EU economy commissioner Olli Rehn

“Like Greece, Bulgaria had to significantly revise its budget deficit calculation for 2009, from 1.9% of GDP to 3.7%.”

“Brussels previously cut aid to Bulgaria by 220m euros in 2008 because of concerns over corruption.”

“Bulgaria has fixed its exchange rate to the euro since the euro's inception in 1999.”

“It makes sense that ... all the member states will start fiscal consolidation at the latest next year, 2011.”

“Mr Rehn defended Berlin, saying the measures are needed to bring Germany's deficit back down to a common EU target of 3% of GDP by 2013.”

“The Balkan country, which only joined the EU in 2007, was also forced to put plans to join the euro on hold.”