(a)

In Part A, in the second subparagraph of point 15(b), the list of countries is replaced by the following:

(b)

In part D, point 3 is replaced by the following:

1.

Member States and regions concerned: all.

2.

The variables shall be coded as follows:

The numbering of the variables of the labour force survey in the column ‘Filters’ refers to Commission Regulation (EC) No 430/2005 (1).

—

identify and agree the areas where the use of EU support for rural development creates the most value added at EU level,

—

make the link with the main EU priorities (Lisbon, Göteborg) and translate them into rural development policy,

—

ensure consistency with other EU policies, in particular in the fields of cohesion and environment,

—

accompany the implementation of the new market-oriented common agricultural policy (CAP) and the necessary restructuring it will entail in the old and new Member States.

(i)

restructuring and modernisation of the agriculture sector, which continue to play an important role in the development of many rural areas, particularly in the new Member States. Successful agricultural adjustment can be the key to improving the competitiveness and environmental sustainability of the agricultural sector and boosting jobs and growth in related areas of the economy. This includes promoting the anticipation of change within the agricultural sector in the context of restructuring and modernisation and developing a proactive approach to training and retraining farmers, particularly as regards transferable skills;

(ii)

improving integration in the agrifood chain. Europe’s food industry is one of the world’s most competitive and innovative, but it is facing increasing global competition. There is considerable scope in the rural economy to create and market new products, to retain more value in rural areas through quality schemes and to raise the profile of European products overseas. The use of advisory services and support to meet Community standards will contribute to this integration process. A market-oriented agricultural sector will help further consolidate the position of Europe’s agrifood sector as a major employer and source of economic growth;

(iii)

facilitating innovation and access to research and development (R & D). Innovation is increasingly important for Europe’s farming, agrifood and forestry sectors. While Europe’s large agrifood companies are often at the cutting edge of new trends, the introduction of new products and processes could significantly contribute to the performance of smaller processors and farm businesses. In particular, new forms of cooperation could facilitate access to R & D, innovation and actions undertaken under the Seventh Framework Programme (6);

(iv)

encouraging the take-up and diffusion of information and communications technologies (ICT). The agrifood sector as a whole has been identified as lagging behind in the take-up of ICT technologies. This is particularly the case for smaller businesses. Adoption of e-business applications is still at a low level outside of large multinationals and their larger suppliers. Rural development funds should complement future Commission initiatives such as i2010 in the fields of e-business (particularly in relation to small and medium-sized enterprises), e-skills and e-learning;

(v)

fostering dynamic entrepreneurship. The recent reforms have created a market-oriented environment for European farming. This brings new opportunities for farm businesses. But the realisation of this economic potential will depend on the development of strategic and organisational skills. Encouraging the entry of young farmers into the profession can play an important role in this respect;

(vi)

developing new outlets for agricultural and forestry products. New outlets can offer higher value added, in particular for quality products. Support for investment and training in the field of non-food production under rural development can complement measures taken under the first pillar by creating innovative new outlets for production or helping the development of renewable energy materials, biofuels and processing capacity;

(vii)

improving the environmental performance of farms and forestry. Long-term sustainability will depend on the ability to produce products that consumers wish to buy, while achieving high environmental standards. Investing in increased environmental performance can also lead to efficiency gains in production, creating a win-win situation.

(i)

promoting environmental services and animal-friendly farming practices. European citizens expect farmers to respect mandatory standards. But many also agree that farmers should be remunerated for signing up to commitments which go further, delivering services that the market will not provide alone, particularly when focused on specific resources of particular importance in the context of agriculture and forestry, such as water and soil;

(ii)

preserving the farmed landscape and forests. In Europe, much of the valued rural environment is the product of agriculture. Sustainable land management practices can help reduce risks linked to abandonment, desertification and forest fires, particularly in less-favoured areas. Appropriate farming systems help to preserve landscapes and habitats ranging from wetlands to dry meadows and mountain pastures. In many areas, this is an important part of the cultural and natural heritage and of the overall attractiveness of rural areas as places in which to live and work;

(iii)

combating climate change. Agriculture and forestry are at the forefront of the development of renewable energy and material sources for bioenergy installations. Appropriate agricultural and forestry practices can contribute to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and preservation of the carbon sink effect and organic matter in soil composition, and can also help in adapting to the impacts of climate change;

(iv)

consolidating the contribution of organic farming. Organic farming represents a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture. In this respect, its contribution to environmental and animal welfare objectives could be further reinforced;

(v)

encouraging environmental/economic win-win initiatives. The provision of environmental goods, particularly through agri-environmental measures, can contribute to the identity of rural areas and their food products. They can form a basis for growth and jobs provided through tourism and the provision of rural amenities, particularly when linked to diversification into tourism, crafts, training or the non-food sector;

(vi)

promoting territorial balance. Rural development programmes can make a vital contribution to the attractiveness of rural areas. They can also help ensure that in a competitive, knowledge-based economy, a sustainable balance between urban and rural areas is maintained. In combination with other programme axes, land management measures can make a positive contribution to the spatial distribution of economic activity and territorial cohesion.

(i)

raising economic activity and employment rates in the wider rural economy. Diversification is necessary for growth, employment and sustainable development in rural areas, and thereby contributes to a better territorial balance in both economic and social terms. Tourism, crafts and the provision of rural amenities are growth sectors in many regions and offer opportunities both for on-farm diversification outside agriculture and the development of micro-businesses in the broader rural economy;

(ii)

encouraging the entry of women into the labour market. In many rural areas inadequate childcare provision creates specific barriers. Local initiatives to develop childcare facilities can facilitate access to the labour market. This can include the development of childcare infrastructure, potentially in combination with initiatives to encourage the creation of small businesses related to rural activities and local services;

(iii)

putting the heart back into villages. Integrated initiatives combining diversification, business creation, investment in cultural heritage, infrastructure for local services and renovation can contribute to improving both economic prospects and quality of life;

(iv)

developing micro-business and crafts, which can build on traditional skills or introduce new competencies, particularly when combined with purchase of equipment, training and coaching, thus helping to promote entrepreneurship and develop the economic fabric;

(v)

training young people in skills needed for the diversification of the local economy, which can tap into demand for tourism, recreation, environmental services, traditional rural practices and quality products;

(vi)

encouraging the take-up and diffusion of ICT. The take-up and diffusion of ICT is essential in rural areas for diversification, as well as for local development, the provision of local services and the promotion of e-inclusion. Economies of scale can be achieved through village ICT initiatives combining IT equipment, networking and e-skills training through community structures. Such initiatives can greatly facilitate IT take-up by local farms and rural businesses and the adoption of e-business and e-commerce. Full advantage needs to be taken of the possibilities afforded by the internet and broadband communications, supported for example by regional programmes under the Structural Funds, to overcome the disadvantages of location;

(vii)

developing the provision and innovative use of renewable energy sources, which can contribute to creating new outlets for agricultural and forestry products, the provision of local services and the diversification of the rural economy;

(viii)

encouraging the development of tourism. Tourism is a major growth sector in many rural areas and can build on cultural and natural heritage. Increased use of ICT in tourism for bookings, promotion, marketing, service design and recreational activities can help improve visitor numbers and lengths of stays, particularly where this provides links to smaller facilities and encourages agri-tourism;

(ix)

upgrading local infrastructure, particularly in the new Member States. Significant investment will be undertaken in major telecommunications, transport, energy and water infrastructure over the coming years. Considerable support will be available from the Structural Funds, ranging from trans-European networks to the development of connections to business or science parks. For the multiplier effect to be fully realised in terms of jobs and growth, small-scale local infrastructure, supported within rural development programmes, can play a vital role in connecting these major investments to local strategies for the diversification and development of agricultural and food-sector potential.

(i)

building local partnership capacity, animation and promoting skills acquisition, which can help mobilise local potential;

(ii)

promoting private-public partnership. In particular, Leader will continue to play an important role in encouraging innovative approaches to rural development and bringing the private and public sectors together;

(iii)

promoting cooperation and innovation. Local initiatives such as Leader and support for diversification can play an essential role in connecting people to new ideas and approaches, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, and can promote inclusiveness and the provision of local services. On-line communities can help in the dissemination of knowledge, the exchange of good practices and innovation in rural products and services;

(iv)

improving local governance. Leader can help foster innovative approaches to linking agriculture, forestry and the local economy, thereby helping to diversify the economic base and strengthen the socioeconomic fabric of rural areas.

—

Implement the strategy and action plan for judicial reform in consultation with interested bodies, including the adoption of necessary new legislation.

—

Adopt and begin implementation of a national strategy for preventing and combating corruption and provide for the required coordination among the relevant government departments and bodies involved in its implementation, including making the Office for the Suppression of Corruption and Organised Crime fully operational.

—

Accelerate implementation of the Constitutional Law on National Minorities. In particular, urgently take steps to ensure proportional representation of minorities in local and regional self government units, in the State administration and judicial bodies, and in bodies of the public administration.

—

Complete the process of refugee return, including all cases of repossession, reconstruction and housing care for former occupancy/tenancy rights holder, and further enhance regional cooperation for accelerating the process of refugee return and local integration, in particular by contributing to implementing the Sarajevo Declaration.

—

Pursue efforts aimed at reconciliation among citizens in the region.

—

Maintain full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

—

Work to find definitive solutions to pending bilateral issues, in particular border issues with Slovenia, Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

—

Ensure proper implementation of all commitments undertaken in the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) in areas such as competition policy, in particular the need to adopt and implement a restructuring plan for the steel sector, and the acquisition of real estate. Conclude ongoing and forthcoming negotiations on trade matters linked to the SAA (such as on a protocol introducing a tariff quota on sugar, the enlargement protocol and further trade concessions on agricultural and fisheries products), and ensure proper implementation of their results.

—

Take steps to adopt consistent and permanent electoral legislation, which regulates issues such as voters’ lists, out-of-country voting and campaign financing in a transparent manner.

—

Fully implement public administration reform measures on recruitment, promotion and training, and improve human resource management in all bodies of the public administration in order to ensure accountability, efficiency, openness, transparency, depoliticisation and a high level of professionalism of the public service.

—

Ensure effective follow-up of identified shortcomings with respect to civilian control of all security services.

—

Make headway in reducing the case backlog in courts.

—

Make progress in rationalising the organisation of courts including the development of modern information technology systems.

—

Establish an open, fair and transparent system of recruitment, evaluation and promotion and enhance professionalism in the judiciary by ensuring adequate State funding for high quality training for judges, prosecutors and administrative staff.

—

Take measures to ensure proper and full execution of court rulings.

—

Ensure access to justice and legal aid and make available the corresponding budgetary resources; enhance training in EU legislation.

—

Continue to develop codes of conduct/ethics for officials and elected representatives as well as action plans to prevent corruption in the relevant law enforcement agencies (border police, police, customs, judiciary).

—

Take steps to ensure that the legal framework for tackling corruption is aligned and uniformly implemented and enforced and ensure greater efforts to proactively prevent, detect and effectively prosecute corruption, especially high-level corruption.

—

Take concrete actions to raise awareness of corruption as a serious criminal offence.

—

Promote respect for and protection of minorities in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights and the principles laid down in the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and in line with best practice in EU Member States.

—

Ensure all cases of ethnically motivated crimes are properly investigated and prosecuted.

—

Continue to implement the strategy and action plan for the protection and integration of Roma and ensure availability of the necessary means.

—

Develop and begin to implement a comprehensive anti-discrimination strategy.

—

Review audiovisual media legislation in line with the recommendations formulated in February 2004 by the joint expertise mission of the Council of Europe, the Commission and the OSCE. In particular, review the Electronic Media Act in order to establish a transparent, predictable and effective regulatory framework and ensure political independence of the Council for Electronic Media; ensure that Croatian Radio and Television and its Programme Council work independently and remain stable while the Croatian Radio and Television Act is reviewed. Take further steps to effectively decriminalise libel.

—

Substantially improve the prosecution of war crimes trials, in particular by ensuring an end to the ethnic bias against Serbs and the application of a uniform standard of criminal responsibility regardless of national origin.

—

As regards refugee return, complete without delay the processing of those requests for housing reconstruction already submitted; reconstruct all houses for which there is a positive decision by end 2005 and reconstruct by end 2006 all other houses for which a positive decision will be forthcoming. Complete the repossession of houses without any further delay.

—

Urgently begin and complete implementation of the Housing Care Programme for those refugees who lost tenancy/occupancy rights outside the areas of special State concern and speed-up implementation of the Housing Care Programme for refugees returning to the areas of special State concern. Ensure an adequate publicity/information campaign.

—

Secure adequate coordination and cooperation between all relevant authorities at central and local level on refugee return matters.

—

Create social and economic conditions to improve the climate for returnees’ reintegration and the acceptance of returnees by receiving communities, including through regional development programmes in affected areas. Reopen the possibility for convalidation claims and review all applications made since expiry of previous deadline.

—

Fully implement agreements with neighbouring countries, notably on trade, the fight against organised crime, border management and readmission, cross-border cooperation, and judicial and police cooperation, including on war crimes, and conclude such agreements where they are still outstanding.

—

Implement prudent, stability-oriented macroeconomic policies, including the development of market-based monetary instruments to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy.

—

Strengthen fiscal consolidation on the basis of permanent structural measures, in particular in the area of subsidies and social spending, and resolve the issue of repayment of so-called ‘old pension debt’ in a manner which does not endanger fiscal consolidation. Start implementing further steps towards a comprehensive reform of the health sector with a view to improving its financial situation.

—

Continue structural reforms in public finance, particularly in the area of expenditure management. Establish a transparent and efficient debt management capacity.

—

Accelerate the privatisation of companies in the portfolio of the Privatisation Fund. Speed up the restructuring and privatisation or liquidation of large State-owned enterprises, in particular in the agriculture, steel and shipbuilding industry. Implement further steps in the restructuring and/or privatisation of public utilities (telecoms, energy, oil, etc.). Improve transparency of the privatisation process.

—

Further improve the business environment by simplifying the rules for market entry and exit. In particular, speed up registration procedures and improve the implementation of bankruptcy rules and improve conditions for the development of private enterprises and foreign direct investment, including through improving administrative efficiency.

—

Accelerate land reform, in particular the registration and privatisation of agricultural land, through the establishment of a modern and efficient cadastre and land registry in order to eliminate the current obstacles to the development of land and housing markets.

—

Develop macroeconomic statistics.

—

Complete the restructuring of the existing legislative and institutional framework to ensure separation of the regulatory, accreditation, standardisation and product certification functions and to establish acquis-compliant market surveillance structures. Speed up the adoption of European standards. Continue work on the transposition of the old and new approach directives.

—

Start screening of national legislation to identify incompatibilities with Articles 28, 29 and 30 of the EC Treaty, plan for their elimination and prevent the introduction of new barriers.

—

Start alignment with the acquis on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, including the establishment of the necessary administrative capacity.

—

Start screening of national legislation to identify restrictions on the right of establishment and the freedom to provide services, plan for their elimination and prevent the introduction of new barriers.

—

Strengthen the capacity of the national regulatory authority in the field of postal services and ensure its independence.

—

Improve anti-money laundering legislation and begin to ensure effective implementation. Strengthen the administrative capacity of the financial intelligence unit (FIU) and improve its cooperation with other institutions involved in the fight against money laundering.

—

Streamline procedures for authorising the purchase by EU nationals of real estate on a non-discriminatory basis and substantially reduce the large backlog of applications.

—

Complete the alignment of Croatia’s procurement legislation and implementing regulations, including on the areas of public contracts, concessions and review procedures.

—

Strengthen the administrative capacity of the Public Procurement Office to carry out the functions it is assigned by the Public Procurement Law.

—

Improve enforcement of intellectual, industrial and commercial property rights notably by strengthening administrative capacity, including in law enforcement agencies and the judiciary.

—

Ensure further alignment of primary and secondary legislation so as to allow effective anti-trust and State aid control with binding decisions applicable to all economic sectors and, as regards State aid, for both aid schemes and individual aid measures.

—

Strengthen the administrative capacity and the independence of the Competition Agency, both in the fields of State aid and anti-trust. Ensure the development and training of the judiciary in competition matters.

—

Strengthen the anti-trust enforcement record, in particular through a better focus on preventing serious distortions of competition, and the introduction of a deterrent fining regime. Strengthen the State aid enforcement record, in particular by ensuring respect of notification obligations and a pro-active assessment of all aid measures.

—

Ensure that existing aid schemes and all fiscal legislation are aligned with the State aid acquis.

—

Adopt and start implementing viable restructuring programmes in the steel and shipbuilding sectors, in line with EU requirements to ensure, inter alia, that all aid is in line with the acquis.

—

Ensure transparency of State aid by establishing a comprehensive inventory and reporting of all aid measures in force at all administrative levels and raise awareness of competition principles.

—

Strengthen the regulatory and administrative framework for the supervision of financial services and in particular prepare for the transition towards the planned integrated supervisory authority for non-bank financial services.

—

Prepare the introduction of the new capital requirements framework for credit institutions and investment firms.

—

Further strengthen the capacity of the national regulatory authority in the field of telecommunications and ensure its independence.

—

Ensure a fully-operational SAPARD/IPARD agency.

—

Accelerate work to set up of a proper land parcel identification system and a cattle identification and registration system.

—

Reinforce the collection and processing of agricultural statistics in line with EU standards and methodology.

—

Develop a rural development strategy and policy instruments for the design, implementation, management, monitoring, control and evaluation of rural development programmes.

—

Continue alignment in the veterinary and phytosanitary sector, upgrade inspection arrangements, modernise agro-food establishments in order to meet EU hygiene requirements.

—

Develop a comprehensive strategy in the fields of food safety and veterinary and phytosanitary policy. Strengthen the necessary administrative structures and improve coordination between them to ensure a comprehensive approach to the enhancement of food safety throughout the entire food chain.

—

Strengthen administrative and, in particular, inspection structures for fisheries policy.

—

Start establishing a computerised fishing vessel register.

—

With regard to the protected ecological and fishing zone, unilaterally declared by Croatia, continue the implementation of the trilateral agreement reached in June 2004.

—

Continue implementation of EU standards in the field of social and technical legislation in road transport and of safety standards in maritime transport.

—

Strengthen administrative capacity in the railway sector.

—

Ensure the establishment of an independent body for accident investigation and strengthen the national regulatory authorities in the aviation sector.

—

Conclude a European Common Aviation Area (ECAA) Agreement with a Protocol on transitional measures for implementation of EU aviation legislation.

—

Continue implementation of EU acquis on gas and electricity.

—

Ensure the operational capacity and independent functioning of the national regulatory authority.

—

Start implementing the commitments undertaken in the framework of the Energy Community Treaty.

—

Strengthen administrative capacity and improve alignment with the acquis on energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and in the nuclear field, as well as ensure a high level of nuclear safety and radiation protection.

—

Accelerate alignment of tax legislation with the acquis and ensure its effective enforcement, with particular attention to including free zones in the territorial application of the VAT-regime and to abolishing the existing VAT-zero rates.

—

Start alignment with the acquis in the field of direct taxation, including provisions on exchange of information with Member States, to facilitate enforcement of anti-avoidance and anti-evasion measures.

—

Commit to the principles of the Code of Conduct for business taxation and ensure that new tax measures are in conformity with these principles.

—

Significantly strengthen the capacity of the tax and customs administrations, particularly regarding collection and control functions; continue the work on a functioning and adequately staffed excise duty service; simplify procedures to effectively prosecute tax fraud.

—

Continue developing the necessary IT systems to allow the exchange of electronic data with the EU and its Member States.

—

Strengthen the administrative capacity of the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, reform its regional offices and improve coordination with other producers of official statistics.

—

Develop business and social statistics.

—

Continue alignment with the acquis in the areas of labour law, health and safety, gender equality and anti-discrimination.

—

Strengthen related administrative and enforcement structures and inter-ministerial coordination.

—

Further simplify and accelerate company registration procedures; introduce on-line access to selected government facilities for SMEs; further develop regulatory impact assessments.

—

Continue the implementation of the European Charter for Small Enterprises.

—

Develop a comprehensive and coherent strategy in the field of regional development.

—

Select and build up the capacity of key managing authorities and bodies for the implementation of structural instruments.

—

Strengthen border management, in particular by reinforcing the surveillance of the sea borders; implement the integrated border management strategy (including on readmission); increase investments in technical equipment and infrastructure; recruit additional staff and provide adequate training infrastructure.

—

Enhance equipment to detect forged and falsified documents and provide training of the staff in diplomatic missions and consular offices.

—

Further align the legislation on asylum to the acquis. Set up a permanent national reception centre for asylum seekers.

—

Improve coordination between law enforcement bodies and the judiciary, particularly in connection with economic crime, organised crime, fraud, money laundering and corruption; reinforce the fight against drug trafficking and strengthen drug prevention and drug demand reduction; ensure effective measures to fight trafficking in human beings and trans-national smuggling of persons, in particular with due attention to prevention, protection and social reintegration of victims. Provide the necessary specialised training to law enforcement agencies.

—

Increase international cooperation on terrorism and implement in full the relevant international conventions; improve cooperation and the exchange of information between the police and intelligence services within the State and with other States; reinforce the prevention of the financing and preparation of acts of terrorism.

—

Continue to develop horizontal legislation, including on environmental impact assessment and public participation.

—

Clearly define responsibilities and strengthen the administrative and operational capacity at national and regional level to ensure planning, including preparation of financial strategies.

—

Continue to strengthen the capacity of national and regional inspection services and enable them to effectively enforce environmental legislation.

—

Urgently adopt and start implementing a national waste management plan.

—

Continue strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of customs services, in particular for the control of preferential rules of origin, and accelerate alignment with the EU acquis. Make the Customs Training Centre fully operational.

—

Continue developing the necessary IT systems to allow the exchange of electronic data with the EU and its Member States.

—

Adopt and implement a code of ethics for the customs services.

—

Continue the policy of trade liberalisation with the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, WTO-commitments and bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTA). Work towards the future regional FTA in South-East Europe.

—

Ensure that trade defence measures comply with its SAA and WTO obligations.

—

Complete negotiations and fully implement the protocol introducing a tariff quota on sugar into the SAA in order to prepare the Croatian sugar sector for the adjustments needed to perform within a realistic and economically sustainable environment. The results of the negotiations on the protocol shall be without prejudice to the outcome of accession negotiations.

—

Adopt a coherent regulatory framework for Public Internal Financial Control on the basis of the strategy paper.

—

Continue establishing and reinforcing public internal control functions through the provision of adequate staff, training and equipment.

—

Establish effective procedures for the detection, treatment, follow-up and communication to the Commission of the irregularities and cases of suspected fraud affecting the Communities’ financial interests and establish the administrative structures necessary for the effective and equivalent protection of those interests and for the cooperation with the European Antifraud Office.

—

Continue the process of institution building directly relevant to the acquis and introduce reforms to improve the effectiveness of the public administration generally.

—

Continue implementation of judiciary reform, including training, and take measures to reduce further the backlog of cases in all courts.

—

Continue to rationalise the organisation of courts, including the development of modern information technology systems.

—

Ensure the regular and effective enforcement of court decisions.

—

Foster further progress on the fight against corruption and implement related legislation. In particular, establish specialist units for combating corruption within the appropriate services and provide them with adequate training and resources.

—

Ensure that the standards set by international instruments will be met, by putting in place the appropriate legislative and administrative measures.

—

Ensure full implementation of the Constitutional Law on National Minorities, particularly as regards proportional representation of minorities.

—

Continue implementation of a comprehensive anti-discrimination strategy.

—

Continue improving the situation of the Roma through strengthened implementation of the relevant strategy, including the provision of the necessary financial support at national and local levels, anti-discrimination measures aimed at fostering employment opportunities, increasing access to education and improving housing conditions.

—

Continue to improve social and economic conditions to improve the climate for returnees’ reintegration and the acceptance of returnees by receiving communities.

—

Ensure smooth implementation of definitive agreements on currently pending bilateral issues, in particular border issues.

—

Continue to implement existing bilateral agreements.

—

Implement a sustainable medium-term fiscal framework through a continuous reduction of overall public spending, general government deficits and debt as a share of GDP. Prioritise public spending to free resources for acquis-related expenditure. Implement a comprehensive reform of the health care and pension systems. Continue to reduce subsidies to large loss-making enterprises.

—

Complete the sale of government minority and majority shares in companies held under the Privatisation Fund.

—

Further improve conditions for the creation and development of private enterprises and foreign direct investment.

—

Make substantial progress in strengthening the financial discipline in large enterprises, in particular in the steel, shipbuilding, and railway sectors.

—

Complete land reform with a particular emphasis on the registration and privatisation of agricultural land.

—

Continue labour market and education reform with a view to increasing labour force participation and employment rates.

—

Make substantial progress in the transposition of old approach directives (such as in the field of pharmaceuticals and chemicals) and new approach directives, and in fulfilling requirements for membership of the European standardisation bodies CEN, Cenelec and ETSI.

—

Abolish any discriminatory measures towards EU migrant workers and EU citizens.

—

Reinforce administrative structures for coordination of social security schemes.

—

Abolish the remaining barriers to establishment and provision of cross-border services facing natural or legal persons from the EU.

—

Make substantial progress in the alignment with the EU acquis on mutual recognition of professional qualifications, including training provisions, and further develop the required administrative structures.

—

Make substantial progress in the removal of remaining restrictions on capital movements, in particular on the acquisition of real estate, in accordance with SAA obligations.

—

Complete the establishment of an effective anti-money laundering regime, in particular by ensuring that agencies are fully operational, adequately resourced and well coordinated with domestic and international counterparts.

—

Implement a public procurement regime with all relevant administrative structures and operational tools, and make substantial progress in the work towards complete alignment with the EU acquis, ensuring that public procurement rules are effectively implemented by all contracting authorities and entities at all levels. Promote the use of electronic means in procurement procedures.

—

Complete alignment in the field of intellectual and industrial property rights and strengthen enforcement in the fight against piracy and counterfeiting.

—

Continue strengthening the enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) and reducing levels of piracy and counterfeiting.

—

Further reinforce the anti-trust and State aid authority and build up a credible enforcement record. Substantially improve transparency in the field of State aid.

—

Develop training on competition law and policy at all levels of the administration and the judiciary.

—

Complete the alignment with EU prudential requirements and continue strengthening supervisory practices.

—

Complete implementation of the new capital requirements framework for credit institutions and investment firms.

—

Adopt the necessary primary and secondary legislation to complete the regulatory framework and introduce competition in all fields.

—

Strengthen the administrative structures and capacity needed to implement market and rural development policies.

—

Establish a vineyard register in line with EU standards.

—

Continue preparations to establish effective and financially sound paying bodies for the management and control of agricultural funds, in line with EU requirements and international auditing standards.

—

Substantially improve the alignment of foodstuff legislation and strengthen the necessary implementing structures.

—

Make significant progress with alignment in the veterinary and phytosanitary sectors, including a system for animal identification, animal waste treatment, modernisation of agro-food establishments, animal disease control programmes, plant protection and quality of seeds and plant propagating material; significantly upgrade inspection structures.

—

Substantially improve administrative structures and equipment to ensure effective implementation of the common fisheries policy, including management of resources, inspection and control of fishing activities, market policy, structural programmes and a management plan for the fleet capacity in accordance with available fish resources.

—

Complete the establishment of a computerised fishing vessel register and of a satellite-based vessel monitoring system.

—

Continue work towards complete alignment with the EU acquis in the area of road transport.

—

Adopt implementing legislation for rail transport in particular interoperability provisions and the independent allocation of capacity.

—

Work towards alignment with the EU acquis in the area of inland waterway transport, in particular as regards the safety of navigation and River Information Services.

—

Continue alignment in maritime transport and ensure adequate flag State control.

—

Reach full alignment with the EU acquis in the field of aviation.

—

Continue implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of the South East Europe Core Regional Transport Network.

—

Continue to strengthen administrative capacity and alignment with the EU acquis in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, the internal energy market (electricity and gas) and nuclear energy.

—

Ensure that oil stocks guarantee an adequate security of supply.

—

Duly address the issue of management of radioactive waste.

—

Substantially advance work towards completing alignment with the tax acquis as regards VAT, excise duties and direct taxation, including the Code of Conduct for Business Taxation.

—

Continue strengthening the tax administration – including the IT sector – and ensure its proper functioning in order to reach EU standards and IT systems interconnectivity. Develop and implement a code of ethics.

—

Improve monetary policies to expand the use and effectiveness of market-oriented monetary instruments.

—

Continue developing the macroeconomic, business and social statistics.

—

Further align with the acquis and strengthen the related administrative and enforcement structures, including the labour inspectorates.

—

Support the social partners’ capacity building efforts, notably through autonomous bipartite social dialogue.

—

Develop and implement a comprehensive employment strategy involving all relevant actors in view of participation in the European Employment Strategy. Ensure appropriate analysis, implementation and assessment capacity.

—

Develop and implement a national strategy on social inclusion, including data collection, in line with EU practice with a view to future participation in the European Strategy on social inclusion.

—

Identify needs for human resources development to prepare for the European Social Fund.

—

Update and articulate better the policy approach concerning financial instruments for SMEs which should allow the Government to move from direct lending towards softer support schemes.

—

Ensure a clear distribution of responsibilities and strengthen coordination, both at inter-ministerial level and between national and regional authorities.

—

Continue to build up capacity in the designated managing and paying authorities, including local authorities.

—

Improve the design and implementation of regional development plans.

—

Set up proper monitoring and evaluation systems and enhance financial management and control procedures.

—

Introduce adequate regional statistics.

—

Bring national legislation in line with EU rules and best practices and further strengthen border control; develop national databases and registers and ensure coordination between the relevant services.

—

Develop a national database for checking asylum seekers’ personal data, including fingerprints, with a view to preparing for participation in Eurodac.

—

Enhance efforts to integrate refugees.

—

Further improve the equipment and infrastructure of the police, including the establishment of a computer-based investigation system; strengthen cooperation between the police and other law enforcement agencies; reinforce the fight against drug trafficking, organised crime, economic crime (including money laundering and counterfeiting of currencies), fraud and corruption; improve alignment of the related national legislation with the acquis in these sectors.

—

Prepare for the application of various legal instruments in the field of judicial cooperation in penal and civil matters by providing appropriate training on court to court dealings and other relevant issues.

—

Start designing and applying an integrated research policy.

—

Step up efforts to create a modern vocational education and training system and to ensure the implementation of the Bologna criteria in higher education.

—

Ensure the integration of environmental protection requirements into the definition and implementation of other sectoral policies. Develop an environmental investment strategy based on estimations of the costs of alignment. Continue to implement horizontal legislation.

—

Continue work on the transposition of the EU acquis, with particular emphasis on waste management, water quality, air quality, nature protection and integrated pollution prevention and control. Increase investments in environmental infrastructure, with particular emphasis on waste water collection and treatment, drinking water supply and waste management.

—

Ratify the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

—

Complete alignment with the EU acquis on safety-related measures and strengthen the administrative capacity needed for effective market surveillance.

—

Continue alignment with the EU acquis on non-safety related measures.

—

Strengthen and consolidate the administrative and operational capacity of the customs services. Expand training of all staff and increase the use of EU-compatible information technologies and continue preparations to ensure interconnectivity with EU systems. Strengthen auditing and the use of risk assessment and selectivity.

—

Substantially advance alignment with the acquis, in particular in the areas of free zones, transit, fees, tariff quotas and the surveillance of imports and exports of goods.

—

Develop the capacity and alignment of the Public Internal Financial Control system, including decentralised managerial accountability and functionally independent internal audit as well as central coordination and harmonisation.

—

Reform and strengthen the external audit function in accordance with international and EU best practice.

—

Community assistance under the Stabilisation and Association Process to the Western Balkan countries will be provided under the existing financial instruments, in particular by the Council Regulation (EC) No 2666/2000 of 5 December 2000 on assistance for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (CARDS Regulation) (1) and the Phare (2) SAPARD (3) and ISPA (4) pre-accession instruments. Accordingly, this Decision will have no financial implications. Croatia can have access to funding from multi-country and horizontal programmes.

—

Community assistance under the Stabilisation and Association Process to the Western Balkan countries is conditional on further progress in satisfying the Copenhagen criteria as well as progress in meeting the specific priorities of this Accession Partnership. Failure to respect these conditions could lead the Council to take appropriate measures on the basis of Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 2666/2000. Community assistance shall also be subject to the conditions defined by the Council in its Conclusions of 29 April 1997, and 21 and 22 June 1999 in particular as regards the recipients’ undertaking to carry out democratic, economic and institutional reforms.

—

Community assistance for financing projects through the three pre-accession instruments Phare, ISPA and SAPARD is further conditional on respect by Croatia of its commitments under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, further steps towards satisfying the Copenhagen criteria and in particular progress in meeting the specific priorities of this Accession Partnership.

—

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 Council Regulation (EC) No 622/98 of 16 March 1998 on assistance to the applicant States in the framework of the pre-accession strategy, and in particular on the establishment of Accession Partnerships (5).

—

The implementation of the Accession Partnership shall be examined through the framework of the mechanisms established under the Stabilisation and Association Process, notably the annual Reports presented by the Commission.

AIRE-SUR-L'ADOUR

ANGRESSE

ARBOUCAVE

ARTASSENX

ARTHEZ-D'ARMAGNAC

AUBAGNAN

AUDIGNON

BAHUS-SOUBIRAN

BASCONS

BAS-MAUCO

BATS

BÉNESSE-MAREMNE

BENQUET

BETBEZER-D'ARMAGNAC

BIARROTTE

BIAUDOS

BISCARROSSE

BORDÈRES-ET-LAMENSANS

BOSTENS

BOUGUE

BOURDALAT

BRETAGNE-DE-MARSAN

BUANES

CAPBRETON

CASTANDET

CASTELNAU-TURSAN

CAZÈRES-SUR-L'ADOUR

CLASSUN

CLÈDES

COUDURES

CRÉON-D'ARMAGNAC

DUHORT-BACHEN

DUMES

ESCALANS

ESTIGARDE

EUGÉNIE-LES-BAINS

EYRES-MONCUBE

FARGUES

FRÈCHE (LE)

GABARRET

GAILLÈRES

GEAUNE

GRENADE-SUR-L'ADOUR

HAGETMAU

HAUT-MAUCO

HERRÉ

HONTANX

HORSARRIEU

LABASTIDE-CHALOSSE

LABASTIDE-D'ARMAGNAC

LABENNE

LACAJUNTE

LACQUY

LACRABE

LAGLORIEUSE

LAGRANGE

LARRIVIÈRE

LATRILLE

LAURET

LOSSE

LUSSAGNET

MANT

MAURIES

MAURRIN

MAUVEZIN-D'ARMAGNAC

MAZEROLLES

MIRAMONT-SENSACQ

MOMUY

MONGET

MONSÉGUR

MONT-DE-MARSAN

MONTÉGUT

MONTGAILLARD

MONTSOUÉ

MORGANX

ONDRES

ORX

PARLEBOSCQ

PAYROS-CAZAUTETS

PÉCORADE

PERQUIE

PEYRE

PHILONDENX

PIMBO

PORT-DE-LANNE

POUDENX

POUYDESSEAUX

PUJO-LE-PLAN

PUYOL-CAZALET

RENUNG

RIMBEZ-ET-BAUDIETS

SAINT-AGNET

SAINT-ANDRÉ-DE-SEIGNANX

SAINT-BARTHÉLEMY

SAINTE-COLOMBE

SAINT-CRICQ-VILLENEUVE

SAINT-ÉTIENNE-D'ORTHE

SAINTE-FOY

SAINT-GEIN

SAINT-JEAN-DE-MARSACQ

SAINT-JULIEN-D'ARMAGNAC

SAINT-JUSTIN

SAINT-LAURENT-DE-GOSSE

SAINT-LOUBOUER

SAINTE-MARIE-DE-GOSSE

SAINT-MARTIN-DE-HINX

SAINT-MARTIN-DE-SEIGNANX

SAINT-MAURICE-SUR-L'ADOUR

SAINT-PIERRE-DU-MONT

SAINT-SEVER

SAINT-VINCENT-DE-TYROSSE

SAMADET

SANGUINET

SARRAZIET

SARRON

SAUBION

SAUBRIGUES

SERRES-GASTON

SOORTS-HOSSEGOR

SORBETS

TARNOS

URGONS

VIELLE-TURSAN

VIGNAU (LE)

VILLENEUVE-DE-MARSAN

ARTHON-EN-RETZ

ASSÉRAC

AVESSAC

BASSE-GOULAINE

BAULE-ESCOUBLAC (LA)

BATZ-SUR-MER

BERNERIE-EN-RETZ (LA)

BESNÉ

BIGNON (LE)

BLAIN

BOUAYE

BOUÉE

BOUGUENAIS

BOURGNEUF-EN-RETZ

BOUVRON

BRAINS

CAMPBON

CARQUEFOU

CHAPELLE-DES-MARAIS (LA)

CHAPELLE-GLAIN (LA)

CHAPELLE-LAUNAY (LA)

CHAPELLE-SUR-ERDRE (LA)

CHAUVÉ

CHEIX-EN-RETZ

CHÉMÉRÉ