Bulgaria occupies an unenviable position among the EU countries in terms of use of the Internet, according to a European Commission report on the results achieved in implementing Strategy 2010 for the use of digital technologies for the sake of economic growth and employment. The report was released in Brussels on Friday.

In terms of number of Internet users Bulgaria is ranked last but one, ahead of Romania and behind Greece. In terms of broadband Internet access Bulgaria is in the last place in the ranking.

The European Commission announced it will provide support to EU member states to expand the use of the Internet, and particularly the availability of broadband access.

There are proposals about how to enhance broadband Internet access in Bulgaria, said Martin Selmayr, spokesman for Information Society and Media Commissioner Viviane Reding. According to him, this can be done by a broader use of radio frequencies and by stronger competition in offering Internet access.

Bulgaria can also apply for funding from European structural funds for assisting Internet access, the spokesman said.