Opening a joint meeting of the governments of Bulgaria and Romania here Wednesday, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said there is much symbolism in it because both countries are building fast new infrastructure, observing the Maastricht criteria, reducing their budget deficits, showing strong political will for financial stability and, last but not least, have fulfilled 100 per cent the requirements for entry in the Schengen area.

It is the first joint meeting of the Bulgarian and the Romanian governments and the second such meeting with the government of a neighbouring country after one with Greece earlier in the year.

Prime Minister Borissov voiced hope that Europe would view favourably countries which are showing discipline and meet commitments they have made before the EU.