Bulgaria
Bulgaria continues to respect human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Bulgaria is a functioning
market economy and should be able to cope with competitive forces of the single market within the Union in
the near term, provided that it continues with its reform programme to remove remaining difficulties.
The fight against corruption remains high on the political agenda and efforts are continuing to address
the problem. However, corruption remains a significant problem and greater efforts must be made in this
area.
Bulgaria needs to continue to develop sufficient administrative and judicial capacity to comply with EU
law. As well as continuing reform of the public administration, it needs to focus in particular on developing
its ability to be part of the EU internal market and to apply EU law in areas such as agriculture, environment
and regional policy. Continued efforts are required to establish the structures needed to ensure the sound and
efficient management of EU funds.
Reaction from Mr Paparizov, Bulgarian Observer in the PES group:
"The Strategy paper and the regular report on Bulgaria present in an objective manner the progress achieved
by the country. The critical remarks on administrative and judicial capacity are also justified. However, there
is a very substantial omission - there is no commitment on the part of the European Commission to conclude
the negotiations in 2004 with any country that is well prepared to do so. We also would like to see a clearer
commitment for the financial framework to be presented in January 2004 rather than "early next year"."
Cyprus
Cyprus has reached a high level of compliance with EU law in most policy areas.
However, Cyprus must take "immediate and decisive action" to complete preparations for dealing with
EU funds in the field of agriculture and for trade with countries outside the EU.
In the field of transport policy, more efforts must be made to ensure maritime safety.
Concerning the division of Cyprus, the Commission hopes that a political settlement uniting the island
can be found before 1st of May 2004. If such an agreement is not reached, the implementation of European
law will be suspended in the northern Turkish occupied areas of the Republic.
Reaction from the Movement of Social Democrats (Cyprus):
"KS EDEK welcomes the report of the European Committee on Cyprus regarding our efforts for
implementation of the EU law. The report shows Cyprus to be among the most prepared of the new
countries. We are happy to receive the political message of European Committee to Turkey with regard to
her European future and the Cypriot question."
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic was praised by the Commission for the preparations it has made to join the EU.
Nevertheless, the report states that the Czech Republic is still lagging behind in certain areas. Three areas in
particular present serious concerns and require "immediate and decisive action". They are:
hygiene conditions in food processing, especially slaughterhouses
poor application of EU road-transport rules
failure to adopt a law on mutual recognition of university degrees and professional qualifications
Further efforts must also be made in areas such as the judicial system, health-care, pension and budget
reform.
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Reaction from Libor Roucek, Czech Observer in the PES group:
"I think the criticism is quite fair. We will do our best to improve the situation."
Estonia
Some progress has been made in the areas where last year's report suggested improvements, but challenges
remain.
Estonia must take "immediate and decisive action" to address problems in the field of free movement of
persons, particularly mutual recognition of qualifications for certain professions in the healthcare sector.
The Commission also expresses serious concerns in the field of social policy and employment, as regards
labour law and equal treatment of women and men.
Economic performance in Estonia remained solid but the public deficit grew significantly. Tax policy
poses a risk to economic stability, particularly in the light of a widening public deficit.
Active policies are being pursued to address the unemployment problem and progress to-date has been
satisfactory. The restructuring of the oil-shale sector is advancing, but there has been no further
liberalisation of the energy market.
A number of further reforms need to be made to the judicial system, and will partly result from the new
Code of Criminal Procedure, due to enter into force in July 2004. Estonia should continue to improve the
effectiveness of its anti-corruption measures.
According to Foreign Minister Kristiina Ojuland, the positive assessment of Estonia's preparedness for
accession was gratifying. "This evaluation is very important to us, since Member States will form their
opinions of the acceding countries largely based on the Commission's reports," stated Ojuland.
Hungary
Hungary has reached a high degree of compliance with EU law in most policy areas.
However, "immediate and decisive measures" are required of Hungary in several areas, all in the field of
agriculture:
Setting up agencies to deal with EU subsidies
Rural development
Bringing food companies into line with hygiene standards.
Action is also required in the field of company law, (the protection of intellectual and industrial
property), agriculture, (the development of a veterinary control system for livestock), justice and home
affairs, (visa and asylum policy, control of external borders) and regional policy, (ability to absorb European
regional funds).
Reaction from Zita Gurmai, Hungarian Observer in the PES group:
"The report is realistic in showing us that we still have some homework to do. As things do not change
overnight, we have to work hard. We have 6 months to prove that we can close the open questions. I am
proud of the results so far and very optimistic Hungary can do it."
Latvia
The Commission noted that Latvia complies with most EU laws especially in ensuring the free
movement of goods, persons and services.
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However, Latvia must take "immediate and decisive action" in the field of mutual recognition and
training for certain professions and administrative cooperation in the field of Value Added Tax.
Latvia also needs to make greater efforts in other areas in order to complete its preparations for
accession. This particularly applies to areas such as air transport, public health and anti-discrimination laws
in the area of social policy and employment.
Lithuania
In spite of slow economic growth in the EU, overall economic performance in Lithuania remained
particularly strong during 2002. Considerable progress has been achieved in improving administrative and
judicial processes, particularly the legal framework for bankruptcy, but the authorities must proceed to
complete their reform programme without delay.
Lithuania must address two areas of serious concern: free movement of persons, (mutual recognition of
qualifications) and fisheries (inspection and control of resources and fleet management)
Some progress has been made in the areas where last year’s report suggested improvements, but
challenges remain. The problem of high and persistent unemployment is being addressed through active
policies but it is crucial that these initiatives are put into practice. Pension reform has advanced with the
adoption of legislation by parliament, but the current plans fail to address the problem of an impending
social security deficit.
The fight against corruption remains a high priority.
Reaction from Artur Plokšto, Lithuanian Observer in the PES group:
" I am very satisfied with the report as Lithuania is ranked in a very high position compared to the other
countries. At last, it will be possible to work and live in the EU. The two areas where the Commission has
concerns are not a really big problem for Lithuanians as they are of administrative nature and I am confident
they will be solved by next autumn."
Malta
Malta has reached a high level of compliance with EU laws in most policy areas.
However Malta must take "immediate and decisive action" to limit state subsidies, to improve animal
waste treatment procedures and to ensure maritime safety.
Malta also needs to make efforts to meet EU requirements for mutual recognition of professional
qualifications, to organise markets for the sale of products under the Common Agricultural Policy and to
restructure certain areas of the fisheries sector.
Poland
While Poland is praised for having largely established the administrative and legal structures that are
needed to apply EU law, the Commission highlights nine areas of "serious concern". The report stresses that
these nine problem areas must be rectified by "immediate and decisive action" if Poland is to be ready by the
date of accession.
Predictably, agriculture is chief among the Commission's concerns, particularly due to the slow progress
in creating the agencies that will oversee EU payments to farmers. Poland is also criticised for failing to
meet the required standards of hygiene and public health in many veterinary practices and food-production
factories.
Other 'serious concerns' include mutual recognition of qualifications, (notably in the health sector),
fisheries, (problems with inspection and control), and the capacity and efficiency of the judiciary.
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Some 40 other areas are classified as being of less urgent concern, such as inadequate mechanisms to
fight money laundering, drugs, corruption, the regulation of visas and control of the country's external
borders.
Reaction from Sylwia Pusz, Polish Observer in the PES group:
"The Report is not bad for Poland as every report has to include specific areas which must be improved. It is
worth mentioning that that many areas like police, justice system, boarders has been improved since last
report."
Romania
Although Romania has made considerable progress in a number of important areas, it should step up its
efforts in order to make notable progress.
A vigorous and sustained implementation of its economic reform programme is required before
Romania can be considered as a functioning market economy, able to cope with competitive pressure and
market forces within the Union 'in the near term'.
Romania continues to fulfil the political criteria for EU membership. The report however points out that
corruption in Romania continues to be widespread and affects all aspects of society. The measures taken
have not yet had an impact and substantially increased efforts are needed. Improved political governance and
a reliable administration will also attract more foreign investors.
Reacting to the heated debate that has taken place recently over the accession date for Romania,
Commissioner Verheugen clarified the Commission's position by stating that the target would still be 2007
for both Romania and Bulgaria.
Reaction from Victor Bostinaru, International Secretary of the Romanian Party of Social Democrats (PSD):
"The report accurately reflects the current situation in Romania. The Commission notes the progress that we
have achieved, but also the difficulties that we have to overcome. Both the Social Democratic Party and the
Government are committed to a successful conclusion of the negotiations with the EU during the present
European Commission mandate, despite our forthcoming elections."
Slovakia
Slovakia has reached a high level of compliance with EU law in most policy areas.
Reinforced efforts are needed in the following areas: mutual recognition of qualifications, the freedom
to provide non-financial services, the protection of personal data, the organisation of the insurance sector and
services related to the information society, the protection of intellectual and industrial property, the creation
of a veterinary control system, visa and asylum policy, border controls and the fight against corruption.
Slovakia has to take "immediate and decisive action" in four areas in order to meet the requirements
before accession next year. These include competition policy, (the transitional arrangement granted in the
steel sector) and agriculture, (preparations for setting up agency that will deal with EU funds and public
health protection).
Reaction from Monika Benova, Slovakian Observer in the PES group:
"The European Commission´s comprehensive evaluation report on Slovakia´s EU membership preparations
very clearly demonstrates that some progress has been made after last year´s report , but challenges in some
specific areas still remain. Most of the necessary measures still need to be adequately implemented,
especially as regards anti - discrimination law. The fight against corruption should continue to receive high
priority, in particular as regards strict enforcement of existing rules. The SMER party fully supports the
adoption of this legislation which is necessary to accomplish and reinforce the EU integration process.
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Slovenia
Slovenia has reached a very high level of compliance with EU law in almost all sectors.
The only issue of concern where Slovenia must take "immediate and decisive action" is on the general
system of recognition of qualifications and on certain professions in the health sector.
Slovenia needs to make efforts in the protection of personal data, the organisation of the market for milk
and sugar and discrimination in the field of social policy.
Reaction from Feri Horvat, Slovenian observer in the PES Group:
"We accept the Commission's progress report with great satisfaction and we shall do our best to fulfil the
Commission's expectations and recommendations."
Turkey
Turkey is praised for its 'determined efforts and significant progress' in accelerating the pace of reforms
needed in order to comply with the political criteria and economic criteria for EU membership. Four
packages of sensitive political reform have been adopted, introducing major changes to Turkish law.
Nonetheless, the report makes it clear that there are still many areas where Turkey does not meet the
requirements to start negotiations to join the EU. Most significantly, the reforms that have been passed have
not been properly implemented.
This means that practical problems remain, in particular concerning the role of the military, the
efficiency and independence of the judiciary, the overall framework for the exercise of human rights,
(association, expression and religion) and the situation in the Southeast.
In an unprecedented political message, the Commission also stressed that the absence of a settlement on
the Cyprus question could become a serious obstacle to Turkey's EU aspirations.
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