Gerard Murphy
Question:94 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the timescale for the accession of Bulgaria to the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30019/04]
View answerWednesday, 24 November 2004
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Written answers
The EU's objective, as stated in the European Council Conclusions of 17-18 June 2004, is that both Bulgaria and Romania should conclude negotiations in 2004, sign the accession treaty as early as possible in 2005 and accede in January 2007, if they are ready. Negotiations will be concluded on the same basis and principles which applied to the ten new member states which acceded on 1 May 2004.
On 6 October 2004, the European Commission published its annual report on progress towards the EU accession of Bulgaria, as well as an overall strategy paper on progress in the enlargement process. The Commission makes clear in its report that Bulgaria has made good progress this year in its preparations for EU accession. Bulgaria informally concluded its accession negotiations during the Irish EU Presidency in June 2004. The formal conclusion of negotiations with both Bulgaria and Romania is on the agenda of the European Council in December and the Council should be in a position to take a positive decision.