Brussels, 27/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - Romania and Bulgaria are trying to put on a good show in tackling crime and corruption, with the European Commission due shortly to deliver a report on progress made by the two countries in justice and home affairs. Former Romanian Prime Minister Adrian Nastase (2000-2004) has been charged with influence peddling. He is suspected of having siphoned off €1.54 million in public funds to finance his presidential campaign in 2004. Five others have also been charged in this case. The former head of the Social Democrat government is accused of other cases of corruption, but parliament has blocked proceedings, by means of an amendment to the law on ministerial responsibility. Two influential businessmen, the Galevi brothers, have been imprisoned for fraud in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian press reported on 22 January. This latest case was revealed just after European Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot's visit to Bulgaria (see EUROPE 9823). Under the cooperation and verification mechanism, in place since 1 January 2007, the Commission will deliver a technical report in mid-February, concentrating on progress made in reforming the legal system, and combating corruption and organised crime. A more political report will be submitted this summer. While Romania hopes that this will bring an end to the monitoring, Bulgaria will do all it can to avoid having a safeguard clause imposed. This would mean that Bulgarian judicial decisions would not be recognised in other EU member states. (B.C./transl.rt)