ANSA news

(ANSA) - BRUSSELS, JANUARY 27 - Corruption and organised crime in Bulgaria still raise concerns in Brussels. The EU Commission issued the latest report on steps taken by Sofia on these issues. According to the EU Commission First Vice-President, Frans Timmermans, "last year Bulgaria took some important steps to put reform back onto the agenda. Now it is time to move to the next stage by turning the strategies on judicial reform and the fight against corruption into action on the ground and delivering concrete results". "The adopted amendment of the national Constitution to reform the judicial system - Timmermans added - confirming political determination to carry forward the judicial reform strategy, should be quickly followed up through the adoption of the remaining legislative initiatives". The EU Commission welcomes Bulgaria's wish to draw on further technical assistance and expertise to support the reform process, and the Commission has put in place the necessary means. "2016 must be the year when Bulgarians feel progress on the ground: seeing real results in tackling high level corruption and organized crime cases remains Bulgaria's biggest challenge and must be the highest priority" Timmermans declared. (ANSA)