Croatia – Research and new technologies

Candidate countries conduct negotiations with the European Union (EU) in order to prepare themselves for accession. The accession negotiations cover the adoption and implementation of European legislation (acquis) and, more specifically, the priorities identified jointly by the Commission and the candidate countries in the analytical assessment (or ‘screening’) of the EU’s political and legislative acquis. Each year, the Commission reviews the progress made by candidates and evaluates the efforts required before their accession. This monitoring is the subject of annual reports presented to the Council and the European Parliament.

ACT

Commission Report [COM (2010) 660 final – SEC(2010) 1326 - Not published in the Official Journal].

SUMMARY

Although the country has made progress, the 2010 Report highlights the delays caused by the economic and financial crisis. However, the significance of the research and development of new technologies remains a major challenge. Administrative capacity and investment must also be increased, in particular with support for enterprises.

EUROPEAN UNION ACQUIS (according to the Commission's words)

Due to its specificity, the acquis in the field of science and research does not require any transposition in the national legal order. Implementation capacity does not relate to the application and enforcement of legal provisions but rather to the existence of the necessary conditions for effective participation in framework programmes. In order to ensure the successful implementation of the acquis in this domain, notably successful association to the Framework Programmes, Croatia will need to create the necessary implementing capacities in the field of research and technological development including an increase of the personnel related to Framework Programme activities.

The acquis in the field of telecommunications is aimed at the elimination of obstacles to the effective operation of the single market in telecommunications services and networks, and the deployment of universally-available modern services. A new regulatory framework on electronic communications was adopted by the European Union (EU) in 2002. As regards postal services, the objective is to implement the single market by opening up the sector to competition in a gradual and controlled way, within a regulatory framework which assures a universal service.

EVALUATION (according to the Commission's words)

Progress in science and research has continued, but has slowed down as a result of the economic and financial crisis.

Efforts are needed to further strengthen research capacity, provide training, and increase investment in research by industry and small and medium enterprises.

RELATED ACTS

Commission Report [COM(2009) 533 final – SEC(2009) 1333 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Commission Report [COM(2008) 674 final – SEC(2008) 2694 – Not published in the Official Journal].

The 2008 report noted satisfactory progress made in the field of science and research. However, research capacity had to be reinforced at national level. As regards the information society, alignment of legislation had made significant progress.

Commission Report [COM(2007) 663 final – SEC(2007) 1431 – Not published in the Official Journal]. The 2007 report emphasised the encouraging efforts made in the field of science and research. In general, a good level of alignment had been achieved. However, greater attention had to be paid to the implementation of research policy and the action and plans envisaged in this area. The system for the allocation of national funds for research grants was to be improved in order to guarantee scientific excellence and participation in Community framework programmes on a competitive basis.

In the field of the information society and media, despite the progress achieved in aligning with the acquis, the 2007 report emphasised the need to go further in terms of the liberalisation of the telecommunications market. In this respect, it recommended a renewal of primary legislation and the strengthening of the Croatian Telecommunications Agency.

Commission Report [COM(2006) 649 final – SEC(2006) 1385 – Not published in the Official Journal]. The 2006 report confirmed the advances outlined in October 2005. Progress had been made in the two areas of transposing the acquis and identifying gaps still to be bridged.

As regards the information society and media, increased efforts were needed to achieve effective liberalisation of the electronic communications market both in terms of legislation and strengthening of the Telecommunications Agency.

As regards science and research, major advances had been made on participation in EU programmes and the allocation of appropriations. Nevertheless, continued efforts were required on budgetary provisions, research facilities, capacity building of human resources, and public funding.

Commission Report [COM(2005) 561 final – SEC(2005) 1424 – Not published in the Official Journal]. The October 2005 Report noted that Croatia had made good progress in aligning its national legislation with the acquis in the field of electronic communications. However, implementation of this legislation was only in the very early stages and had to be accelerated in view of the low level of competition on the market. In the area of research, progress had been made in preparing for participation in the Sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP6).

Commission Opinion [COM(2004) 257 final – Not published in the Official Journal]. In its Opinion of April 2004, the Commission stressed that Croatia must continue to make sustained efforts to align its legislation with the acquis on telecommunications. The report showed in particular that in order to implement the acquis in this area, the Croatian Government would have to give considerable political support to the liberalisation policies. On the subject of research, the report emphasised that continued efforts should be made to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of research in Croatia and to prepare for the country’s participation in Community framework programmes.

Last updated: 03.12.2010