European Parliament (EP) observer from ultra-nationalist movement Ataka Dimitar Stoyanov caused controversy after he sent a personal e-mail containing racist remarks.

The e-mail evaluated the nomination of Hungarian MEP Livia Jaroka for award for her contribution to the justice sector, Focus news agency reported.

Jaroka was of Roma origin, Focus reported. Stoyanov's e-mail to his colleagues contained disparaging and discriminatory comments about the MEP's origin.

MEPs reacted sharply to Stoyanov's claims. Other Bulgarian observers also criticised his act.

Later Stoyanov apologised for the content of the e-mail but also said he was offended by being called a racist. Stoyanov said he was entitled to freedom of expression. Though his manner of dealing with social problems was untypical, it did not signify he was racist, Stoyanov said.

Bulgaria People's Union (BPU) leader and EP observer Stefan Sofianski said everyone was free to express a point of view but the manner in which Stoyanov had done it was unacceptable.

Several MEPs were investigating whether they could resort to legal procedures to deal with Stoyanov's abusive statements.