title: Proposal for a Council Decision on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions contained in the accession partnership with Slovakia

eurovoc_concepts:
Central and Eastern European Countries
EU policy
Slovakia
accession to the European Union
cooperation policy

text: *-^mmn& COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES Brussels, 04. 02. 1998 COM(1998) 53 final PROPOSALS FOR COUNCIL DECISIONS ON THE PRINCIPLES, PRIORITIES, INTERMEDIATE OBJECTIVES AND CONDITIONS CONTAINED IN THE ACCESSION PARTENERSHIPS (Presented by the Commission) EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM In Agenda 2000 the Commission proposed to bring together the different forms of pre-accession support provided by the Union in a single framework, the Accession Partnerships. Within this framework the Commission proposed to work with the applicants on the basis of a clearly defined programme to prepare for membership, involving commitments by the applicants to particular priorities and to a calendar for carrying them out. At its meeting on 12-13 December 1997, the Luxembourg European Council endorsed the Accession Partnership as a new instrument which would be the key feature of the enhanced pre-accession strategy. The Council has adopted Regulation [ ] on assistance to the applicant countries in central and eastern Europe in the framework of the pre-accession strategy, and in particular on the establishment of Accession Partnerships. That Regulation states in Article 2 that "following a proposal by the Commission, the Council shall decide by qualified majority on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions contained in the individual Accession Partnerships, as they will be submitted to each applicant country, as well as on subsequent significant adjustments applicable to them". In the Luxembourg European Council Conclusions, the Council undertook to decide on these by 15 March. t The current proposal contains individual Decisions to be adopted setting out the principles, priorities, intermediate objective and conditions for each country. In view of the timescale fixed by the Luxembourg European Council for the adoption of the framework Regulation and the absence at this stage of a Decision on that proposal, the Commission considers it opportune to submit now this draft proposal informally. Naturally this proposal cannot be adopted by the Council until adoption of the framework regulation in conformity with usual procedures. 1 Council Decision on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with Bulgaria THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community; r ] on assistance to the applicant countries in the Having regard to Regulation [ framework of the pre-accession strategy, and in particular on the establishment of Accession Partnerships and in particular to Article 2; Having regard to the proposal from the Commission; Whereas the European Council of Luxembourg has stated that the Accession Partnership is a new instrument, the key feature of the enhanced pre-accession strategy; ] sets out that the Council shall decide on the principles, Whereas Regulation [ priorities, intermediate objectives, significant adjustments and conditions applicable to each individual Accession Partnership; Whereas Community assistance is conditional upon the respect of the commitments contained in the Europe Agreements and upon progress towards fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria; Whereas it is appropriate that the implementation of the Accession Partnership be monitored in particular in the framework of the Europe Agreement; Whereas the Commission's Opinion presented an objective analysis on Bulgaria preparations for membership and identified a number of priority areas for further work; HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The Accession Partnership for Bulgaria. will contain, in accordance with Article 2 of Regulation [ ], the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions set out in the annex which forms an integral part of this Decision. Article 2 Implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. This Decision shall enter into force on 15 March 1998. Article 3 Done at. For the Council Bulgaria ANNEX 1. Objectives The purpose of the Accession Partnership is to set out in a single framework the priority areas for further work identified in the Commission's Opinion on Bulgaria's application for membership of the European Union, the financial means available to help Bulgaria implement these priorities and the conditions which will apply to that assistance. The Accession Partnership will provide a framework for a number of policy instruments which will be used to help the candidate countries in their preparations for membership. These will include inter alia the National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis to be adopted by Bulgaria, the Joint Assessment of Economic Policy Priorities, the Pact against organised crime and the internal market road maps. 2. Priorities The main priority areas identified for each candidate country relate to their ability to meet the Copenhagen criteria and can be grouped under three broad headings: democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities the economy meeting the obligations of membership The Accession Partnerships will indicate that Bulgaria will have to address all issues identified in the Opinion. In view of the fact that the Opinion highlighted the serious difficulties which Bulgaria will face in coping with competitive pressures and market forces within the Union in the medium term, Bulgaria needs to make considerable further efforts in order to meet the economic conditions for membership. Despite the progress that has been made, Bulgaria needs to transpose and take on the essential elements of the acquis particularly as regards the internal market. 3. Priorities and Intermediate Objectives Drawing on the analysis of the Commission's Opinion and the Council's discussion of this, the following short and medium term priorities and intermediate objectives have been identified for Bulgaria. The priorities have been divided into two groups. The first should be completed or taken forward in 1998 in order to be included in the Commission's report to the European Council at the end of 1998. The second are expected to take several years to complete. Whilst work is already likely to start on some of these in 1998, for others this depends on steps taken in 1998. Bulgaria will be invited to draw up a National programme for the Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA) by the end of March which should set out a timetable for achieving these priorities, intermediate objectives and, where possible and relevant, indicate the necessary staff and financial resources. 3. 1 Short-term (1998) • Economic reform: establishment of medium-term economic policy priorities and joint assessment within the framework of the Europe agreement; pursuit of the including privatisation of state programme enterprises and banks and restructuring measures in industry, financial sector and agriculture and measures to encourage increased foreign direct investment. the Government, launched by • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: adoption of the draft civil service law and progress in public administration reform as well as institutional strengthening in the areas of internal financial control capacity, environment, nuclear safety and customs policy, reinforcement of phytosanitary and veterinary administrations, particularly as regards facilities at external borders, begin to set up structures needed for regional and structural policy. • Internai Market: including in the areas of intellectual and industrial property rights (strengthening of enforcement of protection), financial services, taxation, the establishment of a first state aid inventory, the adoption of the necessary legislative framework for state aid monitoring and the adoption of a new competition law. • Justice and Home Affairs: concrete steps to combat corruption and organised crime and improve border management. • Environment: continue transposition of framework legislation, establishment of implementation Planning and commencement of implementation of detailed approximation programmes and individual acts. strategies implementation of these programmes and strategies. related to • Energy: in particular establishing a comprehensive, long term, energy strategy and respect of nuclear safety standards and realistic plant closure commitments as entered into in the Nuclear Safety Account Agreement. 3. 2 Medium-term • Political criteria: further efforts to integrate the Roma and protect individual liberties. • Economic reform: complete the privatisation process. Strengthen market economy institutions. • Economic policy: regular review of the joint assessment of economic policy priorities, within the Europe Agreement framework, focusing on satisfying the Copenhagen criteria for membership of the Union and the acquis in the area of economic and monetary policy (co-ordination of economic policies, submission of convergence programmes, avoidance of excessive deficits); Bulgaria is expected to t, trained personnel), and pursue policies which aim to achieve real convergence in accordance with the Union's objectives of economic and social cohesion, and nominal convergence compatible with the ultimate goal of adoption of the euro; Bulgaria is not expected to adopt the euro immediately upon accession. Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: completion of reform at all levels, including training for civil servants; improved operation of the judicial system; further development of the National Audit Office and internal financial control structures; establishment of anti-trust and state aid monitoring bodies; improvements in accounting, auditing and statistics and nuclear regulatory authority; reinforcement of justice and home affairs institutions (ensuring sufficient the reinforcement of food control and properly administrations. Internal Market: including alignment of competition policy, state aids, customs, taxation, public procurement legislation, upgrading of standardisation, conformity assessment structures and establishment of a market surveillance system and harmonisation of technical legislation on industrial standards. Reinforcement of competition authorities, further alignment of competition law and the credible enforcement of competition rules, promotion of enterprise development, including SME's, alignment with the acquis in the fields of télécoms, consumer protection and the internal energy market. Justice and home affairs: development of effective border management and implementation of migration policy and asylum frontier control systems. procedures as well as the fight against organised crime and corruption, notably in view of the Schengen acquis. including the land restitution process and establishment of a Agriculture: functioning land market, alignment with the agricultural acquis (including veterinary and phytosanitary matters, in particular external border controls). Development of the capacity to implement and enforce the CAP, in particular the fundamental management mechanisms and administrative structures to monitor the agricultural markets and implement structural and rural development measures, adoption and implementation of the veterinary and phytosanitary requirements, upgrading of certain food processing establishments and testing and diagnostic facilities, restructuring of the agri-food sector. Energy: including respect of Bulgaria's commitments on the phased closure of certain units of Kozloduy nuclear power plant, decommissioning and nuclear waste management plan. Transport: further efforts on alignment to acquis in particular on maritime, air and road freight transport (safety rules) and to provide necessary investment for transport infrastructure, notably extension of trans-European networks. Employment and social affairs: development of appropriate labour market structures and joint review of employment policies as preparation for participation in EU co-ordination; alignment of labour and occupational health and safety legislation and development of enforcement structures, in particular early adoption of the framework directive on health and safety at work; enforcement of equal opportunities between women and men; further development of active, autonomous social dialogue; development of adequate social protection, undertake steps to bring public health standards into line with EU norms implementation of a comprehensive policy ? Environment: development of monitoring and implementation control structures and capacities, continuous planning and implementation of approximation programmes related to individual legal acts. A particular emphasis should be given to the water sector including its institutional requirements. Regional policy and cohesion: introduction of legal basis and development of administrative financial instruments and control mechanisms in order to participate in EU structural programmes. structures and budgetary procedures. Strengthen 4. Programming The Phare allocation for the period 1995-1997 has totalled 212 mecu. Subject to the approval of the Phare budget for the remaining period, the Commission will confirm the allocations for 1998 and 1999. In addition, Bulgaria is eligible for support from the "catch-up"' facility. Financial proposals will be submitted the Phare Management Committee as provided for in Regulation 3906/89. Joint financing by the applicant countries will be systematically required for all investment projects. Financial assistance from the year 2000 onwards will comprise aid for agriculture and a structural instrument which will give priority to measures similar to the cohesion fund. to 5. Conditionally Community assistance will be conditional on Bulgaria respect of its commitments under the Europe Agreement as well as continued progress in fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria. Failure to respect these general conditions could lead to a decision by the Council on the suspension of financial assistance on the basis of ]. Specific project related conditions will be agreed in Article 4 of Regulation [ each Financing Memorandum. 6. Monitoring The implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. The Accession Partnership may be amended as necessary and will be reviewed in 1999. Council Decision on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with the Czech Republic THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community; Having regard to Regulation [ ] on assistance to the applicant countries in the framework of the pre-accession strategy, and in particular on the establishment of Accession Partnerships and in particular to Article 2; Having regard to the proposal from the Commission; Whereas the European Council of Luxembourg has stated that the Accession Partnership is a new instrument, the key feature of the enhanced pre-accession strategy; Whereas Regulation [ ] sets out that the Council shall decide on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives, significant adjustments and conditions applicable to each individual Accession Partnership; Whereas Community assistance is conditional upon the respect of the commitments contained in the Europe Agreements and upon progress towards fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria; Whereas it is appropriate that the implementation of the Accession Partnership be monitored in particular in the framework of the Europe Agreement; Whereas the Commission's Opinion presented an objective analysis on the Czech Republic's preparations for membership and identified a number of priority areas for further work; <? HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The Accession Partnership for the Czech Republic will contain, in accordance with Article 2 of Regulation [ ], the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions set out in the annex which forms an integral part of this Decision. Article 2 Implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. This Decision shall enter into force on 15 March 1998. Article 3 Done at. For the Council Czech Republic ANNEX 1. Objectives The purpose of the Accession Partnership is to set out in a single framework the priority areas for further work identified in the Commission's Opinion on Czech Republic's application for membership of the European Union, the financial means available to help the Czech Republic implement these priorities and the conditions which will apply to that assistance. The Accession Partnership will provide a framework for a number of policy instruments which will be used to help the in their preparations for membership. These will include inter candidate countries alia the National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis to be adopted by Czech Republic, the Joint Assessment of Economic Policy Priorities, the Pact against organised crime and the internal market road maps. 2. Priorities The main priority areas identified for each candidate country relate to their ability to meet the Copenhagen criteria and can be grouped under three broad headings: democracy, the rule of law. human rights and the protection of minorities the economy meeting the obligations of membership The Accession Partnerships will indicate that Czech Republic will have to address all issues identified in the Opinion. 3. Priorities and Intermediate Objectives Drawing on the analysis of the Commission's Opinion and the Council*s discussion of this, the following short and medium term priorities and intermediate objectives have been identified for Czech Republic. The priorities have been divided into two groups. The first should be completed or taken forward in 1998 in order to be included in the Commission's report to the European Council at the end of 1998. The second are expected to take several years to complete. Whilst work is already likely to start on some of these in 1998, for others this depends on steps taken in 1998. Czech Republic will be invited to draw up a National programme for the Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA) by the end of March which should set out a timetable for achieving these priorities, intermediate objectives and. where possible and relevant, indicate the necessary staff and financial resources. -/// 3. 1 Short-term (1998) • Economic reform: establishment of medium-term economic policy priorities and joint assessment within the framework of the Europe agreement; implementation of policies to maintain both internal and external balance; improvement of the framework for corporate governance, in particular by accelerating the restructuring of banks, by implementing the laws regulating the financial sector (banks and investment companies), and by enforcing the supervision by the new Securities and Exchange Commission. • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: improving capacity in banking supervision securities, and insurance sectors, internal financial control, environment, agriculture, and veterinary administrations particularly as regards facilities at external borders, begin to set up structures needed for regional and structural policy. reinforcement of phytosanitary • Internal Market: including in the areas of intellectual property rights (legislation and enforcement), and certification and standardisation (further alignment of legislative measures), amendment of anti-trust law. further development of the legislative framework for state aid control and increased transparency through submission of additional state aid inventory. • Justice and Home Affairs: development of effective border management. • Environment: continue transposition of framework legislation, establishmen of implementation Planning and commencement of implementation of detailed approximation programmes and individual acts. strategies implementation of these programmes and strategies. related to 3. 2 Medium-term • Political criteria: further work on the integration of the Roma. Strengthening of laws which guarantee press freedom. • Economic policy: regular review of the joint assessment of economic policy priorities, within the Europe Agreement framework, focusing on satisfying the Copenhagen criteria for membership of the Union and the acquis in the area of economic and monetary policy (co-ordination of economic policies, submission of convergence programmes, avoidance of excessive deficits); the Czech Republic is expected to pursue policies which aim to achieve real convergence in accordance with the Union's objectives of economic and social cohesion, and nominal convergence compatible with the ultimate goal of adoption of the euro; the Czech Republic is not expected to adopt the euro immediately upon accession. • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: continue public administration modernisation policy; improve operation of the judicial system, customs, establishment of independent bodies for supervision of data protection and for consumer protection; reinforcement of justice and home affairs institutions (ensuring sufficient and properly trained personnel), completion of alignment of financial control capacity, the reinforcement of food control administration. • Internal Market: legislation, accounting legislation, data protection, financial services, indirect taxation, audio- including alignment of public procurement /?? standardisation and conformity visual, consumer protection, technical legislation industrial products, further development of assessment bodies and establishment and operation of a market surveillance system, strengthening of competition authorities, efficient enforcement of competition law. completion of alignment of competition law, promotion of enterprise development, including SME's, alignment with the acquis in the fields of télécoms, consumer protection and the internal energy market. Justice and home affairs: development of effective border management and implementation of migration policy and reforms of asylum procedures as well as the fight against drugs, organised crime and corruption, more effective operation of the judiciary and law enforcement, notably in view of the Schengen acquis. Agriculture: including alignment with the agricultural acquis (including veterinary and phytosanitary matters, in particular external border controls). Development of the capacity to implement and enforce the CAP. in particular the fundamental management mechanisms and administrative structures to monitor the agricultural markets and implement structural and rural development measures, adoption and implementation of the veterinary and phytosanitary requirements, upgrading of certain food processing establishments and testing and diagnostic facilities, restructuring of the agri-food sector. Transport: further efforts on alignment to acquis in particular on road transport (market access, safety rules and taxation) and rail transport, and to provide necessary investment for transport infrastructure, notably extension of trans- European networks. Employment and social affairs: development of appropriate labour market structures and joint review of employment policies as preparation for participation in EU co-ordination; alignment of labour and occupational health and safety legislation and development of enforcement structures in particular early adoption of the framework directive on health and safety at work; enforcement of equal opportunities between women and men; further development of active, autonomous social dialogue; further development of social protection, undertake steps to bring public health standards into line with EU norms. implementation control Environment: structures and capacities, continuous planning of approximation programmes related to individual legal acts. Particular emphasis should be given to air, water and the waste sector. Regional policy and cohesion: establishment of a legal, administrative and budgetary framework for an integrated regional policy in order to participate in EU structural programmes. the development of monitoring and 4. Programming The Phare allocation for the period 1995-1997 has totalled 224 mecu. Subject to the approval of the Phare budget for the remaining period, the Commission will confirm the allocations for 1998 and 1999. Financial proposals will be submitted to the Phare Management Committee as provided for in Regulation 3906/89. Joint financing by the applicant countries will be systematically required for all investment projects. Financial assistance from the year 2000 onwards will comprise aid for agriculture and a structural instrument which will give priority to measures similar to the cohesion fund. 5. Conditionality Community assistance will be conditional on Czech Republic respect of its commitments under the Europe Agreement as well as continued progress in fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria. Failure to respect these general conditions could lead to a decision by the Council on the suspension of financial assistance on the basis of Article 4 of Regulation [ ]. Specific project related conditions will be agreed in each Financing Memorandum. 6. Monitoring The implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. The Accession Partnership may be amended as necessary and will be reviewed in 1999. •ih Council Decision on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with Estonia THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community; Having regard to Regulation [ ] on assistance to the applicant countries in the framework of the pre-accession strategy, and in particular on the establishment of Accession Partnerships and in particular to Article 2; Having regard to the proposal from the Commission; Whereas the European Council of Luxembourg has stated that the Accession Partnership is a new instrument, the key feature of the enhanced pre-accession strategy; Whereas Regulation [ ] sets out that the Council shall decide on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives, significant adjustments and conditions applicable to each individual Accession Partnership; Whereas Community assistance is conditional upon the respect of the commitments contained in the Europe Agreements and upon progress towards fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria; Whereas it is appropriate that the implementation of the Accession Partnership be monitored in particular in the framework of the Europe Agreement; Whereas the Commission's Opinion presented an objective analysis on Estonia's preparations for membership and identified a number of priority areas for further work; /I1) HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The Accession Partnership for Estonia will contain, in accordance with Article 2 of Regulation [ ], the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions set out in the annex which forms an integral part of this Decision. Article 2 Implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. This Decision shall enter into force on 15 March 1998. Article 3 Done at. For the Council 7fr Estonia ANNEX 1. Objectives The purpose of the Accession Partnership is to set out in a single framework the priority areas for further work identified in the Commission's Opinion on Estonia's application for membership of the European Union, the financial means available to help Estonia implement these priorities and the conditions which will apply to that assistance. The Accession Partnership will provide a framework for a number of policy instruments which will be used to help the candidate countries in their preparations for membership. These will include inter alia the National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis to be adopted by Estonia, the Joint Assessment of Economic Policy Priorities, the Pact against organised crime and the internal market road maps. 2. Priorities The main priority areas identified for each candidate country relate to their ability to meet the Copenhagen criteria and can be grouped under three broad headings: democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities the economy meeting the obligations of membership The Accession Partnerships will indicate that Estonia will have to address all issues identified in the Opinion. 3. Priorities and Intermediate Objectives Drawing on the analysis of the Commission's Opinion and the Council's discussion of this, the following short and medium term priorities and intermediate objectives have been identified for Estonia. The priorities have been divided into two groups. The first should be completed or taken forward in 1998 in order to be included in the Commission's report to the European Council at the end of 1998. The second are expected to take several years to complete. Whilst work is already likely to start on some of these in 1998, for others this depends on steps taken in 1998. Estonia will be invited to draw up a National programme for the Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA) by the end of March which should set out a timetable for achieving these priorities, intermediate objectives and, where possible and relevant, indicate the necessary staff and financial resources. tf 3. 1 Short-term (1998) • Political criteria: take measures to facilitate naturalisation procedures and to better integrate non-citizens including stateless children. Enhance Estonian language training for non-Estonian-speakers. • Economic reform: establishment of medium-term economic policy priorities and joint assessment within the framework of the Europe agreement; in particular with a view to sustain the high growth rates of recent years, while reducing inflation and increasing the level of national savings; acceleration of land reform with a view to increase private ownership and introduction of key legislation linked to pension reform. • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: in particular as regards regulatory and monitoring bodies and the development of a comprehensive national training strategy for civil servants and developing a strategy and timetable for the consolidation of the various supervisory agencies in the financial sector, strengthen internal financial control, reinforcement of phytosanitary and veterinary administrations, particularly as regards facilities at external borders, institutional strengthening in the area of environment, begin to set up structures needed for regional and structural policy. • Internal Market: including in the areas of public procurement, intellectual and industrial property, legislation and competition (especially the transparency of state aids). Adoption of new competition law, covering both anti-trust and state aid, reinforcement of the state aid monitoring authority and the establishment of a first aid inventory. technical taxation, services, financial • Justice and home affairs: in particular concrete steps to combat corruption and organised crime and continue judicial reform. • Environment: continue transposition of framework legislation, establishment of approximation programmes and implementation strategies related to Planning and commencement of implementation of these detailed individual acts. programmes and strategies. 3. 2 Medium-term • Political criteria: pursue integration of non-citizens by strengthening Estonian language training for Russian-speakers in primary and secondary schools as well as adult training courses, and by further measures to accelerate the naturalisation process. • Economic policy: regular review of the joint assessment of economic policy priorities, within the Europe Agreement framework, focusing on satisfying the Copenhagen criteria for membership of the Union and the acquis in the area of economic and monetary policy (co-ordination of economic policies, submission of convergence programmes, avoidance of excessive deficits); Estonia is expected to pursue policies which aim to achieve real convergence in accordance with the Union's objectives of economic and social cohesion, and nominal convergence compatible with the ultimate goal of adoption of the euro; Estonia is not expected to adopt the euro immediately upon accession. • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: at central and local level to ensure efficient management of the public sector; special attention should s\ î be paid to the budgetary process, internal financial control, statistics, customs, environment and improved operation of the judicial system; reinforcement of justice and home affairs institutions (ensuring sufficient and properly trained personnel), the reinforcement of food control administration. agriculture; • Internal market: including alignment, in particular in public procurement, technical legislation on industrial products, financial services, money laundering, intellectual and industrial property and state aids, data protection, strengthening of securities regulatory bodies, audio-visual and indirect taxation. Upgrading of standardisation and conformity assessment structures and establishment of a market surveillance system. Completion of alignment and efficient implementation of competition law and the reinforcement of the competition authorities, promotion of enterprise development, including SME's, alignment with the acquis in the fields of télécoms, consumer protection and the internal-energy market. • Justice and home affairs: ratification and application of necessary international legal instruments relevant for the acquis, enhanced border management especially on the eastern border, implementation of migration policy and asylum procedures, enhanced fight against organised crime, notably in view of the Schengen acquis. • Agriculture: including alignment with the agricultural acquis (including veterinary and phytosanitary matters, in particular external border controls), completion of the land restitution process. Development of the capacity to implement and enforce the CAP, fundamental management mechanisms and implement administrative structures to monitor the agricultural markets and structural and rural development measures, adoption and implementation of the veterinary and phytosanitary requirements, upgrading of certain food processing establishments and testing and diagnostic facilities, restructuring of the agri-food sector. in particular the • Transport: further efforts on alignment to acquis in particular on road transport (market access, safety rules) and maritime transport (safety) and rail transport, and to provide necessary investment for transport infrastructure, notably extension of trans-European networks. • Employment and Social Affairs: development of appropriate labour market structures and joint review of employment policies as preparation for participation in EU co-ordination; alignment of labour and occupational health and safety legislation and development of enforcement structures in particular early adoption of the framework directive on health and safety at work; enforcement of equal further development of active, opportunities between women and men; autonomous social dialogue; further development of social protection, undertake steps to bring public health standards into line with EU norms. • Environment: including development of monitoring and implementation control structures implementation of capacities, continuous planning and approximation programmes related to individual legal acts. A particular emphasis should be given to the water and waste sector, including radioactive waste. and • Regional policy and cohesion: introduce the legal administrative and budgetary framework for a national policy to address regional disparities through and integrated approach, in order to participate in EU structural programmes. 4. Programming H The Phare allocation for the period 1995-1997 has totalled 90 mecu. Subject to the approval of the Phare budget for the remaining period, the Commission will confirm the allocations for 1998 and 1999. Financial proposals will be submitted to the Phare Management Committee as provided for in Regulation 3906/89. Joint financing by the applicant countries will be systematically required for all investment projects. Financial assistance from the year 2000 onwards will comprise aid for agriculture and a structural instrument which will give priority to measures similar to the cohesion fund. 5. Conditionally Community assistance will be conditional on Estonia respect of its commitments under the Europe Agreement as well as continued progress in fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria. Failure to respect these general conditions could lead to a decision by the Council on the suspension of financial assistance on the basis of Article 4 of Regulation [ ]. Specific project related conditions will be agreed in each Financing Memorandum. 6. Monitoring The implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. The Accession Partnership may be amended as necessary and will be reviewed in 1999. °). Council Decision on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with Hungary THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community; ] on assistance to the applicant countries in the Having regard to Regulation [ framework of the pre-accession strategy, and in particular on the establishment of Accession Partnerships and in particular to Article 2; Having regard to the proposal from the Commission; Whereas the European Council of Luxembourg has stated that the Accession Partnership is a new instrument, the key feature of the enhanced pre-accession strategy; Whereas Regulation [ ] sets out that the Council shall decide on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives, significant adjustments and conditions applicable to each individual Accession Partnership; Whereas Community assistance is conditional upon the respect of the commitments contained in the Europe Agreements and upon progress towards fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria; Whereas it is appropriate that the implementation of the Accession Partnership be monitored in particular in the framework of the Europe Agreement; Whereas the Commission's Opinion presented an objective analysis on Hungary's preparations for membership and identified a number of priority areas for further work; 7 / HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The Accession Partnership for Hungary will contain, in accordance with Article 2 of ], the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions set Regulation [ out in the annex which forms an integral part of this Decision. Article 2 Implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. This Decision shall enter into force on 15 March 1998. Article 3 Done at. For the Council VL Hungary ANNEX 1. Objectives The purpose of the Accession Partnership is to set out in a single framework the priority areas for further work identified in the Commission's Opinion on Hungary's application for membership of the European Union, the financial means available to help Hungary implement these priorities and the conditions which will apply to that assistance. The Accession Partnership will provide a framework for a number of policy instruments which will be used to help the candidate countries in their preparations for membership. These will include inter alia the National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis to be adopted by Hungary, the Joint Assessment of Economic Policy Priorities and the Pact against organised crime and the internal market road maps. 2. Priorities The main priority areas identified for each candidate country relate to their ability to meet the Copenhagen criteria and can be grouped under three broad headings: democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities the economy meeting the obligations of membership The Accession Partnerships will indicate that Hungary will have to address all issues identified in the Opinion. 3. Priorities and Intermediate Objectives Drawing on the analysis of the Commission's Opinion and the Council's discussion of this, the following short and medium term priorities and intermediate objectives have been identified for Hungary. The priorities have been divided into two groups. The first should be completed or taken forward in 1998 in order to be included in the Commission's report to the European Council at the end of 1998. The second are expected to take several years to complete. Whilst work is already likely to start on some of these in 1998, for others this depends on steps taken in 1998. Hungary will be invited to draw up a National programme for the Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA) by the end of March which should set out a timetable for achieving these priorities, intermediate objectives and, where possible and relevant, indicate the necessary staff and financial resources. v>> 3. 1 Short-term (1998) • Economic reform: review and update the country's medium-term economic policy priorities within the framework of the Europe agreement; further consolidate the conditions for strong investment growth through the sustained implementation of prudent macroeconomic policies and the advancement of structural reforms (particularly with regard to the public sector and the health care system). • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: in particular in the areas of veterinary and phytosanitary controls (particularly as regards facilities at internal financial control and the external borders) environment, customs policy regional development. • Internal Market: including certification and standardisation (further alignment of legislative measures), state aids (adoption of legislative framework, definition of role and powers of monitoring authority, enforcement) and increased transparency through improvement of aid inventory. Enforcement of intellectual property rights and further alignment of company law. Complete alignment of public procurement legislation to cover fully utilities sector. • Justice and Home Affairs: implementation of appropriate refugee legislation consistent with 1951 Geneva Convention, development of effective border management. • Environment: continue transposition of framework legislation, establishment and commencement of implementation of detailed approximation programmes and implementation strategies related to individual acts. Planning and commencement of implementation of these programmes and strategies. 3. 2 Medium-term • Political criteria: further efforts to improve the integration of the Roma. • Economic policy: regular review of the joint assessment of economic policy priorities, within the Europe Agreement framework, focusing on satisfying the Copenhagen criteria for membership of the Union and the acquis in the area of economic and monetary policy (co-ordination of economic policies, submission of convergence programmes, avoidance of excessive deficits); Hungary is expected to pursue policies which aim to achieve real convergence in accordance with the Union's objectives of economic and social cohesion, and nominal convergence compatible with the ultimate goal of adoption of the euro; Hungary is not expected to adopt the euro immediately upon accession. • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: development of anti fraud unit and state audit office, state aid monitoring bodies; improved operation of the judicial system; reinforcement of justice and home affairs institutions (ensuring sufficient and properly trained personnel), the reinforcement of food control administration. including further development of standardisation and conformity assessment bodies and establishment and operation of a market surveillance system, alignment of technical legislation on industrial products, further alignment of competition law, in particular for state aid, reinforcement of state aid monitoring authority, efficient enforcement of competition law, alignment • Internal Market: 24 of capital liberalisation, financial services and consumer protection, promotion of enterprise development, including SME's, alignment with the acquis in the fields of télécoms, consumer protection and the internal energy market. • Justice and home affairs: including implementation of migration policy and asylum procedures as well as the fight against organised crime and corruption, and clarification of admission provisions for immigrants, notably in view of the Schengen acquis. • Agriculture: including alignment with the agricultural acquis (including veterinary and phytosanitary matters, in particular external border controls). Development of the capacity to implement and enforce the CAP, in particular the fundamental management mechanisms and administrative structures to monitor the agricultural markets and implement structural and rural development measures, adoption and implementation of the veterinary and phytosanitary requirements, upgrading of certain food processing establishments and testing and diagnostic facilities, restructuring of the agri-food sector. • Transport: further efforts on alignment to acquis in particular on road transport transport (technical controls), and infrastructure, notably extension of trans-European networks. to provide necessary investment for • Employment and social affairs: development of appropriate labour market structures and joint review of employment policies as preparation for participation in EU co-ordination; alignment of labour and occupational health and safety legislation and development of enforcement structures in particular early adoption of the framework directive on health and safety at work; enforcement of equal opportunities between women and men; further development of active, autonomous social dialogue; further development of social protection, undertake steps to bring public health standards into line with EU norms. • Environment: including the development of monitoring and implementation control structures and capacities, continuous planning and implementation of approximation programmes related to individual legal acts. A particular emphasis should be given to the urban waste water and waste management and the integrated industrial pollution control and risk management. • Regional policy and cohesion: further strengthen budgetary procedures, financial instruments, monitoring and control mechanisms in order to participate in EU structural programmes. 4. Programming The Phare allocation for the period 1995-1997 has totalled 282 mecu. Subject to the approval of the Phare budget for the remaining period, the Commission will confirm the allocations for 1998 and 1999. Financial proposals will be submitted to the Phare Management Committee as provided for in Regulation 3906/89. Joint financing by the applicant countries will be systematically required for all investment projects. Financial assistance from the year 2000 onwards will comprise aid for agriculture and a structural instrument which will give priority to measures similar to the cohesion fund. 5. Conditionality is Community assistance will be conditional on Hungary respect of its commitments under the Europe Agreement as well as continued progress in fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria. Failure to respect these general conditions could lead to a decision by the Council on the suspension of financial assistance on the basis of ]. Specific project related conditions will be agreed in Article 4 of Regulation [ each Financing Memorandum. 6. Monitoring The implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. The Accession Partnership may be amended as necessary and will be reviewed in 1999. 1Q Council Decision on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with Latvia THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community; ] on assistance to the applicant countries in the Having regard to Regulation [ framework of the pre-accession strategy, and in particular on the establishment of Accession Partnerships and in particular to Article 2; Having regard to the proposal from the Commission; Whereas the European Council of Luxembourg has stated that the Accession Partnership is a new instrument, the key feature of the enhanced pre-accession strategy; ] sets out that the Council shall decide on the principles, Whereas Regulation [ priorities, intermediate objectives, significant adjustments and conditions applicable to each individual Accession Partnership; Whereas Community assistance is conditional upon the respect of the commitments contained in the Europe Agreements and upon progress towards fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria; Whereas it is appropriate that the implementation of the Accession Partnership be monitored in particular in the framework of the Europe Agreement; Whereas the Commission's Opinion presented an objective analysis on Latvia's preparations for membership and identified a number of priority areas for further work; 1 HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The Accession Partnership for Latvia will contain, in accordance with Article 2 of Regulation [ ], the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions set out in the annex which forms an integral part of this Decision. Article 2 Implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. This Decision shall enter into force on 15 March 1998. Article 3 Done at. For the Council 6 Latvia ANNEX 1. Objectives The purpose of the Accession Partnership is to set out in a single framework the priority areas for further work identified in the Commission's Opinion on Latvia's application for membership of the European Union, the financial means available to help Latvia implement these priorities and the conditions which -will apply to that assistance. The Accession Partnership will provide a framework for a number of policy instruments which will be used to help the candidate countries in their preparations for membership. These will include inter alia the National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis to be adopted by Latvia, the Joint Assessment of Economic Policy Priorities and the Pact against organised crime and the internal market road maps. 2. Priorities The main priority areas identified for each candidate country relate to their ability to meet the Copenhagen criteria and can be grouped under three broad headings: democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities the economy meeting the obligations of membership The Accession Partnerships will indicate that Latvia will have to address all issues identified in the Opinion. In view of the fact that the Opinion highlighted the serious difficulties which Latvia faces in coping with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union in the medium term, Latvia needs to make further efforts in order to meet the economic conditions for membership. Despite the progress that has been made, particular attention should be paid to the internal market. In addition, particular attention should be given to measure to accelerate integration of non-citizens. 3. Priorities and Intermediate Objectives Drawing on the analysis of the Commission's Opinion and the Council's discussion of this, the following short and medium term priorities and intermediate objectives have been identified for Latvia. The priorities have been divided into two groups. The first should be completed or taken forward in 1998 in order to be included in the Commission's report to the European Council at the end of 1998. The second are expected to take several years to complete. Whilst work is already likely to start on some of these in 1998, for others this depends on steps taken in 1998. Latvia will be invited to draw up a National programme for the Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA) by the end of March which should set out a timetable for achieving these priorities, intermediate objectives and, where possible and relevant, indicate the necessary staff and financial resources. 3. 1 Short-term (1998) • Political criteria: take measure to facilitate naturalisation procedures to better integrate non-citizens including stateless children and enhance Latvian language training for non-Latvian speakers. • Economic reform: establishment of medium-term economic policy priorities and joint assessment within the framework of the Europe agreement; acceleration of market-based enterprise restructuring, in particular through the completion of the privatisation process; continued strengthening f the banking sector; moderisation of the agriculture sector and establishment of a land and property register. • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: further structural reform of public administration is needed and in particular in customs and tax administration, financial control capacity, reinforcement of the agriculture ministry and the establishment of a training strategy for the judiciary, reinforcement of the veterinary and phytosanitary administrations, particularly as regards facilities at external borders, institutional strengthening in the area of environment, begin to set up structures needed for regional and structural policy. • Internal Market: including in the areas of intellectual and industrial property rights, public procurement, financial services, competition, state aids and indirect taxation, adoption of a law on state aid and increased transparency through improvement of the aid inventory and reinforcement of the new anti-trust authority. • Justice and home affairs: in particular concrete steps to combat corruption and organised crime and to continue judicial reform. • Environment: continue transposition of framework legislation, establishment of detailed approximation programmes and implementation strategies related to individual acts. Planning and commencement of implementation of these programmes and strategies. 3. 2 Medium-term • Political criteria: Accelerated facilitating naturalisation procedures for stateless children. Revision of the naturalisation mechanism and further measures to accelerate the process. integration of non-citizens by • Economic reforms: consolidation of the privatisation process; reinforcement of market-driven restructuring in the enterprise, finance and banking sectors, development of regulatory framework for utilities and financial services, and strengthening of competition policy, establishment of a land and property register. • Economic policy: regular review of the joint assessment of economic policy priorities, within the Europe Agreement framework, focusing on satisfying the 3p internal market legislation and establishment of institutions able Copenhagen criteria for membership of the Union and the acquis in the area of economic and monetary policy (co-ordination of economic policies, submission of convergence programmes, avoidance of excessive deficits); Latvia is expected to pursue policies which aim to achieve real convergence in accordance with the Union's objectives of economic and social cohesion, and nominal convergence compatible with the ultimate goal of adoption of the euro; Latvia is not expected to adopt the euro immediately upon accession. Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: enforcement of to EC's implement the Community's regional development programmes and agricultural policy (including statistical capacities) including anti-fraud services, strengthening of the budgetary process and macro-economic forecasting capacity; improved operation of the judicial system; reinforcement justice and home affairs institutions (ensuring sufficient and properly trained personnel), reinforcement of food administration. Internal Market: including alignment of legislation in the fields of product legislation, customs, audio-visual policies, statistics, financial services and implementation of competition law, upgrading of standardisation and conformity assessment structures, establishment of a market surveillance system and alignment of horizontal technical legislation on industrial products, further alignment of competition legislation in particular in the field of state aid, reinforcement of the anti-trust and state aid authorities, promotion of enterprise development, including SME's, alignment with the acquis in the fields of télécoms, consumer protection and the internal energy market. Justice and home affairs: including development of effective border management in particular on the eastern border, implementation of migration policy and asylum and refugee legislation, continuation of fight against organised crime and corruption notably in view of the Schengen acquis. Agriculture: including alignment with the agricultural acquis (including veterinary and phytosanitary matters, in particular external border controls), consolidation of land structure and development of a rural policy. Development of the capacity to implement and enforce the CAP, in particular the fundamental management mechanisms and administrative structures to monitor the agricultural markets and implement and implementation of the veterinary and phytosanitary requirements, upgrading of certain food processing establishments and testing and diagnostic facilities, restructuring of the agri-food sector. Transport: further efforts on alignment to acquis in particular on road freight transport (technical rules and taxation), shipping (safety) and rail transport, and to provide necessary investment for transport infrastructure, notably extension of trans-European networks. Employment and social affairs: development of labour market policies and joint review of these policies as preparation for participation in EU co-ordination; alignment of legislation and labour and occupational health and safety development of enforcement structures in particular early adoption of the framework directive on health and safety at work; enforcement of equal further development of active, opportunities between women and men; rural development measures, structural adoption and ?/ autonomous social dialogue; further development of social protection; undertake steps to bring public health standards into line with EU norms. Environment: including the development of monitoring and implementation control structures and capacities, continuous planning and implementation of approximation programmes related to individual legal acts. A particular emphasis should be given to drinking water, wastewater and the waste sector. Regional policy and cohesion: introduce the legal administrative and budgetary framework for a national policy to address regional disparities through and integrated approach, in order to participate in EU structural programmes 4. Programming The Phare allocation for the period 1995-1997 has totalled 112 mecu. Subject to the approval of the Pilars budget for the remaining period, the Commission will confirm the allocations for 1998 and 1999, in addition, Latvia is eligible for support from the catch-up facility. Financial proposals will be submitted to the Phare Management Committee as provided for in Regulation 3906/89. Joint financing by the applicant countries will be systematically required for all investment projects. Financial assistance from the year 2000 onwards will comprise aid for agriculture and a structural instrument which will give priority to measures similar to the cohesion fund. 5. Conditionally Community assistance will be conditional on Latvia respect of its commitments under the Europe Agreement as well as continued progress in fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria. Failure to respect these general conditions could lead to a decision by the Council on the suspension of financial assistance on the basis of Article 4 of ]. Specific project related conditions will be agreed in each Regulation [ Financing Memorandum. 6. Monitoring The implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. The Accession Partnership may be amended as necessary and will be reviewed in 1999. 3>1- Council Decision on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with Lithuania THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community; ] on assistance to the applicant countries in the Having regard to Regulation [ framework of the pre-accession strategy, and in particular on the establishment of Accession Partnerships and in particular to Article 2; Having regard to the proposal from the Commission; Whereas the European Council of Luxembourg has stated that the Accession Partnership is a new instrument, the key feature of the enhanced pre-accession strategy; Whereas Regulation [ ] sets out that the Council shall decide on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives, significant adjustments and conditions applicable to each individual Accession Partnership; Whereas Community assistance is conditional upon the respect of the commitments contained in the Europe Agreements and upon progress towards fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria; WTiereas it is appropriate that the implementation of the Accession Partnership be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement; Whereas the Commission's Opinion presented an objective analysis on Lithuania preparations for membership and identified a number of priority areas for further work; 3} HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The Accession Partnership for Lithuania will contain, in accordance with Article 2 of ], the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions set Regulation [ out in the annex which forms an integral part of this Decision. Article 2 Implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. This Decision shall enter into force on 15 March 1998. Article 3 Done at. For the Council ih Lithuania ANNEX 1. Objectives The purpose of the Accession Partnership is to set out in a single framework the priority areas for further work identified in thé Commission's Opinion on Lithuania's application for membership of the European Union, the financial means available to help Lithuania implement these priorities and the conditions which will apply to that assistance. The Accession Partnership will provide a framework for a number of policy instruments which will be used to help the candidate countries in their preparations for membership. These will include inter alia the National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis to be adopted by Lithuania, the Joint Assessment of Economic Policy Priorities the Pact against organised crime and the internal market road maps. 2. Priorities The main priority areas identified for each candidate country relate to their ability to meet the Copenhagen criteria and can be grouped under three broad headings: democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities the economy meeting the obligations of membership The Accession Partnerships will indicate that Lithuania will have to address all issues identified in the Opinion. In view of the fact that the Opinion highlighted the serious difficulties which Lithuania faces in coping with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union in the medium term, Lithuania needs to make further efforts in order to meet the economic conditions for membership. Despite the progress that has been made, particular attention should be paid to the internal market and the enforcement of financial discipline for enterprises. 3. Priorities and Intermediate Objectives Drawing on the analysis of the Commission's Opinion and the Council's discussion of this, the following short and medium term priorities and intermediate objectives have been identified for Lithuania. The priorities have been divided into two groups. The first should be completed or taken forward in 1998 in order to be included in the Commission's report to the European Council at the end of 1998. The second are expected to take several years to tf complete. Whilst work is already likely to start on some of these in 1998, for others this depends on steps taken in 1998. Lithuania will be invited to draw up a National programme for the Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA) by the end of March which should set out a timetable for achieving these priorities, intermediate objectives and, where possible and relevant, indicate the necessary staff and financial resources. 3. 1 Short-term (1998) • Economic reform: establishment of medium-term economic policy priorities and joint assessment within the framework of the Europe agreement; acceleration of large scale privatisation and progress towards the restructuring of the banking, energy and agri-food sectors; enforcement of financial discipline for enterprises. • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: in particular major efforts on public administration reform, border control, customs and nuclear regulatory authority as well as preparation of training strategy for civil servants and the judiciary, veterinary and phytosanitary administrations, particularly as regards facilities at the external borders, institutional strengthening in the area of environment, begin to set up structures needed for regional and structural policy. • Internal Market: including in the areas of phytosanitary and veterinary, industrial property, public procurement,. financial services, intellectual and upgrading of independent standardisation and conformity assessment structures and competition (establishment of transparent state aids inventory). Adoption of a new competition law. • Justice and home affairs: in particular concrete steps to combat corruption and organised crime, and improve border management and conditions in facilities for refugee reception. • Environment: continue transposition of framework legislation, establishment and commencement of implementation of detailed approximation programmes and implementation strategies related to individual acts. Planning and commencement of implementation of these programmes and strategies. • Energy: in particular establishing a comprehensive, long term, energy strategy and to the nuclear power plant Ignalina according decommissioning plan for commitments entered into in the Nuclear Safety Account Agreement. 3. 2 Medium-term • Economic reforms: complete privatisation process and restructuring of the banking, energy and agri-food sectors, ensure functioning of land property register and align legal framework (bankruptcy and competition legislation, simplification of business regulations including licensing). • Economic policy: regular review of the joint assessment of economic policy priorities, within the Europe Agreement framework, focusing on satisfying the Copenhagen criteria for membership of the Union and the acquis in the area of economic and monetary policy (co-ordination of economic policies, submission of convergence programmes, avoidance of excessive deficits); Lithuania is expected to pursue policies which aim to achieve real convergence in accordance with the 3^ Union's objectives of economic and social cohesion, and nominal convergence compatible with the ultimate goal of adoption of the euro; Lithuania is not expected to adopt the euro immediately upon accession. Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: development of anti fraud unit and state audit office and of budget and financial control mechanisms; improved operation of the judicial system; reinforcement of justice and home affairs institutions (ensuring sufficient and properly trained personnel), the reinforcement of food control administration. Internal Market: including alignment of capital liberalisation, public procurement legislation, reinforcement of competition authorities, efficient enforcement of competition law, further alignment of competition law, in particular state aid control; upgrading of standardisation and conformity assessment structures, establishment of a market surveillance system and alignment of horizontal technical legislation on industrial products, indirect taxation and statistics, promotion of enterprise development, including SME's, alignment with the acquis in the fields of télécoms, consumer protection and the internal energy market. Justice and home affairs: finalisation of border demarcation, development of effective border management, implementation of migration policy and asylum procedures notably in view of the Schengen acquis. Agriculture: including of alignment with the agricultural acquis (including veterinary and phytosanitary matters, in particular external border controls), completion of land registration and establishment of a functioning land market. Development of the capacity to implement and enforce the CAP, in particular the fundamental management mechanisms and administrative structures to monitor the agricultural markets and implement structural and rural development measures, adoption and implementation of the veterinary and phytosanitary requirements, upgrading of certain food processing establishments and testing and diagnostic facilities, restructuring of the agri-food sector. Energy: implementation of a comprehensive energy strategy based on efficiency and diversification, including respect of nuclear safety standards and realistic nuclear power plant closure commitments. (NSA) further efforts on alignment to acquis in particular on maritime Transport: (safety) and road and rail transport, and to provide necessary investment for transport infrastructure, notably extension of trans-European networks. Employment and social affairs: development of appropriate labour market structures and joint review of employment policies as preparation for participation in EU co-ordination of employment policies, alignment of labour and occupational health and safety legislation in particular early adoption of the framework directive on health and safety at work, further development of an active social dialogue; further development of social protection; enforcement of equal opportunities between women and men, undertake steps to bring public health standards into line with EU norms. Environment: including the development of monitoring and implementation control structures and capacities, continuous planning and implementation of approximation programmes related to individual legal acts. A particular emphasis should be given to drinking water and the waste sector as well as nuclear safety. vt Regional policy and cohesion: introduce the legal administrative and budgetary framework for a national policy to address regional disparities through and integrated approach, in order to participate in EU structural programmes. 4. Programming The Phare allocation for the period 1995-1997 has totalled 145 mecu. Subject to the approval of the Phare budget for the remaining period, the Commission will confirm the allocations for 1998 and 1999. In addition, Lithuania is eligible for support from the "catch-up" facility. Financial proposals will be submitted the Phare Management Committee as provided for in Regulation 3906/89. Joint financing by the applicant countries will be systematically required for all investment projects. Financial assistance from the year 2000 onwards will comprise aid for agriculture and a structural instrument which will give priority to measures similar to the cohesion fund. to 5. Conditionally Community assistance will be conditional on Lithuania respect of its commitments under the Europe Agreement as well as continued progress in fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria. Failure to respect these general conditions could lead to a decision by the Council on the suspension of financial assistance on the basis of Article 4 of Regulation [ ]. Specific project related conditions will be agreed in each Financing Memorandum. 6. Monitoring The implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. The Accession Partnership may be amended as necessary and will be reviewed in 1999. f Council Decision on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with Poland THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community; ] on assistance to the applicant countries in the Having regard to Regulation [ framework of the pre-accession strategy, and in particular on the establishment of Accession Partnerships and in particular to Article 2; Having regard to the proposal from the Commission; Whereas the European Council of Luxembourg has stated that the Accession Partnership is a new instrument, the key feature of the enhanced pre-accession strategy; ] sets out that the Council shall decide on the principles, Whereas Regulation [ priorities, intermediate objectives, significant adjustments and conditions applicable to each individual Accession Partnership; Whereas Community assistance is conditional upon the respect of the commitments contained in the Europe Agreements and upon progress towards fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria; Whereas it is appropriate that the implementation of the Accession Partnership be monitored in particular in the framework of the Europe Agreement; Whereas the Commission's Opinion presented an objective analysis on Poland's preparations for membership and identified a number of priority areas for further work; 3f HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The Accession Partnership for Poland will contain, in accordance with Article 2 of ], the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions set Regulation [ out in the annex which forms an integral part of this Decision. Article 2 Implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. This Decision shall enter into force on 15 March 1998. Article 3 Done at. For the Council l^o Poland ANNEX 1. Objectives The purpose of the Accession Partnership is to set out in a single framework the priority areas for further work identified in the Commission's Opinion on Poland's application for membership of the European Union, the financial means available to help Poland implement these priorities and the conditions which will apply to that assistance. The Accession Partnership will provide a framework for a number of in their policy instruments which will be used to help the candidate countries preparations for membership. These will include inter alia the National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis to be adopted by Poland, the Joint Assessment of Economic Policy Priorities the Pact against organised crime and the internal market road maps. 2. Priorities The main priority areas identified for each candidate country relate to their ability to meet the Copenhagen criteria and can be grouped under three broad headings: democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities the economy meeting the obligations of membership The Accession Partnerships will indicate that Poland will have to address all issues identified in the Opinion. 3. Priorities and Intermediate Objectives Drawing on the analysis of the Commission's Opinion and the Council's discussion of this, the following short and medium term priorities and intermediate objectives have been identified for Poland. The priorities have been divided into two groups. The first should be completed or taken forward in 1998 in order to be included in the Commission's report to the European Council at the end of 1998. The second are expected to take several years to complete. Whilst work is already likely to start on some of these in 1998, for others this depends on steps taken in 1998. Poland will be invited to draw up a National programme for the Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA) by the end of March which should set out a timetable for achieving these priorities, intermediate objectives and, where possible and relevant, indicate the necessary staff and financial resources. M 3. 1 Short-term (1998) • Economic reform: establishment of medium-term economic policy priorities and joint assessment within the framework of the Europe agreement; action to address the external deficit; acceleration of the privatisation of state enterprises and the sound development of the financial sector. • Industrial restructuring: adoption by 30 June and start of implementation of a new steel sector restructuring programme. • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: in particular improvements in the areas of customs, state aid controls, justice and home affairs ministries and services, financial control, veterinary and phytosanitary controls, (particularly as regards facilities at the external borders), environment, taxation and regional policy. • Internal Market: including in the areas of intellectual and industrial property, state aids (strengthening of monitoring authority, finalisation of inventory), (public procurement) and liberalisation of capital movements, the adoption of a law on state aid. • Justice and home affairs: develop more effective border management and control systems in particular of the borders with Belarus and the Ukraine and visa regimes. • Agriculture: establish a coherent structural and rural development policy; adoption of implementing regulations and implementation and enforcement of veterinary and phytosanitary requirements particularly with regard to the inspection and control arrangements for protecting EU external borders. In particular, upgrading of certain food processing establishments (milk and meat sectors) and certain testing and diagnostic facilities. • Environment: continue transposition of framework legislation, establishment of detailed approximation programmes and implementation strategies related to Planning and commencement of implementation of these individual acts. programmes and strategies. 3. 2 Medium-term • Political criteria: Further attention to ensuring press freedom and equal access to public services. • Economic policy: regular review of the joint assessment of economic policy priorities, within the Europe Agreement framework, focusing on satisfying the Copenhagen criteria for membership of the Union and the acquis in the area of economic and monetary policy (co-ordination of economic policies, submission of convergence programmes, avoidance of excessive deficits); Poland is expected to pursue policies which aim to achieve real convergence in accordance with the Union's objectives of economic and social cohesion, and nominal convergence compatible with the ultimate goal of adoption of the euro; Poland is not expected to adopt the euro immediately upon accession. • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: development of anti fraud unit and state audit office, strengthening of financial control capacity; improved operation of the judicial system; reinforcement of justice and home trained personnel), affairs and properly institutions (ensuring sufficient L{L and law, technical structural legislation on lawmaking procedures, improvement of tax strengthening of parliamentary gathering capacity, the reinforcement of food control administration. Internal Market: including completion of alignment of public procurement legislation and harmonisation of legislation on conformity assessment of products, financial services, further improvements in the field of competition (e. g. merger control), efficient enforcement of competition audio-visual, property and external frontier control, upgrading of standardisation and ownership conformity assessment structures, establishment of a market surveillance system and alignment of horizontal industrial products, reinforcement of the anti-trust and state aid authorities, promotion of enterprise development, including SME's, alignment with the acquis in the fields of télécoms, consumer protection and the internal energy market. Justice and home affairs: including development of effective border management and implementation of migration policy and the new asylum system as well as the fight against organised crime and corruption, implementation of reforms of legislation on aliens, notably in view of the Schengen acquis. Agriculture: including alignment with the agricultural acquis (including veterinary and phytosanitary matters, in particular external border controls), implementation of structural and rural development policy. Development of the capacity to implement and enforce the CAP, in particular the fundamental management mechanisms and administrative structures to monitor the agricultural markets and implement and implementation of the veterinary and phytosanitary requirements, upgrading of certain food processing establishments and testing and diagnostic facilities, restructuring of the agri-food sector. Transport: further efforts on alignment to acquis in particular on road transport (market access, safety rules and taxation) and rail, and to provide necessary investment for transport infrastructure, notably extension of trans-European networks. Employment and Social Affairs: development of appropriate labour market structures and joint review of employment policies as preparation for participation in EU co-ordination; alignment of labour and occupational health and safety legislation and development of enforcement structures in particular early adoption of the framework directive on health and safety at work; enforcement of equal further development of active, opportunities between women and men; autonomous social dialogue; further development of social protection, undertake steps to bring public health standards into line with EU norms. including the development of monitoring and implementation Environment: control structures and capacities, continuous planning and implementation of approximation programmes related to individual legal acts. A particular emphasis should be given to drinking water, waste water, the waste sector as well as to large combustion plants. Regional policy and cohesion: completion of legal basis, development of administrative structures and budgetary procedures, instruments, monitoring and control mechanisms in order to participate in EU structural programmes. rural development measures, financial adoption M 4. Programming The Phare allocation for the period 1995-1997 has totalled 526 mecu. Subject to the approval of the Phare budget for the remaining period, the Commission will confirm the allocations for 1998 and 1999. Financial proposals will be submitted to the Phare Management Committee as provided for in Regulation 3906/89. Joint financing by the applicant countries will be systematically required for all investment projects. Financial assistance from the year 2000 onwards will comprise aid for agriculture and a structural instrument which will give priority to measures similar to the cohesion fund. 5. Conditionality Community assistance will be conditional on Poland respect of its commitments under the Europe Agreement as well as continued progress in fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria. Failure to respect these general conditions could lead to a decision by the Council on the suspension of financial assistance on the basis of Article 4 of Regulation [ ]. Specific project related conditions will be agreed in each Financing Memorandum. 6. Monitoring The implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. The Accession Partnership may be amended as necessary and will be reviewed in 1999. ^4 Council Decision on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with Romania THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community; Having regard to Regulation [ ] on assistance to the applicant countries in the framework of the pre-accession strategy, and in particular on the establishment of Accession Partnerships and in particular to Article 2; Having regard to the proposal from the Commission; Whereas the European Council of Luxembourg has stated that the Accession Partnership is a new instrument, the key feature of the enhanced pre-accession strategy; • Whereas Regulation [ ] sets out that the Council shall decide on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives, significant adjustments and conditions applicable to each individual Accession Partnership; Whereas Community assistance is conditional upon the respect of the commitments contained in the Europe Agreements and upon progress towards fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria; Whereas it is appropriate that the implementation of the Accession Partnership be monitored in particular in the framework of the Europe Agreement; Whereas the Commission's Opinion presented an objective analysis on Romania's preparations for membership and identified a number of priority areas for further work; hÇ HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The Accession Partnership for Romania will contain, in accordance with Article 2 of Regulation [ ], the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions set out in the annex which forms an integral part of this Decision. Article 2 Implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. This Decision shall enter into force on 15 March 1998. Article 3 Done at. For the Council ^ Romania ANNEX 1. Objectives The purpose of the Accession Partnership is to set out in a single framework the priority areas for further work identified in the Commission's Opinion on Romania's application for membership of the European Union, the financial means available to help Romania implement these priorities and the conditions which will apply to that assistance. The Accession Partnership will provide a framework for a number of in their policy instruments which will be used to help the candidate countries preparations for membership. These will include inter alia the National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis to be adopted by Romania, the Joint Assessment of Economic Policy Priorities, the Pact against organised crime and the internal market road maps. 2. Priorities The main priority areas identified for each candidate country relate to their ability to meet the Copenhagen criteria and can be grouped under three broad headings: democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities the economy meeting the obligations of membership The Accession Partnerships will indicate that Romania will have to address all issues identified in the Opinion. In view of the fact that the Opinion highlighted the serious difficulties which Romania faces in coping with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union in the medium term, Romania needs to make considerable further efforts in order to meet the economic conditions for membership. Despite the progress that has been made, Romania needs to transpose and take on the essential elements of the acquis particularly as regards the internal market. 3. Priorities and Intermediate Objectives Drawing on the analysis of the Commission's Opinion and the Council's discussion of this, the following short and medium term priorities and intermediate objectives have been identified for Romania. The priorities have been divided into two groups. The first should be completed or taken forward in 1998 in order to be included in the Commission's report to the European Council at the end of 1998. The second are expected to take several years to ^> complete. Whilst work is already likely to start on some of these in 1998, for others this depends on steps taken in 1998. Romania will be invited to draw up a National programme for the Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA) by the end of March which should set out a timetable for achieving these priorities, intermediate objectives and, where possible and relevant, indicate the necessary staff and financial resources. 3. 1 Short-term (1998) • Economic reform: establishment of medium-term economic policy priorities and joint assessment within the framework of the Europe agreement; joint assessment of economic policy priorities in the framework of the Europe Agreement; make satisfactory progress on the Government's economic reform programme, including the privatisation of two banks, the transformation into commercial companies of most régies autonomes, the efficient implementation of the foreign Investment regime, and restructuring/ privatisation of a number of large state-owned industrial and agricultural companies (notably by reducing their losses and financial arrears); continue the implementation of the agreements with the international financial institutions. • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: adoption of draft law on the civil service and progress in public administration reform, phytosanitary and veterinary controls, particularly as regards facilities at the external borders, the financial sector (strengthening of supervisory bodies of banking, financial services and capital markets), customs; strengthening of financial control and auditing mechanisms and competition, anti-trust and state aid monitoring bodies, environment and strengthening of the nuclear regulatory authority, begin to set up structures needed for regional and structural policy. • Internal Market: including the restructuring of the banking sector and the capital markets, the completion of company law reform, including measures for the promotion of enterprise development and SME's, foreign direct investment, harmonisation and improved application of indirect taxation. Establishment of standardisation and conformity assessment structures. • Justice and Home Affairs: concrete steps to combat corruption and organised crime and improved border management. • Environment: continue transposition of framework legislation, establishment of detailed approximation programmes and implementation strategies related to individual acts. Planning and commencement of implementation of these programmes and strategies. 3. 2 Medium-term • Political criteria: continuation of child protection reform, further efforts to integrate the Roma, protection of individual liberties and improvement of the functioning of the courts. • Economic reform: Particular attention should be devoted to creating the basis for a sustained increase of productivity and to the further restructuring/privatisation of the state-owned enterprises, including banks. M regular review of the joint assessment of economic policy Economie policy: priorities, within the Europe Agreement framework, focusing on satisfying the Copenhagen criteria for membership of the union and the acquis in the area of economic and monetary policy (co-ordination of economic policies, submission of convergence programmes, avoidance of excessive deficits); Romania is expected to pursue policies which aim to achieve real convergence in accordance with the Union's objectives of economic and social cohesion, and nominal convergence compatible with the ultimate goal of adoption of the euro; Romania is not expected to adopt the euro immediately upon accession. Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: in particular the implementation of a comprehensive public administration reform programme; major efforts to improve public administration, including competition, customs and taxation authorities, strengthening of internal financial control; improved operation of the judicial system; reinforcement of justice and home affairs institutions (ensuring sufficient and properly trained personnel), the reinforcement of food control administration. Internal Market: including major efforts to approximate legislation and set up implementation structures, harmonisation of public procurement, enforcement of intellectual property rights, insurance, competition policy, in particular efficient enforcement of competition law, adoption of a law on state aid and a first state aid inventory, reinforcement of standardisation of conformity assessment structures, establishment of a market surveillance system and alignment of technical legislation on industrial products, promotion of enterprise development, including SME's, alignment with the acquis in the fields of télécoms, consumer protection and the internal energy market. Justice and home affairs: including pursuit of reform of institutions and the judiciary; improvement of border management systems, capacity to handle asylum and migration questions, fight against organised crime and corruption, notably in view of the Schengen acquis. Agriculture: including alignment with the agricultural acquis (including veterinary and phytosanitary matters, in particular external border controls), Development of the capacity to implement and enforce the CAP, in particular the fundamental management mechanisms and administrative structures to monitor the agricultural markets and implement structural and rural development measures, adoption and implementation of the veterinary and phytosanitary requirements, upgrading of certain food processing establishments and testing and diagnostic facilities, restructuring of the agri-food sector. Transport: further efforts on alignment to acquis in particular on maritime and road freight sectors (safety rules), and to provide necessary investment for transport infrastructure, notably extension of trans-European networks. Employment and social affairs: development of appropriate labour market structures and joint review employment policies as preparation for participation in EU co-ordination; alignment of labour and occupational health and safety legislation and development of enforcement structures in particular early adoption of the framework directive on health and safety at work; enforcement of equal opportunities between women and men; enforcement of equal opportunities between women and men; further development of active, autonomous social W dialogue; development of adequate social protection, undertake steps to bring public health standards into line with EU norms. • Environment: including the development of monitoring and implementation control structures and capacities, continuous planning and implementation of approximation programmes related to individual legal acts. A particular emphasis should be given to air and the water sector. • Regional policy and cohesion: complete establishment of legal basis, development of administrative structures and budgetary procedures. Strengthening financial instruments and control mechanisms in order to participate in EU structural programmes. 4. Programming The Phare allocation for the period 1995-1997 has totalled 284 mecu. Subject to the approval of the Phare budget for the remaining period, the Commission will confirm the allocations for 1998 and 1999. In addition, Romania is eligible for support from the catch-up facility. Financial proposals will be submitted to the Phare Management Committee as provided for in Regulation 3906/89. Joint financing by the applicant countries will be systematically required for all investment projects. Financial assistance from the year 2000 onwards will comprise aid for agriculture and a structural instrument which will give priority to measures similar to the cohesion fund. 5. Conditionally Community assistance will be conditional on Romania respect of its commitments under the Europe Agreement as well as continued progress in fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria. Failure to respect these general conditions could lead to a decision by the Council on the suspension of financial assistance on the basis of Article 4 of Regulation [ ]. Specific project related conditions will be agreed in each Financing Memorandum. 6. Monitoring The implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. The Accession Partnership may be amended as necessary and will be reviewed in 1999. S c^ Council Decision on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with Slovakia THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community; ] on assistance to the applicant countries in the Having regard to Regulation [ framework of the pre-accession strategy, and in particular on the establishment of Accession Partnerships and in particular to Article 2; Having regard to the proposal from the Commission; Whereas the European Council of Luxembourg has stated that the Accession Partnership is a new instrument, the key feature of the enhanced pre-accession strategy; Whereas Regulation [ ] sets out that the Council shall decide on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives, significant adjustments and conditions applicable to each individual Accession Partnership; Whereas Community assistance is conditional upon the respect of the commitments contained in the Europe Agreements and upon progress towards fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria; Whereas it is appropriate that the implementation of the Accession Partnership be monitored in particular in the framework of the Europe Agreement; Whereas the Commission's Opinion presented an objective analysis on Slovakia's preparations for membership and identified a number of priority areas for further work; b/ HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The Accession Partnership for Slovakia will contain, in accordance with Article 2 of Regulation [ ], the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions set out in the annex which forms an integral part of this Decision. Article 2 Implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. This Decision shall enter into force on 15 March 1998. Article 3 Done at. For the Council ^ Slovakia ANNEX 1. Objectives The purpose of the Accession Partnership is to set out in a single framework the priority areas for further work identified in the Commission's Opinion on Slovakia's application for membership of the European Union, the financial means available to help Slovakia implement these priorities and the conditions which will apply to that assistance. The Accession Partnership will provide a framework for a number of policy instruments which will be used to help the candidate countries in their preparations for membership. These will include inter alia the National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis to be adopted by Slovakia, the Joint Assessment of Economic Policy Priorities, the Pact against organised crime and the internal market road maps. 2. Priorities The main priority areas identified for each candidate country relate to their ability to meet the Copenhagen criteria and can be grouped under three broad headings: democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities the economy meeting the obligations of membership The Accession Partnerships will indicate that Slovakia will have to address all issues identified in the Opinion. In view of the fact that the Opinion highlighted a number of problems which Slovakia would face in meeting the Copenhagen criteria, a particular effort is needed to consolidate the stability and functioning of its democratic institutions and the extent to which they are rooted in political life. 3. Priorities and Intermediate Objectives Drawing on the analysis of the Commission's Opinion and the Council's discussion of this, the following short and medium term priorities and intermediate objectives have been identified for Slovakia. The priorities have been divided into two groups. The first should be completed or taken forward in 1998 in order to be included in the Commission's report to the European Council at the end of 1998. The second are expected to take several years to complete. Whilst work is already likely to start on some of these in 1998, for others this depends on steps taken in 1998. ^ Slovakia will be invited to draw up a National programme for the Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA) by the end of March which should set out a timetable for achieving these priorities, intermediate objectives and, where possible and relevant, indicate the necessary staff and financial resources. 3. 1 Short-term (1998) • Political criteria: free and fair Presidential, national and local elections in 1998; ensuring effective opposition participation in parliamentary oversight committees and supervisory boards; the adoption of legislative provisions on minority language use and related implementing measures. • Economic reform: establishment of medium-term economic policy priorities and joint assessment within the framework of the Europe agreement; implementation of policies aimed at tackling internal and external imbalances and sustaining macroeconomic stability; progress on structural reforms, and on market-driven enterprise, finance and banking restructuring, and to continue the process of conversion of energy intensive heavy industries. • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: including the adoption of a civil service law and development of public administration reform strategy with emphasis on the strengthening of administration dealing with EU accession, institutional strengthening in the area of environment, veterinary and phytosanitary administrations, particularly as regards facilities at the external borders, begin to set up structures needed for regional and structural policy. • Internal Market: including continued legislative alignment in the fields of standards and certification, state aids (progress towards adoption of a law), intellectual property (alignment of legislation), public procurement and agriculture (veterinary and phytosanitary fields), establishment of standardisation and conformity assessment structures. • Environment, continue transposition of framework legislation, establishment of detailed approximation programmes and implementation strategies related to individual acts. Planning and commencement of implementation of these programmes and strategies. 3. 2 Medium-term • Political criteria: further steps to ensure respect for the Constitution and rights of the opposition, to guarantee the independence of the judiciary, and; to foster and strengthen the functioning of the institutions of democracy, NGOs, an independent media and the policies and institutions protecting the rights of minorities. • Economic policy: regular review of the joint assessment of economic policy priorities, within the Europe Agreement framework, focusing on satisfying the Copenhagen criteria for membership of the Union and the acquis in the area of economic and monetary policy (co-ordination of economic policies, submission of convergence programmes, avoidance of excessive deficits); Slovakia is expected to pursue policies which aim to achieve real convergence in accordance with the Union's objectives of economic and social cohesion, and nominal convergence compatible with the ultimate goal of adoption of the euro; Slovakia is not expected to adopt the euro immediately upon accession. & conformity assessment the judicial standardisation improved operation of Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: the state audit office, financial control and internal audit functions, customs, banking and financial market supervisory bodies, regional development institutional structures system; and budgetary mechanisms; reinforcement of justice and home affairs institutions (ensuring sufficient and properly trained personnel), the reinforcement of food control administration. Internal Market: including alignment of legislation and effective implementation and enforcement in the fields of standards and conformity assessment, competition (anti-trust and state aids monitoring and transparency) indirect taxation, intellectual property (enforcement), financial services, data protection and audio-visual, structures, and reinforcement of establishment of a market surveillance system and alignment of technical legislation on industrial products, promotion of enterprise development, including SME's, alignment with the acquis in the fields of télécoms, consumer protection and the internal energy market. Justice and Home Affairs: further development and strengthening of JHA institutions (with a view in particular to ensuring the accountability of the police, and the independence of the judiciary), to further develop effective border management; to fight organised crime and corruption, and to align visa policy with that of the EU and to complete alignment to international conventions, improve the capacity to handle asylum and migration questions, notably in view of Schengen acquis. Agriculture: including alignment with the agricultural acquis (including veterinary and phytosanitary matters, in particular external border controls). Development of the capacity to implement and enforce the CAP, in particular the fundamental management mechanisms and administrative structures to monitor the agricultural markets and implement structural and rural development measures, adoption and implementation of the veterinary and phytosanitary requirements, upgrading of certain food processing establishments and testing and diagnostic facilities, restructuring of the agri-food sector. Energy: implementing a comprehensive energy strategy which foresees the alignment to and implementation of EC energy legislation as well as the strengthening of the nuclear safety authority the completion of Mochovce nuclear power station according to international safety standards, and implementation of a realistic programme for the closure of the Bohunice plant. Transport: further efforts on alignment to acquis in particular on road transport (market access, safety rules and taxation) and rail, and to provide necessary investment for transport trans-European networks. Employment and social affairs: development of appropriate labour market structures and joint review of employment policies as preparation for participation in EU co-ordination of employment policies, alignment of labour and occupational health and safety legislation, in particular early adoption of the framework directive on health and safety at work, further development of an active social dialogue; further development of adequate social protection; enforcement of equal opportunities between women and men, undertake steps to bring public health standards into line with EU norms. infrastructure, notably extension of r Environment: including the development of monitoring and implementation control structures and capacities, continuous planning and implementation of approximation programmes related to individual legal acts. A particular emphasis should be given to air, water and the waste sector as well as the integrated industrial pollution control and risk management. Regional policy and cohesion: establishment of a legal, administrative and budgetary framework for an integrated regional policy in order to participate in EU structural programmes. 4. Programming The Phare allocation for the period 1995-1997 has totalled 95 mecu. Subject to the approval of the Phare budget for the remaining period, the Commission will confirm the allocations for 1998 and 1999 in addition, Slovakia is eligible for support from the catch-up facility. Financial proposals will be submitted to the Phare Management Committee as provided for in Regulation 3906/89. Joint financing by the applicant countries will be systematically required for all investment projects. Financial assistance from the year 2000 onwards will comprise aid for agriculture and a structural instrument which will give priority to measures similar to the cohesion fund. 5. Conditionally Community assistance will be conditional on Slovakia respect of its commitments under the Europe Agreement as well as continued progress in fulfilment Of the Copenhagen criteria. Failure to respect these general conditions could lead to a decision by the Council on the suspension of financial assistance on the basis of ]. Specific project related conditions will be agreed in Article 4 of Regulation [ each Financing Memorandum. 6. Monitoring The implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. The Accession Partnership may be amended as necessary and will be reviewed in 1999. çc. Council Decision on the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions contained in the Accession Partnership with Slovenia THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community; ] on assistance to the applicant countries in the Having regard to Regulation [ framework of the pre-accession strategy, and in particular on the establishment of Accession Partnerships and in particular to Article 2; Having regard to the proposal from the Commission; Whereas the European Council of Luxembourg has stated that the Accession Partnership is a new instrument, the key feature of the enhanced pre-accession strategy; ] sets out that the Council shall decide on the principles, Whereas Regulation [ priorities, intermediate objectives, significant adjustments and conditions applicable to each individual Accession Partnership; Whereas Community assistance is conditional upon the respect of the commitments contained in the Europe Agreements and upon progress towards fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria; Whereas it is appropriate that the implementation of the Accession Partnership be monitored in particular in the framework of the Cooperation Agreement and the Europe Agreement upon its entry into force; Whereas the Commission's Opinion presented an objective analysis on Slovenia's preparations for membership and identified a number of priority areas for further work; Sï HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 The Accession Partnership for Slovenia will contain, in accordance with Article 2 of Regulation [ ], the principles, priorities, intermediate objectives and conditions set out in the annex which forms an integral part of this Decision. Article 2 Implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Cooperation Agreement and the Europe Agreement upon its entry into force. This Decision shall enter into force on 15 March 1998. Article 3 Done at. For the Council <s Slovenia ANNEX 1. Objectives The purpose of the Accession Partnership is to set out in a single framework the priority areas for further work identified in the Commission's Opinion on Slovenia's application for membership of the European Union, the financial means available to help Slovenia implement these priorities and the conditions which will apply to that assistance. The Accession Partnership will provide a framework for a number of policy instruments which will be used to help the candidate countries in their preparations for membership. These will include inter alia the National Programme for the Adoption of the Acquis to be adopted by Slovenia, the Joint Assessment of Economic Policy Priorities, the Pact against organised crime and the internal market road maps. 2. Criteria The main priority areas identified for each candidate country relate to their ability to meet the Copenhagen criteria and can be grouped under three broad headings: democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the protection of minorities the economy meeting the obligations of membership The-Accession Partnerships will indicate that Slovenia will have to address all issues identified in the Opinion. 3. Priorities and Intermediate Objectives Drawing on the analysis of the Commission's Opinion and the Council's discussion of this, the following short and medium term priorities and intermediate objectives have been identified for Slovenia. The priorities have been divided into two groups. The first should be completed or taken forward in 1998 in order to be included in the Commission's report to the European Council at the end of 1998. The second are expected to take several years to complete. Whilst work is already likely to start on some of these in 1998, for others this depends on steps taken in 1998. Slovenia will be invited to draw up a National programme for the Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA) by the end of March which should set out a timetable for achieving these priorities, intermediate objectives and, where possible and relevant, indicate the necessary staff and financial resources. ÇT 3. 1 Short-term (1998) • Economic reform: establishment of medium-term economic policy priorities and joint assessment within the framework of the Interim/ Cooperation agreement; sustainable reduction of government deficit; action on market-driven restructuring in the enterprise, finance and banking sectors and preparation of pension reform. • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: in particular introduction of civil service act, improvements in the areas of the judiciary, of land registration, phytosanitary and veterinary administration, particularly as regards facilities at the external borders, financial control and audit functions, institutional strengthening in the area of environment, being to set up structures needed for regional and structural policy. • Internal Market: including in the areas of indirect taxation, adoption of VAT law and preparation for implementation in 1999. of standardisation and certification (conformity assessment), technical regulations, and of company legislation and liberalisation of capital movements, establishment of a state aid monitoring authority, a first aid inventory and the creation of a legal framework for state aid control, progress towards adoption of an anti trust law. • Property law: legislation. further clarification of the situation pertaining to property • Environment: continue transposition of framework legislation, finalising the detailed approximation programmes and implementation strategies related to individual acts. Planning and commencement of implementation of these programmes and strategies. 3. 2 Medium-term • Political criteria: pursue efforts to improve the working of the judicial system and speed up property restitution. • Economic policy: regular review of the joint assessment of economic policy priorities, within the Europe Agreement framework, focusing on satisfying the Copenhagen criteria for membership of the Union and the acquis in the area of economic and monetary policy (co-ordination of economic policies, submission of convergence programmes, avoidance of excessive deficits); Slovenia is expected to pursue policies which aim to achieve real convergence in accordance with the Union's objectives of economic and social cohesion, and nominal convergence compatible with the ultimate goal of adoption of the euro; Slovenia is not expected to adopt the euro immediately upon accession. • Reinforcement of institutional and administrative capacity: as regards public procurement, supervision of the insurance and security market, the Slovene Competition Office, and implementation of agricultural and regional policies, customs administration and enforcement of the customs code; improved operation of the judicial system; reinforcement of justice and home affairs institutions (ensuring sufficient and properly trained personnel), the reinforcement of food control administration. completion of competition law, development • Internal Market: including the alignment of legislation on public procurement, financial services, state aid (in particular alignment of monitoring rules and exclusive and special rights), upgrading of standardisation and conformity assessment structures, establishment of a market surveillance system and alignment G& of horizontal technical legislation on industrial products, increased efforts to liberalise the capital market and to facilitate foreign investments, further alignment of consumer protection, reinforcement of the competition office and the state aid monitoring authority, efficient enforcement of competition law, promotion of enterprise development, including SME's, alignment with the acquis in the fields of télécoms, consumer protection and the internal energy market. Justice and home affairs: completion of alignment to international conventions, particularly in criminal field, fight against organised crime and corruption, implementation of migration policy and asylum procedures, notably in view of the Schengen acquis. Nuclear safety: nuclear policy and investment plans to be adjusted in line with the results of the seismic risk assessment to be carried out in the surroundings of the Krsko NPP. Agriculture: establishment of a functioning land registry, strengthening of structural and rural development policy, including alignment with the agricultural acquis (including veterinary and phytosanitary matters, in particular external border controls). Development of the capacity to implement and enforce the CAP, in particular the fundamental management mechanisms and administrative structures to monitor the agricultural markets and implement structural and rural development measures, adoption and implementation of the veterinary and phytosanitary requirements, upgrading of certain food processing establishments and testing and diagnostic facilities, restructuring of the agri-food sector. Transport: further efforts on alignment to acquis in particular on road transport (market access, safety rules and taxation) and rail, and to provide necessary investment for transport infrastructure, notably extension of trans-European networks. Employment and Social Affairs: development of appropriate labour market structures and joint review of employment policies as preparation for participation in EU co-ordination; alignment of labour and occupational health and safety legislation and development of enforcement structures in particular early adoption of the framework directive on health and safety at work; enforcement of equal further development of active, opportunities between women and men; autonomous social dialogue; further development of adequate social protection. Environment: including the development of monitoring and implementation control structures and capacities, continuous planning and implementation of approximation programmes related to individual legal acts. A particular emphasis should be given to the waste water sector as well as the integrated industrial pollution control and risk management. Regional policy and cohesion: introduce the legal administrative and budgetary framework for a national policy to address regional disparities through and integrated approach, in order to participate in EU structural programmes. 4. Programming The Phare allocation for the period 1995-1997 has totalled 72 mecu. Subject to the approval of the Phare budget for the remaining period, the Commission will confirm the allocations for 1998 and 1999. Financial proposals will be submitted to the Phare £f Management Committee as provided for in Regulation 3906/89. Joint financing by the applicant countries will be systematically required for all investment projects. Financial assistance from the year 2000 onwards will comprise aid for agriculture and a structural instrument which will give priority to measures similar to the cohesion fund. 5. Conditionally Community assistance will be conditional on Slovenia respect of its commitments under the Europe Agreement as well as continued progress in fulfilment of the Copenhagen criteria. Failure to respect these general conditions could lead to a decision by the Council on the suspension of financial assistance on the basis of Article 4 of Regulation [ ]. Specific project related conditions will be agreed in each Financing Memorandum. 6. Monitoring The implementation of the Accession Partnership will be monitored in the framework of the Europe Agreement. The Accession Partnership may be amended as necessary and will be reviewed in 1999. 67- ISSN 0254-1475 COM(98) 53 final DOCUMENTS EN 01 06 11 Catalogue number : CB-CO-98-068-EN-C ISBN 92-78-30899-4 Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L-2985 Luxembourg