10/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - EU member states share the European Commission's analysis set out in its progress reports on Bulgaria and Romania under the cooperation and verification mechanism (see EUROPE 9594). The two countries, which joined the EU on 1 January 2007, have been subject to surveillance by the European Commission since they joined the EU, (see EUROPE 9335) whereby the Commission monitors their judicial systems, management of EU funding and food security for both countries, and the safety of Bulgaria's aviation system. In a conclusions document adopted by EU foreign ministers on Monday 10 March 2008, the Council welcomes the commitment by Bulgaria and Romania, and work carried out by the two member states in achieving the mechanism's objectives. The Council also welcomed the countries' good cooperation with the European Commission and other member states. The foreign ministers encourage Bulgaria and Romania to focus their efforts on the areas highlighted by the European Commission, which will be publishing new progress reports before the summer break. (H.B.)