52012SC0108

Eastern Partnership: Roadmap 2012-13

Multilateral dimension

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Areas || Objectives || EU support || Target/Outcome/Timeframe

A. Democracy, good governance and stability || || ||

A.1. Electoral standards and freedom of the media || 1) Foster approximation to EU standards through dialogue and exchange of best practice. 2) Support electoral standards in EaP countries, including by: · Preparing electoral administrations to better fulfil their tasks; · Preparing NGOs to better fulfil their role as observers; · Bringing electoral legislation and implementation in line with European electoral standards (principally, the Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters); · Ensuring that media freedom is better respected and that the right of all candidates to have access to the media is observed. || 1-2) EU support for work under the EaP Platform 1. 2) EU-funded action in the framework of the Council of Europe EaP Facility (ENPI):   2012-2013 A seminar on elections in a democratic environment. Development of a curriculum for the training of young people and a handbook on a methodology for the training of domestic observers (NGOs). Four seminars for Central Election Commissions on electoral registers, electoral administration transparency, use of administrative resources in election campaigns’ and on financing electoral campaigns. || 1-2) Contribution to improved compliance with and awareness of European electoral standards in the EaP countries. Electoral administrations are better prepared to fulfil their tasks. NGOs are better prepared to fulfil their role as observers.

|| 3) Support for freedom of the media. || 3) Support to promote freedom, professionalism and pluralism of the media in the South Caucasus and Moldova. || 3) Legal and institutional guarantees for freedom of expression are developed. Contribution to higher quality journalism and a pluralistic media landscape.

A.2. Cooperation between ombudsmen || Strengthen ombudsman institutions in EaP countries in order to improve their ability to contribute to the establishment of deep and sustainable democracy. || Organisation of two seminars (2012) and a conference (2013) as a follow up to a PL-FR project on cooperation between ombudsmen. || Enhanced ombudsman institutions in EaP countries.

A.3. Public administration reform || 1) Help establish a professional and accountable civil service in EaP countries. 2) Foster approximation to EU standards and contribute to increasing efficiency of the public administration and policy making process by: - promoting EU standards and exchanging best practice at meetings of the Panel and seminars, - boosting the capacity of civil servants by organising specific training courses. || EU support for work under the EaP Platform 1/EaP Panel on Public Administration Reform, including training courses and seminars (ENPI). Support will also be provided by EU MS through activities run by the EaP training Centre in Tallinn, the EaP Academy of Public Administration in Warsaw and the Institute for Public Administration in Prague. || Contribution to: - An increase in the efficiency of implementing public administration legislation. - A greater ability to absorb effectively EU assistance (due to a well-functioning central administration). - The provision of a better and ethical service in EaP countries.

A.4. Regional and local authorities || 1) Boost the administrative capacity of regional and local authorities in EaP countries. 2) Promote local government reform. 3) Promote cross-border cooperation. || 1-2) Panel on Public Administration Reform (see above). 2) CORLEAP (work to be defined by its stakeholders). Options will be explored to make use of TAIEX and other technical assistance tools for the benefit of regional and local actors. 3) Specific work implemented under ENPI-funded Cross Border Cooperation Programmes (ongoing). 2012-2013: Capacity building of local and regional bodies in border regions of the EaP countries with a view to developing and implementing pilot projects at borders between EaP countries (ENPI). || 1-2) Contribution to boosting the administrative capacity of regional and local authorities of EaP countries and increasing the effectiveness of decision making at regional and local level. 3) Specific projects implemented in the framework of cross-border cooperation (between Member States and EaP countries). Preparatory work to launch pilot projects under territorial cooperation (between EaP countries).

A.5. Integrated border management (IBM) || 1) Step up dialogue and exchange of best practice between border agencies in EaP countries, EU MS and international stakeholders on border-related issues. || 1) EU support for the work of the EaP Panel on Integrated Border Management. || Contribution to: 1) Better coordination between border and customs services from EaP countries and EU member states which will contribute to increasing security at borders of EaP countries, streamlining the flow of people and goods and enhancing the effectiveness of border management in EaP countries.

|| 2) Boost the operational capacity of border guards and customs officers in EaP countries by providing training courses for them. || 2) 2011-12 Several training sessions in the framework of the Flagship Initiative on IBM (ENPI).   || 2) Increased operational capacity of border agencies and customs offices through the provision of training courses for at least 700 civil servants.

|| 3) Support to the establishment of the advanced training systems on specific issues in the EaP countries by boosting the training capacity of the EaP institutions and their ability to provide training for border agencies. || 3) 2011-12 Flagship Initiative on IBM (ENPI).   || 3) Increased training capacities of the respective EaP institutions.

|| 4) Improve infrastructure at borders between EaP countries and boost the capacity of border guards. || 4) Flagship Initiative on IBM by implementing pilot projects at EaP borders. 2012: Launch implementation of two projects: - Strengthening surveillance capacity on the border between Belarus and Ukraine; - Providing equipment and infrastructure for the border crossing point in Bavra. 2013 Possible launch of the remaining projects under the Flagship Initiative on IBM[1] || 4) Enhanced security and effectiveness of selected border infrastructure of EaP countries by implementing pilot projects defined in the framework of the Flagship Initiative on IBM.

|| 5) Develop long-term IBM strategies aligned to EU standards in the EaP countries. || 5) 2012: EU support for the work of the Panel on IBM (ongoing) and the Flagship Initiative on IBM. || 5) Increased effectiveness of border agencies and customs offices.

A.6. Asylum and migration || Facilitate the approximation of standards by stepping up dialogue and exchanging best practice between the relevant authorities in EaP countries, EU MS and international stakeholders on migration and asylum-related issues, including trafficking in human beings. || Panel on Migration and Asylum, including through workshops, seminars and studies.[2] Thematic Programme on Migration and Asylum (call for 2011-2012 under the Development Cooperation Instrument).  In addition to projects focusing on the objectives of the call for all regions, the EaP projects on circular migration and further implementation of readmission agreements should be supported. || Improved asylum and migration systems of EaP countries, in line with best practices and European and international standards.

A.7. Improved functioning of the judiciary || 1) Facilitate exchanges of information and best practice on effective delivery of justice with a view to promoting adherence to European or international standards. 2) Share experience in reforming the judiciary and adjusting its action to European/international standards. Particular attention will be paid to the establishment of independent and impartial magistrates, improving the accountability of judges and training for judges and prosecutors on human rights issues. 3) Foster implementation of a coherent sector-wide reform strategy in the area of justice in EaP countries. 4) Encourage EaP countries to introduce EU law-inspired tools into their regional cooperation. || 1-4) EU support for the work of the Panel on Improved functioning of the Judiciary, including proposals, if appropriate to launch cooperation on several regional activities such as: ‘Regional EaP Arrest Warrant’, ‘Procedural rights’, ‘Legal practitioners network’, ‘Bilingual forms’, ‘E-justice’ or ‘Exchange of information on effective functioning of the independent data protection authority’. (ENPI)  1-3) EU-funded work in the framework of the Council of Europe EaP Facility (ENPI): Three working groups have been set up to assess the state of implementation of European standards on an independent, professional and efficient judiciary in the EaP countries and formulate recommendations. To improve implementation of the recommendations, country visits will be conducted (2012-2013). || Contribution to: - Increase the efficiency of administration of justice and impartiality and integrity of the judiciary. - Easier access to justice for the general public and for economic operators. - The legal and practical obstacles to implementing European standards on judicial reform in EaP countries are identified. Recommendations to address these obstacles are formulated and support is provided for implementation.

A.8. Cooperation among law enforcement agencies || 1) Promote and enable the transfer of European standards for cooperation among law enforcement agencies in EaP countries. 2) Step up police cooperation on EU priorities (organised crime, drugs, trafficking in human beings, weapons trafficking and corruption). 3) Establish a cooperation network among law enforcement agencies from EU MS and EaP countries. || EuroEast Police project: the implementation of the project launched. || Contribution to: - Increased practical cooperation between EU police, including Europol and EaP law enforcement agencies. - Increased knowledge and exchange of good practice among partner agencies. - Increased effectiveness of EaP police, in particular on cross-border criminal investigations.

A.9. Fight against corruption || 1) Promote good governance and boost the capacity of public administration and the criminal justice sector to prevent and fight corruption and economic crime. 2) Review existing systems to fight corruption in EaP countries (legislative, policy and institutional framework, including enforcement structures) and share best practice with a view to increasing overall efficiency in reducing corruption. 3) Improve the skills of civil servants and Civil Society Organisations dealing with anti-corruption issues. || EU support for the work of the Panel on the Fight against Corruption. EU-funded activities in the framework of the Council of Europe EaP Facility: 2012 Regional training on economic and financial crimes. Regional conference on implementing and monitoring anti-corruption policies and a workshop on risk assessment. 2013 Regional training courses on criminal and civil liability for legal persons and on political party and electoral campaign financing. Regional Closing Conference (sharing experience on reforms and good practices on the fight against corruption). || Contribution to building the capacity of EaP countries in preventing and fighting corruption. Policy and prevention measures to enhance good governance and the fight against corruption are defined. EaP country capacity to effectively implement anti-corruption policy and the fight against economic crime is strengthened by providing a number of training courses and workshops. Contribution to the efficient implementation of European and international standards on good governance and the fight against corruption in EaP countries.

A.10. Fight against cybercrime || 1) Support the reform process in EaP countries by facilitating approximation to EU and CoE standards. 2) Boost the capacity of criminal justice authorities to cooperate effectively against cybercrime by assisting EaP countries in: · Defining strategic priorities regarding cybercrime; · Developing tools for action against cybercrime. || EU-funded activities in the framework of the Council of Europe EaP Facility: May 2011 — September 2012 Preparation of the Cybercrime Situation Report. 2012 - Regional seminars on financial investigations, specialised cybercrime units and law enforcement; - Regional conference on defining regional and domestic priorities regarding cybercrime. 2nd half of 2012 — mid 2013 Country visits (peer-to-peer assessment) in EaP countries to assess the effectiveness of the measures undertaken. Regional conference to assess progress. || Contribution to strengthening EaP countries’ capacity to implement action against cybercrime. Strategic priorities regarding cybercrime are defined. Presentation of the Cybercrime Situation Report. Increased participation of EaP countries in international cybercrime work.

A.11. Civil protection || 1) Develop partner countries’ civil protection capacity for prevention, preparedness and response. 2) Bring partner countries closer to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. || Flagship Initiative on Prevention of, preparedness for and response to natural and man-made disasters (2011-14, ENPI). The following work is underway: - a review of existing resources and mechanisms working on disaster prevention, - preparation of an Electronic Regional Risk Atlas, - awareness-raising campaign for stakeholders, - capacity building, - study visits and exchanges of experts, - technical assistance in response to specific demands. || Significant progress in the development of an Electronic Regional Risk Atlas and recommendations for improving the capacities of EaP countries for prevention, preparedness and response. Contribution to boosting the legislative, administrative and operational capacity for prevention, preparedness and response. Gap analysis and drafting of the legislative framework and recommendations for institutional framework to be done in 2012. Partner countries are well informed about and able to effectively collaborate with the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. MIC (EU Monitoring and Information Centre) information seminars organised in all EaP countries.

A.12. Common Foreign and Security Policy, including Common Security and Defence Policy || 1) Step up dialogue and cooperation on international security issues. 2) Explore the scope for setting up a dedicated Panel on CSDP. || EU support for the work of the EaP Platform 1. || Enhanced cooperation on international security issues and CSDP.

B. Economic integration and convergence with EU policies || || ||

B.1. Trade and Trade-Related Regulatory Cooperation linked to Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTAs) || Facilitate approximation of EaP countries with the applicable trade and trade-related EU law in the framework of current or future DCFTA negotiations. || Support for the work of a Panel on Trade and Trade-Related Regulatory Cooperation linked to Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas. || Familiarise EaP countries with specific aspects of regulatory cooperation (customs cooperation and trade facilitation, technical regulations and standards, sanitary, phytosanitary measures and animal welfare).

B.2. Enhanced cooperation in the field of taxation and public finances || 1) Support to approximate the system and structure of indirect taxes (VAT and Excise). 2) Support for partner countries’ taxation reform, while developing cooperation and harmonising policies to counteract tax fraud, including common application of the principles of good governance in tax. || Seminar on excise policy 1st half of 2012. Presentation of the principles of good governance in taxation (2012). || Contribution to: - Approximate the system and structure of indirect taxes (VAT and excise duties); - Active support for tax reform.

B.3. Customs cooperation and trade facilitation EaP customs objectives are covered in the strategic framework for customs cooperation agreed with partner countries at two Customs 2013 High Level Seminars on Customs Cooperation at the Eastern Border of the EU held in Budapest and Krakow in April and October 2011. || 1) Improve the security and safety of the supply chain, combat customs fraud and facilitate the development of legitimate trade and economic interaction throughout the region and with the EU. Specific objectives 1. Safe and fluid trade lanes: Contribute to coordination between border authorities, including joint border controls (complementary to work of the EaP Panel on IBM). 2. Risk management and fight against fraud: Develop risk management systems, exchange advance customs information and fight against cigarette smuggling[3]. 3. Modernisation of customs: Support EaP countries in capacity building strategies and in preparations to join the common transit system. || Support for the work of the EaP Platform 2 and in the follow-up of the Panel on Trade and Trade Related Regulatory Cooperation linked to DCFTAs. Customs 2013 Programme 2012 - Study to be launched to identify the type of information that is useful to exchange and the transmission methods; - Support to assess preparedness and draw up roadmaps to join the common transit system (initiated for some countries in 2011, to be continued in 2012); - EaP countries will revisit customs business strategies and action plans (with EU assistance where appropriate); - Seminar on customs representation. Longer-term action to be initiated in 2012 through seminars, study visits and consultations in the follow-up to the work under the EaP Platform 2:  -Developing authorised economic operator systems; - Developing risk management systems; - Progress towards convergence of customs legislation and procedures, including joining the common transit system. || Contribution to improving the security and safety of the supply chain. Better coordination between border authorities, including joint border controls. Development of risk management systems in EaP countries.

B.4. Cooperation in the field of labour market and social policies || 1) Establish a structured dialogue/panel on employment and social policies. 2) Develop policy approaches and tools to address anticipation of skills. 3) Better manage transformations of labour markets. 4) Support job creation in new economic sectors. 5) Improve workers’ employability and develop social dialogue and social partnerships. || 1) To be decided at the Platform 2 meeting in May 2012. 2012 Workshop on social protection and launching two ‘laboratories’ with policy makers and social partners: - Social partnership for matching skills with jobs; - Self-employment and skills for emerging economic sectors. 2013 - Regional dissemination conference to share results of laboratories on the skills mismatch. 1st half of 2013: Final results of a study on labour migration. || EU MS and EaP countries exchanged experience on social protection and social reforms. Their needs for support and the scope for cooperation are identified. Good practice in skill development is mapped out. partner countries are better prepared to develop effective policies to address skills needs. Cost-benefit analysis of labour migration for the EU and for EaP countries.

B.5. Cooperation on macroeconomic and financial stability || 1) Step up dialogue and promote closer cooperation between the EU and partner countries on macroeconomic policy matters. 2) Promote macroeconomic and financial stability and economic growth. || Exchanging views and sharing experiences during ad-hoc discussions under the EaP Platform 2. || Enhanced cooperation and dialogue between the EU and partner countries on macroeconomic policy matters.

B.6. Environment and climate change || 1) Step up dialogue on climate policy and international cooperation on climate change. - Step up expert discussions on specific climate subjects, exchange information on climate policies and on best practices for implementation. - Effective implementation of agreed joint actions. || Support for the work of the EaP Panel on Environment and Climate Change. ENPI-funded project ‘Clima East (2012-16)’: - provision of EU experts for the design and implementation of climate policies in line with EU law, including work to build up national emissions trading schemes (ETS); - financing pilot projects on the ecosystems-based approach to climate change. || Contribution to improving administration capacity and relevant legislation in line with EU legislation. Technical assistance provided in at least two partner countries on the establishment of national ETS and in at least three partner countries to improve national legislation and/or sector strategies (by 2013). Pilot projects started in all partner countries by 2013.

|| 2) Step up cooperation on environmental policy and convergence towards EU environment legislation. - Advance implementation of the Shared Environmental Information System (SEIS) and improving collection and management of environmental data. - Progress on good environmental governance and on combating environmental degradation, including cooperation on implementation of regional projects on air, waste (including obsolete pesticides and other hazardous chemicals), water (particularly in cross-border basins) and forests. || Support for the work of the EaP Panel on Environment and Climate Change. EaP Flagship Initiative on Environmental Governance (2009-2014) and other related projects: Air quality Governance (2011-14), Waste Governance (2009-13), Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG, 2007-16), Environmental Protection of International rivers and the Black Sea (2012-13). Thematic programme for Environment and Natural Resources including Energy, under the Development and Cooperation Instrument and Emerald II, to prepare a pan-European network of nature protection sites (2009-2016). Improve the capacity to tackle obsolete pesticides and hazardous chemicals (2012-16). Support for the EU Water Initiative (2012-16). || Contribution to improving environmental administration capacity; considerable part of environmental legislation in line with EU legislation; environmental data collection and management system advanced; improved implementation of multilateral environmental agreements; contribution to improving the state of the environment. Sector-specific principles of EU law are integrated into EaP countries’ national policy making. Environmental indicators are developed.

|| 3) Foster the introduction of green economy principles in EaP countries. || EU support for the work of the EaP Panel on Environment and Climate Change. ENPI-funded project: ‘Greening Economies in the Eastern Neighbourhood (GREEN-EaP)’ such as pilot projects in environmental management systems and green public procurement practices. || Progress in new green policy measures and demonstrating sustainable consumption and production patterns. The GREEN-EaP project is fully operational. Pilot projects started in all partner countries.

B.7. Transport || 1) Facilitate the transfer of EU standards to EaP countries and integrate them closer to the EU’s transport system. 2) Facilitate the improvement of transport connections between the partner countries and the EU as well as the partner countries themselves to the benefit of passengers and operators. 3) Step up cooperation on transport between the partner countries and the EU as well as the partner countries themselves.   || Several technical assistance projects implemented under ENPI to help the partner countries to approximate with the EU standards in all transport modes:    - Transport dialogue and network interoperability, - Logistics processes and Motorways of the Sea II, - Civil Aviation safety and security II, - Land transport safety and security, - Maritime safety II. Leverage funding under the Neighbourhood Investment Facility to transport projects that improve connections between the partner countries and the EU, the partner countries themselves and in the partner countries on transport links that have a relevance to increased connectivity with the EU. EU support for the work of the EaP Transport Panel to follow up implementation of the Commission Communication ‘The EU and its neighbouring regions: A renewed approach to transport cooperation’, COM(2011) 415). Development, with the partner countries, of a methodology in order to develop a quality project pipeline for investments in transport with EIB and other IFIs. || 1) EaP countries have moved closer to the EU’s standards in transport safety, security and social issues. This will allow for closer integration with the EU’s transport market. 2) Support provided to set up a regional transport network that connects with the TEN-T and for identifying a number of priority interconnection projects per country. 3) Undertaking a number of transport policy actions to bring the partner countries closer to the EU and to facilitate regional integration between partner countries themselves under the EaP Transport Panel.

B.8. SME Policy || 1) Support the development of SMEs and the improvement of the business climate for SMEs. 2) Promote alignment and approximation of legislation and the policy framework to EU law. 3) Evaluate SME policies of EaP countries to identify priorities for reform. 4) Develop an SME Policy Index for the EaP countries based on the principles of the Small Business Act (SBA). 5) Provide support to implement reforms to boost SME development. 6) Step up public–private dialogue, facilitate exchanges of best practice between SMEs from the EU and EaP, develop the capacity of EaP to support organisations in providing quality services for SMEs. 7) Improve access for SMEs to financing. 8) Develop cooperation and enhance multilateral exchanges on industrial innovation policy instruments. || 1-2) EU support for the work of the Panel on SME Policy. 3-4) Enterprise Policy Performance Assessment project (EC, OECD, EBRD, ETF) financed by the EU with co-financing from the OECD, supported by Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic. 5) EU support for the work of the Panel on SME Policy. 1,6,7) ENPI funded Flagship Initiative on SMEs:  - East-Invest project; - TAM-BAS (technical assistance and advisory services); - SME Finance Facility. Support for SMEs under EIB external mandate 8) 2nd half of 2012 A seminar related to the SME Panel on industrial innovation. || Contribution to: - Improving the legislative and policy framework in place and implemented in line with EU law, in particular the Small Business Act; - Improving access for SMEs to advisory services and investment by providing technical assistance, training and grant support. - Increased volume of credits provided to SMEs in EaP countries.

B.9. Information Society || 1) Support regulators in EaP countries in their work to approximate to the EU regulatory framework, covering in particular electronic communications and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) priorities of the Digital Agenda for Europe. 2) Support regulators in EaP countries in gaining a better understanding of various complex regulatory issues regarding electronic communications and the information society. || 1st half of 2012 Launch a technical assistance scheme for electronic communications regulators in the EaP countries. 2012-2013 Two workshops for EaP national regulators. Two conferences / seminars in EaP countries on matters of common interest, related to the approximation to the EU regulatory framework (in particular electronic communications and ICT priorities of the Digital Agenda for Europe). || The EaP network of regulators for electronic communications is set up (official launch of the network in April 2012 during a workshop held in Rep. of Moldova). The capacity of EaP regulators is improved.

B.10. Statistics || Promotion of the European Statistics Code of Practice and quality in statistics. || 1) High level seminars on Quality in Statistics (June 2012 and June 2013). 2) Organisation of a number of training courses on key statistical topics. 3) Launch of the development of a regional strategy for EU ENP-East cooperation in statistics. || 1) Improved understanding of the multiple factors affecting the quality of statistics and the steps that need to be taken to improve quality. 2) Improved ability to produce statistics according to EU standards and methodologies.

B.11. Cooperation with IFIs || 1) Step up cooperation with the EIB, the EBRD and other European bilateral Financial Institutions to improve the leverage of EU budgetary funds, to the greatest benefit of EaP countries as well as mutual benefit of the EU and the partner countries. 2) Explore options to further support risk capital operations and guarantee schemes in EaP region. || Cooperation will be strengthened through existing formats such as the NIF Board. This issue will also be addressed by the  Commission Group of Experts involving EU Member States and the EIB set up to assess costs and benefits of establishment ‘EU Platform for External Cooperation and Development’. Possible support under the Neighbourhood Investment Facility, including the NIF Trust Fund. The EIB supports investment projects in EaP countries through its ongoing work (the EIB external mandate for EaP countries and Russia for the remainder of the 2007-2013 period was increased in October 2011 by EUR 148 million). Moreover, support for EaP countries will be strengthened through a new EaP Technical Assistance Trust Fund (funded by EU MS) set up in December 2011. In addition, the EIB supports foreign direct investment in EaP countries through the Eastern Partners Facility. 2) EU is developing further options to support risk capital operations and guarantee schemes in EaP region with the EIB, EBRD and other European Financial Institutions. || Potential additional funding raised to support priority projects including transport interconnection projects

C. Energy security || || ||

C.1. Cooperation on competitive energy markets integrated with the EU market. || 1) Contribute to the establishment of a transparent and stable regulatory and market framework, which would attract investment, increase competitiveness and enhance the security of supply. 2) Contribute to the establishment of an integrated energy market in EaP countries based on regulatory convergence with EU law following a differentiated approach for each country. 3) Facilitate a reform of energy sectors of EaP countries in order to make them more transparent, efficient and sustainable. 4) Support EaP countries in developing energy trade and investment attraction policies, giving prominence to and supporting good governance and transparency in public finance management of energy sectors. || 1-4) Policy dialogue in the framework of Platform 3. 1-2) The Energy Community is a main vehicle for interested parties. Closer involvement of interested EaP countries in the Energy Community Treaty will be sought. Technical support will be provided by the Energy Community secretariat and — where relevant — energy discussions at technical level will be held. Ongoing support through the ENPI-funded INOGATE programme, in particular the new INOGATE Secretariat project, which provides for expert assistance in electricity and gas market convergence and energy trade in support of the EaP. Ongoing support under the NIF in cooperation with the EIB and other financial institutions. 3) Support the production of a detailed Master Plan for an integrated energy network taking into account key interconnections with third countries within the framework of the INOGATE programme. || Contribution to the implementation by EaP countries of reforms in the energy sector (policies, legislation, regulation) to enable and stimulate energy efficiency and increase the use of renewable resources.

C.2. Electricity, gas and oil interconnections || Contribute to the diversification of energy supply and the security of supply. || Regional Electricity Markets, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources Flagship Initiative, supported by the INOGATE programme, in particular: - the new INOGATE Secretariat project that includes support in the field of electricity and gas, sustainable energy and energy statistics, - Multi-donor Trust Fund for the Caspian Development Corporation - Joint Gas purchasing and Infrastructure Development. Examine the scope for integrating the Ukrainian and Moldovan electricity networks with those of Central Europe. European Network of Transmission System Operators in Electricity membership. Possible support under the NIF and through financing from the EIB and other financial institutions. || Contribution to greater diversification of energy supply and the security of supply.

C.3. Energy efficiency and use of renewable energy || 1) Enhance regulatory and legislative approximation to promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. 2) Promote the drafting and implementation by EaP countries of sub-sectoral energy policy documents on energy efficiency and renewable energy. 3) Increase the involvement of EU and EaP cities in the EU initiative on energy efficiency (Covenant of Mayors initiative). || 1-3) Support the work of the EaP Platform 3. Regional Electricity Markets, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Sources Flagship Initiative, through the INOGATE programme and the Covenant of Mayors (CoM) – East programme in particular: - the new INOGATE Secretariat project, which includes support in the field of electricity and gas, sustainable energy and energy statistics and a demand-driven expert facility. - Energy Savings in the Building Sector (ESIB) project. - ENPI financing project in support of the CoM, including establishing a branch of the CoM Secretariat set up at the end of 2011 in the EaP region. || Contribution to: - Establishing a regulatory and legislative framework which promotes energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy; - Improved energy security and reliability; - Energy interconnections between Eastern Europe and the EU; - Establishing a regional electricity market consolidating the objectives of the EaP.

|| 4) Encourage investment and joint industry-led projects in renewable electricity, energy savings and demand-side management. || 4) Possible support under the NIF and through financing from the EIB and other financial institutions. ||

|| 5) Encourage the extension of the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership to interested partner countries. || 5) EU to consider extending the scope of the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership to all interested EaP countries with a link to the Covenant of Mayors. ||

C.4. Regulatory framework in nuclear safety || Continue developing nuclear safety for countries that own nuclear power plants. This requires a strong nuclear safety culture and establishing a solid legally binding regulatory framework, in line with international treaties and conventions. Strengthen the role of nuclear regulators. Implement EU comprehensive nuclear safety and risk assessments (or similar) in countries producing nuclear energy, and those who plan to build nuclear power plants (‘stress tests’ to be used already for design of the planned nuclear power plant). Contribute to the closure of ‘first generation’ reactors. || Support under the Instrument for nuclear safety cooperation. Euratom loans. || Stress tests within the EU are expected to be finished in mid 2012. It is expected that interested partner countries will proceed with and complete stress tests in the course of 2012.

C.5. Promote an inclusive and open policy on energy security, transportation and supply. || Exchange of views and information on current projects carried out by the EU and the partner countries. || Support for the work of the EaP Platform 3. || Ongoing work.

D. Contacts between people || || ||

D.1. Erasmus Mundus || Increase the participation of EaP countries in Erasmus Mundus and improve the quality of applications to promote cooperation and increased mobility between the EU and EaP. || ENPI funding supports the creation of partnerships between higher education institutions from the EU and from EaP countries and provides scholarships for students from EaP and EU countries. Annual calls for proposals with an increased budget will be published in 2011-13 for Erasmus Mundus actions 1 and 2. Action 2 Call launched in December 2011 with a deadline for application at the end of April 2012 will select more partnerships between higher education institutions. || Increased participation of EaP countries in Erasmus Mundus Action 2 Under the 2010 Call five partnerships were selected. The 2010 Call targets a minimum of 1019 scholarships. The 2011 Call will select nine partnerships which will target a minimum of 1350 scholarships. 2012-13 funding levels — and therefore impact — are expected to be at least as high as those of the 2011.

|| || Action 1 Additional scholarships for Erasmus Mundus Masters students will be launched (2012-13) for EaP students. || Action 1 Funding in 2012 and 2013 will allow for some 50 Erasmus Mundus Master Course scholarships.

D.2. Tempus || Increase participation in Tempus and improve the quality of applications to promote modernisation of higher education and cooperation between universities from EU and EaP countries. Promote the convergence of higher education systems to facilitate mobility and support modernisation processes. || ENPI funding supports an increased participation of EaP countries in Tempus.  2011-2013 Annual calls for proposals with increased budget. In 2012, an increase of 155% compared to 2011 has been allocated for the EaP countries in the framework of Tempus. || Increased participation of higher education institutions from EaP countries in activities under Tempus. In 2012, it is expected that around 35 new partnerships will be supported. In 2011, out of 62 selected projects, 15 projects involved higher education institutions (HEI) from the EaP countries. Due to the steep increase of the budget it is expected that three times as many projects may be selected in the 2012 and 2013 calls.

D.3. eTwinning programme || Open the eTwinning action for EaP schools on a pilot basis — to promote school cooperation with EU peers, collaborative learning and project based pedagogy, based on an EU internal programme. || EU financial support (ENPI) to extend the existing online eTwinning platform and set up Partner Support Agencies that will be involved in implementing the eTwinning programme. 2nd half of 2012 Creation of a new web portal for EaP school users. Launch of the first cooperation projects between EU and EaP schools. || Pilot schools from EaP countries cooperate with their counterparts in the EU. Partner Support Agencies are established and a web portal is created. Cooperation projects between EU and EaP schools under implementation.

D.4. Youth || 1) Support the EaP countries in responding to the needs of their youth, by promoting regional cooperation between policy institutions, youth organisations, youth workers and youth populations. 2) Increase participation in the Youth in Action Programme by increasing the opportunities to support specific initiatives and projects (youth exchanges, voluntary service, training and networking for youth workers and youth organisations) to benefit young people and youth workers from the EaP partner countries by opening an EaP Youth Window. || EaP Youth Programme (ENPI) with two components which will begin implementation in 2nd half of 2012: 1) Capacity development: establish an EaP Youth Regional Unit to implement a programme on capacity development of officials and civil society actors from EaP countries. 2) Grants scheme (2012-2013): Launch of the implementation of first projects selected through calls for proposals under the EaP Window of the Youth in Action Programme. 2012-2013 Launch of calls for proposals for the Youth in Action Programme. || 1) Boost the capacity of officials and civil society actors of the EaP countries dealing with youth policy, 2) Approximately 20 000 additional young people and youth workers to benefit from the additional opportunities offered under the EaP Window of the Youth in Action Programme over the period 2012-2013.

D.5. Culture || 1) Assist EaP countries in reforming their cultural policy at government level, build capacity and improve the professionalism of cultural operators in the region. 2) Engage in policy dialogue on cultural issues. || 1-2) EaP Culture programme - 2011-2015: Regional Monitoring and Capacity building units active in the EaP countries. - 1st half 2012: Start implementing 15 regional projects selected through a call for proposals. 2) Policy dialogue on cultural issues. 2nd half of 2012: Expert meeting in Brussels. 2013: - High-level seminar gathering policy makers, personalities and stakeholders in the cultural sphere, - A regional seminar on the practical implementation of the Unesco Convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions || Awareness raised on the potential of culture in economic and social development. Stimulus for cross-ministerial cooperation in EaP countries and guidelines provided for future work on culture in the framework of the EaP. Regional Monitoring and Capacity Building Units established. Calls for proposals under implementation.

D.6. Research and Innovation || 1) Increase the participation of researchers and research entities from the EaP countries in the opportunities under the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP7). || 1) In the framework of FP7, calls open for the participation of EaP researchers and research organisation. Mid 2012 Adoption of the work programme, with the first series of calls under the work programme published shortly thereafter. || 1) Increased participation of EaP countries in FP7, notably in the Cooperation Programme.

|| 2) Raise awareness on the opportunities available under FP7 and Horizon 2020. || 2) Preparation of targeted information, information sessions and events (FP 7). 2012-13 Financial support to facilitate the attendance of EaP countries participants to the two annual conference/seminars to raise awareness of ICT Research in FP7 and Horizon 2020 in EaP countries and promote the participation of entities from EaP countries in the ICT part of these programmes. || 2) Targeted information on specific opportunities for EaP available on Europa website once calls are published. Information events via video conference, on request.

|| 3) Increase the capacity of EaP FP Contacts — local support and guidance services. || 3) Financial support to facilitate the attendance of the EaP FP Contact National Coordinators in the information and training meetings organised for FP National Contact Points for EU Member States. || 3) Increased capacity of civil servants dealing with research and innovation.

|| 4) Increase dialogue, networking and coordination of research work between the EU and EaP countries. || 4) Several ongoing projects, supported under FP7, including the International Cooperation Network for Eastern European and Central Asian Countries project (INCONET CA/SC), the ERANET project on Networking on Science and Technology in the Black Sea Region. A specific International Cooperation Network for the EaP is planned for 2013 in FP7 work programme. || 4) Increased promotional activities, priority setting and dialogue on research and innovation issues to develop the EaP component of the EU-ENP Common Knowledge and Innovation Space.

|| 5) Share best practice in research and innovation policy and programme management. || 5) 2nd half of 2012 Support for a regional event for EaP countries on best practice in research evaluation. || 5) Increased knowledge of EaP stakeholders on EU research and innovation policy.

|| 6) Maintain support for e-infrastructure for education and research. || 6) 2012-2013 Financial support to facilitate the attendance of EaP country participants to the two annual conferences/seminars (ENPI). Continued support for e-infra-structure for education and research. This includes linking the National Research and Education Networks to GÉANT, providing computing services and access to education and research resources, as well as integration into European governance structures. || 6) Improved linking of the National Research and Education Networks to GÉANT and better access to computing services.

D.7. Audiovisual sector || Exchange information and identify needs to initiate pilot cooperation projects involving policy makers and audiovisual professionals. || Support for the work of the EaP Platform 4. 2012-13: Seminars/workshops for universities, film schools, audiovisual training organisations as well as decision makers and audiovisual professionals to foster cooperation & capacity building in the audiovisual sector. 2012: Study of the situation of the film industry in EaP countries, with a focus on the needs of independent audiovisual producers, distributors, cinemas and other distribution platforms. || Cooperation is stepped up, including by capacity building in the audiovisual field, which will help prepare future action in the audiovisual sector.

D.8. A Common Knowledge and Innovation Space linked to Smart Growth and the EU innovation agenda || 1) Expand cooperation in education, youth, research and innovation, culture, audio-visual sector and information society. 2) Draw together the strands of cooperation in research and innovation, including mobility schemes for students, researchers and academics, to build a Common Knowledge and Innovation Space with the EaP countries. || Support for policy dialogue in the framework of Platform 4. Increased synergy between programmes in research, education, youth and culture and ENPI. Dialogue and priority setting funded under FP7; excellence-based measures funded under FP7 and the future Horizon 2020 programme. || Increased synergy between the programmes in research, education, youth and culture. Common Knowledge and Innovation Space is established.

D.9. Future EU programmes in areas of education, culture, youth and research and innovations (2014-2020) || Increase participation of EaP researchers and research organizations, students, academic staff, cultural actors, young people and youth workers in future EU programmes by providing relevant information. || Information campaign will be launched in the autumn 2012 on the proposed new generation of international cooperation programmes in education, youth, culture, research and innovation in the framework of work under the EaP Platform 4. || Stakeholders from EaP countries are prepared to participate in the new generation of programmes to be launched in 2014.

E. Interaction with other stakeholders || || ||

E.1. EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly || Support, promote and consolidate the EaP by setting up a forum for parliamentary debate, control and review of all EaP-related issues. || The European Parliament supports the functioning of EURONEST PA. || Contribution to strengthened cooperation among EaP parliaments and the EP. Enhanced role of EURONEST in the framework of the EaP (contributing to achieve the EaP goals, including by fostering democratic values in EaP countries, conducting a review and developing recommendations on implementation of the EaP).

E.2. Conference of Local and Regional Authorities of the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP) || 1) Involve representatives of local and regional authorities in the EaP. 2) Increased expertise and capacity of EaP regional and local authorities by exchanging best practice. 2) Strengthened local and regional dimension of the EaP. || The Committee of the Regions supports the functioning of CORLEAP. EaP Platform 1/EaP Panel in Public Administration Reform. || Contribution to strengthened cooperation among representatives of regional and local authorities from the EU and EaP countries. A permanent institutional framework of cooperation on the basis of the CORLEAP is established.

E.3. Civil society, including EaP Civil Society Forum (CSF) || 1) Support the work of civil society and promote the development of civil society’s role in support of democracy, good governance, the rule of law and sustainable socio-economic development. || Support for civil society organisations under the Neighbourhood Civil Society Facility with an emphasis on capacity building. Support under a European Endowment for Democracy, once established. || Additional support for non-state actors fostering democracy

|| 2) Strengthen the CSF’s involvement in implementing and monitoring the EaP, including by building capacity and increasing participation in the EaP multilateral track and at country level. || EU support for the participation of CSF representatives in EaP Platforms and Panels. Financial support for the operation of the EaP CSF under the ENPI Regional Programme East (ongoing). || Strengthened role of the EaP CSF in implementing and monitoring the EaP. Enhanced role of the CSF National Platforms in EaP countries.

E.4. EaP Business Forum || 1) Step up cooperation between businesses from the EU and EaP countries and establish a permanent EaP Business Dialogue. 2) Provide governments and EU institutions with business community’s recommendations on the EaP. || Encourage and support European Business Organisations (BUSINESSEUROPE, EUROCHAMBRES) and partner countries’ counterpart organisations to establish a permanent EaP Business Dialogue. || Business organisations lead in developing the EaP Business Forum into a permanent institution of cooperation and dialogue. Increased cooperation among businesses from the EU and the EaP countries.

F. Horizontal cooperation || || ||

F.1. Enhanced dialogue and sector cooperation || Boost dialogue and sector cooperation by establishing informal EaP Dialogues. Strengthen partner countries’ sense of ownership as regards the EaP and foster a regional dynamic. Increase visibility of the EaP in partner countries. Contribute to monitoring of the Roadmap of the EaP. || EU support – through participation of the High Representative/Vice President, the Commissioner for Enlargement and ENP and other Commissioners for sectoral cooperation in biannual meetings of the informal EaP Dialogues. || Informal EaP Dialogues meetings held in partner countries.

F.2. Visibility of the EaP || Develop a visibility strategy for the EaP in order to foster its principles and objectives among the public. || Draft strategy to be developed during 2012. || Public opinion of EaP countries is better informed of the benefits resulting from the EaP and values on which it is based.

F.3. Information exchange and donor cooperation || Ensure exchange of information and donor cooperation. || Regular meetings of the Information and Coordination Group (2012-13). || Strengthened coordination between donors in EaP countries.

[1] The launch of remaining projects depends upon specific conditions being met (including co-financing).

[2] Work carried out in the framework of the Prague process ‘Building Migration Partnerships’ should be taken into account to ensure synergy.

[3] Under this objective particular focus will be given to the implementation of the Action Plan to fight against smuggling of cigarettes and alcohol along the EU Eastern Border (SEC (2011) 791).