Bulgaria ‘risks falling under Russia’s influence’

Bulgaria, the European Union’s poorest member state, is at risk of falling under Russian political and economic influence unless Brussels works more effectively with Sofia, according to a panel of EU experts, chaired by Dominique de Villepin, advising the Bulgarian government.

In a report obtained by the Financial Times in July 2009, the experts called on Bulgaria’s authorities to take much firmer action against public corruption, saying high-level officials who are under serious suspicion should be dismissed without waiting for lengthy judicial proceedings.

ESO: Background information: Bulgaria: Parliamentary election, 5 July 2009: Borissov set to win Bulgaria poll http://www.europeansources.info/record/bulgaria-parliamentary-election-5-july-2009-borissov-set-to-win-bulgaria-poll/

ESO: Background information: French warn against stigmatising Bulgaria, Romania http://www.europeansources.info/record/french-warn-against-stigmatising-bulgaria-romania/

ESO: Background information: Bulgaria loses €520m EU funds http://www.europeansources.info/record/bulgaria-loses-e520m-eu-funds/

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