By Theodor Troev in Sofia and Kerin Hope in Athens
Bulgaria plans to sack 900 investigating magistrates under a judicial reform effort aimed at reviving its chances of joining the European Union in January 2007.
The Socialist-led government, which took office in August, is struggling to meet deadlines agreed with the European Commission for adopting a new criminal procedures code.
The reform package was due to be passed before last June's general election but was postponed while the Socialists put together a grand coalition with a mandate to achieve EU accession on schedule.
Investigating magistrates, prosecutors and judges are accused of taking bribes in order to delay trials and prevent members of organised crime networks from being convicted, according to the justice ministry.
Georgi Petkanov, the justice minister, told the FT he was confident that the new code - the centrepiece of the reform package - would be put in place this week.
"We'll do whatever's possible in the short time that remains," Mr Petkanov said. "We had strong political reactions to the new code, but it is moving through parliament as scheduled."
EU officials are in Sofia this week to make a final assessment of Bulgaria's progress before the Commission's annual report on enlargement is published on October 25.
Ollie Rehn, the enlargement commissioner, last week privately warned Bulgarian observers at the European parliament that the report would criticise the country's failure to implement judicial reforms and tackle organised crime.
The report will signal whether Bulgaria and Romania are on track for accession in January 2007 or will have to wait another year while reforms are deepened.
EU member states will decide next April on whether to activate the "safeguard" clause delaying entry.
Mr Petkanov said the new code would cut the pre-trial period to two months, while most investigating magistrates would be offered junior administrative posts.
Mr Petkanov, who served as interior minister in the previous government, worked with UK advisers on reducing corruption in the police and improving judicial standards.
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