What are your expectations from the June Report of the EC: being an experienced MEP you might have some inside information?

The report on the state of the judicial system, corruption and organized crime in Bulgaria and Romania, expected this month, will not discuss possible financial deductions from Eurofunds for any of the new member states. The Commission’s spokesman, Mark Grey said that the report which the Commission will approve will concern the judicial system, the problems of corruption and organized crime in Bulgaria and Romania. I share the view that Sofia has fulfilled the EU requirements for changes in its Constitution, thus guaranteeing judicial independence and that it has marked success in the field of judicial reform and crime prevention. On the other hand, the fact that the report does not mention sanctions does not mean that sanctions cannot be imposed. According to accession treaties, the EU has the right to restrict farm subsidies, regional allowances and judicial cooperation during the first two years if the states fail to meet certain requirements. There is a possibility that the Commission might offer certain measures later this year after a separate audit of Bulgaria and Romania to ascertain whether they have implemented adequate finance control mechanisms. European tax-payers must have their interests protected and Bulgaria should exert a stricter control of corruption and to work for improving its state administration.
Who will head the Bulgarian MEPs delegation to ALDE?
My experience in the European Parliament is the longest – about a year and a half. I used to be a Euro-observer, and after Bulgaria’s accession to EU a member of the European Parliament. I am the Vice President of the Regional Development Commission in the European Parliament; a member of the Gender Equality Commission and of the leadership of the Summit Committee on these questions. I suppose these are the arguments which had helped when I was chosen to be the leader of our delegation.
Is it already known who of the new MEPs in ALDE will be members of which EP commissions?
Mariela Baeva will work in the Commission of economic and monetary issues and in the Foreign Affairs Commission. Metin Kazak will represent the country’s interests in the Foreign Affairs Commission and the Commission of Civil Freedoms, Legislation and the Interior. Prof. Vladko Panayotov is member of the Commission of the Environment, Health Care and Food Safety.
Will you personally participate in any way in the MRF work on local elections?
Yes, as far as my work in the European Parliament will allow.
Graham Watson said that he would like for MEPs from the MRF and NMSS to take part in the planning of the EP election campaign in 2009. He said that you had gained valuable experience from the recent election campaign in Bulgaria. What does this experience boil down to?
European liberals and Mr. Watson are very experienced in holding European elections. That is why his personal positive attitude towards our campaign boosts our confidence. We are interested in sharing information and good practices.