Bulgaria has moved a step closer to joining the European Union in 2007, by approving a draft bill that will bring the countrys land ownership laws in-line with the EU.

The ad hoc parliamentary committee on constitutional amendments approved a draft amendment allowing foreigners, both citizens of EU countries and citizens of non-EU countries, to purchase land in Bulgaria.

The bill is due to be approved by March 2005 according to Committee chairperson Kamelia Kassabova.