The President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, has told Bulgarian politicians the European Union will support the country's bid to join the organisation with increased financial aid.

He said Bulgaria would receive nearly two-billion dollars in the next six years for various programmes.

Mr Prodi praised Bulgaria's progress in reworking its legislation to conform with EU norms,and said the European Commission would look into easing tough visa requirements for accession countries.

Mr Prodi who is touring a number of Balkan countries, accompanied by the EU enlargement commissioner, Guenther Verheugen is due in Croatia shortly.

Correspondents say his visit to is a sign that the EU is moving to improve its relations with Zagreb after this month's elections.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service