Hungary

1) REFERENCES

Commission Opinion [COM(97) 2001 final - Not published in the Official Journal]Commission report [COM(98) 700 final - Not published in the Official Journal]Commission report [COM(1999) 505 final - Not published in the Official Journal]Commission report [COM(2000) 705 final - Not published in the Official Journal]Commission report [COM(2001) 700 final - SEC(2001) 1748 final - Not published in the Official Journal]Commission report [[COM(2002) 700 final - SEC(2002) 1404 - Not published in the Official Journal]Commission report [COM(2003) 675 final - SEC(2003) 1205] - Not published in the Official Journal]Treaty of Accession to the European Union [Official Journal L 236 of 23.09.2003]

2) SUMMARY

The July 1997 Opinion took the view that further alignment with the acquis was still necessary in Hungary, although significant progress had been made in adopting the measures mentioned in the 1995 White Paper on the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the internal market.

The November 1998 Report felt that the implementation of the Community acquis has been satisfactory, but it also asked for current work to be continued and for considerable efforts to be made. As regards the fisheries sector, the Commission called for a strengthening of institutions and monitoring authorities, although a legal basis is already in place.

The October 1999 Report states that Hungary has made little progress on implementing medium-term agricultural policy and on aligning its legislation with the Community acquis. Further efforts are necessary in the fisheries sector, although this sector plays a very limited role in Hungary owing to the country's geographical position.

The November 2000 Report underlines that Hungary has good foundations to implement the Community acquis but the relatively slow progress in adopting the mechanisms of common market organisations and the structures linked to the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund has prevented the strengthening of its administrative capacity. As regards fisheries, no progress has been made since 1999.

The November 2001 Report shows that Hungary is continuing its process of adaptation to the acquis. However, a lot of work remains to be done. The agricultural sector is not sufficiently competitive. Land consolidation and the land market are still posing problems.

Implementation of the acquis has not progressed in relation to fisheries, although some effort has been made to strengthen administrative capacity, notably with the recruitment of fisheries personnel to the Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development.

The October 2002 Report indicates that little progress has been made on agriculture and fisheries in Hungary since the previous report.

The November 2003 Report shows that Hungary has moved ahead in most sectors since the last reports. On fisheries, it seems to be able to respect virtually all its commitments with a few exceptions.

COMMUNITY ACQUIS

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aims to maintain and develop a modern agricultural system ensuring a fair standard of living for the agricultural community and a supply of food at reasonable prices for consumers, as well as free movement of goods within the EC.

The Europe Agreement which provides the legal basis for agricultural trade between Hungary and the Community aims to promote co-operation on modernising, restructuring and privatising Hungary's agriculture sector and food industry and its plant health standards. The 1995 White Paper on the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the internal market covers legislation in the fields of veterinary, plant health and animal nutrition controls, as well as marketing requirements for individual commodities. The purpose of such legislation is to protect consumers, public health and the health of animals and plants.

The Common Fisheries Policy includes common market organisations, structural policy, agreements with third countries, management and conservation of fish resources, and scientific research in support of these activities.

The Europe Agreement includes provisions concerning trade in fisheries products with the Union. The White Paper includes no measures in this field.

EVALUATION

Agriculture

Hungary has made substantial progress since the last report, especially as regards the Farm Accountancy Data network (FADN), State aid, quality policy and organic farming. In the veterinary and phytosanitary sectors, Hungary can ensure compliance with measures regarding animals kept apart under veterinary control arrangements, common and phytosanitary measures. By contrast, there are serious delays in establishing the paying agency and the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS). Delays exist also regarding rural development, public health and the setting up of producer organisations.

Fisheries

Hungary is not a signatory to any international fisheries agreement. It respects its commitments overall but must align its laws on the acquis. Additional staff are needed to adopt and administer a coherent fisheries policy. In addition, Hungary is strongly recommended to set up producer organisations.

Last updated: 27.02.2004