to educational and labour services.

16 On the progress in the adoption of legislation and its implementation, concerning justice and home affairs

25. Welcomes the significant progress made in aligning national legislation to EU legislation, for example the successful developments in areas such as the free movement of capital and payments; competition policy and culture; recognises that these are important steps in the process to accession.

26. Notes that crime rates in Bulgaria are lower than those in many Member States and acknowledges the progress made in combating serious crimes such as drug trafficking, people trafficking and currency counterfeiting; notes that progress has been made in tackling petty corruption; recalls previous recommendations regarding the fight against corruption; deplores the limited progress made in this area; calls on Bulgaria to step up efforts in order to urgently put an end to corruption, especially the investigation and prosecution of high level corruption cases; welcomes the Bulgarian cabinet's decision to make this a top priority and the implementation of the UN Convention Against Corruption.

27. Welcomes the adoption of the new Penal Procedure Code, which provides for the investigation of almost all crimes to be carried out by the police, for the acceleration of penal procedures and for a strengthened role of the prosecutor in the pre-trial stage; expresses expectation that the implementation of the new Code as of end of April 2006 will contribute to the improvement of the penal procedure and to an increased effectiveness of the judiciary as a whole. 28. Notes that the on-going legislative and institutional reform of the Ministry of Interior, aimed at improvement of the organisational and functional framework of the Ministry, reflects the EU Member States best practices in the area. 29. Notes the full alignment of the Penal Code with Community legislation related to the protection of the financial interests of the European Communities’ and the protection of the euro against counterfeiting. 30. Stresses the importance of the adopted Legal Aid Law, which facilitates access to legal aid and justice. 31. Expresses satisfaction with the adoption of the International Private Law Code and the Law on Extradition and the European Arrest Warrant, which align Bulgaria with the provisions of the EU acquis in the field of the judicial cooperation on civil and criminal matters. 32. Reiterates the importance of further reform of the judiciary and calls for the undertaking of additional measures, including, as necessary, the adoption of Constitutional amendments ensuring better interaction between the Bulgarian institutions and more effective counteraction to organised crime and corruption.

17 On Bulgaria’s contribution to the political and economic stability of South-East Europe and its role in furthering the European integration process in the region

33. Welcomes Bulgaria’s significant contribution to the stability of the wider South- East Europe and her continuing role in promoting regional security and prosperity; notes its readiness as a neighbouring state to contribute to the efforts of the European Union and the international community in the Kosovo final status process. 34. Welcomes Bulgaria's readiness to cooperate, assist and share with her neighbours her experience in the field of European integration and the bilateral agreements signed to that effect; notes the implementation of the agreements and her political will to include in that network other Western Balkan countries.

35. Considers the successful completion of the fifth enlargement with the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU as a factor which strengthens the stability of South-East Europe; reiterates its importance for future enlargements in the region. *** 36.Strongly objects to the death sentence and imprisonment of five Bulgarian medical workers in Libya; considers the medical workers, accused of having infected some 400 children with HIV to have been subjected to an unfair trial; welcomes, to this end, the intensive efforts of the Bulgarian authorities, the European Commission and the European Council with a view of getting the medical workers released.

37. Agrees to hold the next EU-Bulgaria JPC meeting in Sofia on 30-31 March 2006.

18 DECLARATION BY THE EU - BULGARIA JOINT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE on The imprisonment of the five Bulgarian nurses in Libya

The Joint Parliamentary Committee takes note of the decision of the Supreme Court of Libya from the 15th of November 2005 which once more delayed its ruling on the appeal of the death sentences, pronounced on the 6th of May 2004 against the five Bulgarian nurses and the Palestinian doctor.

The new postponement of the final decision on this painful case raises concern, as it prolongs the drama of the innocent medics, who, after spending almost seven years in captivity, are beyond the limits of their physical and mental capacity.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee expresses its hope that the decision of the 15th of November 2005 is a result of a clear understanding on behalf of the Libyan judicial system of the necessity to reconsider all the circumstances surrounding this case in an objective and unbiased way.

The postponement of the final decision should be used by the court for a reflection on the existing convincing evidence of the medics' innocence and for reaching the only possible, from the point of view of justice, decision to repeal the death sentences, to be followed by an objective reconsideration of the case, declaring the medics not guilty and setting them free.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee highly appreciates and supports the efforts of the European Commission and of the Presidency of the Council of the EU for reaching a solution of this very complicated and painful case in the shortest possible terms.

We welcome the humanitarian initiatives of the EU directed at easing the suffering of the innocent Libyan children who have become victims of the spread of AIDS. The decisive steps undertaken by the European Commission and the Libyan authorities for an effective implementation of the EU action plan will help build up to European level Libyan medical expertise in fighting AIDS.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee highly appreciates the humanitarian initiatives of good will undertaken by the Bulgarian authorities and civil society, aiming at easing the fate of the affected Libyan children and at creating the most favourable conditions for finding a just solution to this case.

28 November 2005 FdR 597392 PE 366.164