Seven of the remaining eight chapters of Bulgaria's European Union accession agenda could be opened by the end of 2001.

During his two-day visit to Bulgaria, which began on Tuesday, Eneco Landaburu, director general of the Enlargement Directorate of the European Commission, praised the progress in the country's effort to become a full-fledged EU member.

Landaburu met with Parliamentary Speaker Ognian Gerdjikov, Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg, Foreign Minister Solomon Passi, Finance Minister Milen Velchev and Justice Minister Anton Stankov. Meglena Kuneva, chief negotiator with the EU, also had a scheduled talk with Landaburu.

The chapters to be opened before January 2002 are free movement of people, social policy and employment, energy, regional policy, and financial and budgetary provisions. The chapters on industrial policy, and economic and monetary union could also be opened by the end of this year, but the voluminous chapter on agriculture will have to wait.

The message the guest brought from the EU member states was that Bulgaria has good chances to join the EU, the enlargement of the union is irreversible and all candidates will one day accede. He stressed that this course of action is especially valid after the terrorist attacks on the U.S. on September 11.

Landaburu was pleased that accession to the EU was still a priority for the current government as it was for the previous one, as Saxe-Coburg assured him of the consistency of Bulgarian foreign policy and the maintenance of priorities.

Legislative reforms were pointed out as a major goal during the talks. "Bulgaria needs not only to change and harmonize its legislation with that of the EU, but also to create structures that can apply this legislation," Landaburu said. He also showed his interest in the cabinet's plans for economic reforms.

Landaburu repeatedly pointed out in discussions during his visit that the quality of the work is more important than the rate. He advised that changes should not be made drastically, to avoid negative reactions from the public.

After Bulgaria is admitted to the EU, the union could possibly finance larger projects than the ones undertaken so far, if the country continues to handle the funds it receives from the EU as wisely as it has until now, Landaburu said. On Wednesday, he visited a water purifying station and a Roma musical theatre built with EU funds.

"In 2002, the EU will expect to hear from the Bulgarian government on the closing dates for the third and fourth block in the nuclear power plant Kozlodui," the guest added.