# Official Journal L 20/2007

| | ISSN 1725-2555 |
| --- | --- |
| Official Journal
  of the European Union | L 20 |
| | |
| English edition | Legislation | Volume 5027 January 2007 |

ISSN 1725-2555

Official Journal

of the European Union

L 20

English edition

Legislation

Volume 5027 January 2007

---

| Contents | | I   Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is obligatory | page |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | REGULATIONS |
| | | Commission Regulation (EC) No 72/2007 of 26 January 2007 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables | 1 |
| | | Commission Regulation (EC) No 73/2007 of 26 January 2007 fixing the minimum selling prices for butter for the 24th individual invitation to tender under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 | 3 |
| | | Commission Regulation (EC) No 74/2007 of 26 January 2007 fixing the maximum aid for cream, butter and concentrated butter for the 24th individual invitation to tender under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 | 5 |
| | | Commission Regulation (EC) No 75/2007 of 26 January 2007 fixing the maximum aid for concentrated butter for the 24th individual invitation to tender opened under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 | 7 |
| | | Commission Regulation (EC) No 76/2007 of 26 January 2007 fixing the minimum selling price for butter for the 56th individual invitation to tender issued under the standing invitation to tender referred to in Regulation (EC) No 2771/1999 | 8 |
| | | Commission Regulation (EC) No 77/2007 of 26 January 2007 fixing a percentage for acceptance of contracts concluded for the optional distillation of table wine | 9 |
| | | Commission Regulation (EC) No 78/2007 of 26 January 2007 on the issue of import licences against applications lodged between 1 and 17 January 2007 within the framework of the tariff quota opened pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 327/98 on rice | 10 |
| | | Commission Regulation (EC) No 79/2007 of 26 January 2007 on the issue of import licences against applications lodged from 15 to 19 January 2007 under the tariff quota opened by Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 for rice originating in the ACP States and the overseas countries and territories (OCTs) | 13 |

Contents

I   Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is obligatory

page

REGULATIONS

Commission Regulation (EC) No 72/2007 of 26 January 2007 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

1

Commission Regulation (EC) No 73/2007 of 26 January 2007 fixing the minimum selling prices for butter for the 24th individual invitation to tender under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005

3

Commission Regulation (EC) No 74/2007 of 26 January 2007 fixing the maximum aid for cream, butter and concentrated butter for the 24th individual invitation to tender under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005

5

Commission Regulation (EC) No 75/2007 of 26 January 2007 fixing the maximum aid for concentrated butter for the 24th individual invitation to tender opened under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005

7

Commission Regulation (EC) No 76/2007 of 26 January 2007 fixing the minimum selling price for butter for the 56th individual invitation to tender issued under the standing invitation to tender referred to in Regulation (EC) No 2771/1999

8

Commission Regulation (EC) No 77/2007 of 26 January 2007 fixing a percentage for acceptance of contracts concluded for the optional distillation of table wine

9

Commission Regulation (EC) No 78/2007 of 26 January 2007 on the issue of import licences against applications lodged between 1 and 17 January 2007 within the framework of the tariff quota opened pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 327/98 on rice

10

Commission Regulation (EC) No 79/2007 of 26 January 2007 on the issue of import licences against applications lodged from 15 to 19 January 2007 under the tariff quota opened by Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 for rice originating in the ACP States and the overseas countries and territories (OCTs)

13

| | | II   Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is not obligatory |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | | DECISIONS |
| | | Council |
| | | 2007/49/EC |
| | * | Council Decision of 22 January 2007 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Montenegro | 16 |

II   Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is not obligatory

DECISIONS

Council

2007/49/EC

*

Council Decision of 22 January 2007 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Montenegro

16

| EN | Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.
  The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk. |
| --- | --- |

EN

Acts whose titles are printed in light type are those relating to day-to-day management of agricultural matters, and are generally valid for a limited period.

The titles of all other Acts are printed in bold type and preceded by an asterisk.

---

I Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is obligatory

REGULATIONS

| 27.1.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 20/1 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.1.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 20/1

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COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 72/2007

of 26 January 2007

establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 3223/94 of 21 December 1994 on detailed rules for the application of the import arrangements for fruit and vegetables (1), and in particular Article 4(1) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Regulation (EC) No 3223/94 lays down, pursuant to the outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the standard values for imports from third countries, in respect of the products and periods stipulated in the Annex thereto. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Regulation (EC) No 3223/94 lays down, pursuant to the outcome of the Uruguay Round multilateral trade negotiations, the criteria whereby the Commission fixes the standard values for imports from third countries, in respect of the products and periods stipulated in the Annex thereto.

| (2) | In compliance with the above criteria, the standard import values must be fixed at the levels set out in the Annex to this Regulation, |
| --- | --- |

(2)

In compliance with the above criteria, the standard import values must be fixed at the levels set out in the Annex to this Regulation,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The standard import values referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 3223/94 shall be fixed as indicated in the Annex hereto.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 27 January 2007.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 26 January 2007.

For the Commission

Jean-Luc DEMARTY

Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

---

(1)  
  OJ L 337, 24.12.1994, p. 66. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 386/2005 (OJ L 62, 9.3.2005, p. 3).

1

---

ANNEX

to Commission Regulation of 26 January 2007 establishing the standard import values for determining the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables

| (EUR/100 kg) |
| --- |
| CN code | Third country code (1) | Standard import value |
| 0702 00 00 | MA | 65,0 |
| TN | 148,3 |
| TR | 152,1 |
| ZZ | 121,8 |
| 0707 00 05 | MA | 54,2 |
| TR | 148,8 |
| ZZ | 101,5 |
| 0709 90 70 | MA | 76,7 |
| TR | 131,5 |
| ZZ | 104,1 |
| 0709 90 80 | EG | 29,6 |
| ZZ | 29,6 |
| 0805 10 20 | EG | 48,2 |
| IL | 55,4 |
| MA | 50,9 |
| TN | 48,3 |
| TR | 67,9 |
| ZZ | 54,1 |
| 0805 20 10 | MA | 76,1 |
| TR | 21,5 |
| ZZ | 48,8 |
| 0805 20 30 , 0805 20 50 , 0805 20 70 , 0805 20 90 | EG | 88,0 |
| IL | 64,5 |
| MA | 59,7 |
| TR | 64,5 |
| ZZ | 69,2 |
| 0805 50 10 | EG | 53,9 |
| TR | 47,3 |
| ZZ | 50,6 |
| 0808 10 80 | CA | 126,6 |
| CN | 85,7 |
| TR | 99,7 |
| US | 123,9 |
| ZZ | 109,0 |
| 0808 20 50 | US | 100,1 |
| ZA | 92,0 |
| ZZ | 96,1 |

(EUR/100 kg)

CN code

Third country code (1)

Standard import value

0702 00 00

MA

65,0

TN

148,3

TR

152,1

ZZ

121,8

0707 00 05

MA

54,2

TR

148,8

ZZ

101,5

0709 90 70

MA

76,7

TR

131,5

ZZ

104,1

0709 90 80

EG

29,6

ZZ

29,6

0805 10 20

EG

48,2

IL

55,4

MA

50,9

TN

48,3

TR

67,9

ZZ

54,1

0805 20 10

MA

76,1

TR

21,5

ZZ

48,8

0805 20 30 , 0805 20 50 , 0805 20 70 , 0805 20 90

EG

88,0

IL

64,5

MA

59,7

TR

64,5

ZZ

69,2

0805 50 10

EG

53,9

TR

47,3

ZZ

50,6

0808 10 80

CA

126,6

CN

85,7

TR

99,7

US

123,9

ZZ

109,0

0808 20 50

US

100,1

ZA

92,0

ZZ

96,1

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(1)  Country nomenclature as fixed by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1833/2006 (OJ L 354, 14.12.2006, p. 19). Code ‘
  ZZ
  ’ stands for ‘of other origin’.

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| 27.1.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 20/3 |
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27.1.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 20/3

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COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 73/2007

of 26 January 2007

fixing the minimum selling prices for butter for the 24th individual invitation to tender under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/1999 of 17 May 1999 on the common organisation of the market in milk and milk products (1), and in particular Article 10 thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 of 9 November 2005 laying down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/1999 as regards measures for the disposal of cream, butter and concentrated butter on the Community market (2), the intervention agencies may sell by standing invitation to tender certain quantities of butter from intervention stocks that they hold and may grant aid for cream, butter and concentrated butter. Article 25 of that Regulation lays down that in the light of the tenders received in response to each individual invitation to tender a minimum selling price shall be fixed for butter and maximum aid shall be fixed for cream, butter and concentrated butter. It is further laid down that the price or aid may vary according to the intended use of the butter, its fat content and the incorporation procedure. The amount of the processing security as referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 should be fixed accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 of 9 November 2005 laying down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/1999 as regards measures for the disposal of cream, butter and concentrated butter on the Community market (2), the intervention agencies may sell by standing invitation to tender certain quantities of butter from intervention stocks that they hold and may grant aid for cream, butter and concentrated butter. Article 25 of that Regulation lays down that in the light of the tenders received in response to each individual invitation to tender a minimum selling price shall be fixed for butter and maximum aid shall be fixed for cream, butter and concentrated butter. It is further laid down that the price or aid may vary according to the intended use of the butter, its fat content and the incorporation procedure. The amount of the processing security as referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 should be fixed accordingly.

| (2) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Milk and Milk Products, |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Milk and Milk Products,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

For the 24th individual invitation to tender under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 the minimum selling prices for butter from intervention stocks and the amount of the processing security, as referred to in Articles 25 and 28 of that Regulation respectively, are fixed as set out in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 27 January 2007.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 26 January 2007.

For the Commission

Jean-Luc DEMARTY

Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

---

(1)  
  OJ L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 48. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1913/2005 (OJ L 307, 25.11.2005, p. 2).

1

(2)  
  OJ L 308, 25.11.2005, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2107/2005 (OJ L 337, 22.12.2005, p. 20).

2

---

ANNEX

Minimum selling prices for butter and processing security for the 24th individual invitation to tender under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005

| (EUR/100 kg) |
| --- |
| Formula | A | B |
| Incorporation procedure | With tracers | Without tracers | With tracers | Without tracers |
| Minimum selling price | Butter ≥ 82 % | Unaltered | — | 213,7 | — | — |
| Concentrated | 206,1 | — | — | — |
| Processing security | Unaltered | — | 45 | — | — |
| Concentrated | 45 | — | — | — |

(EUR/100 kg)

Formula

A

B

Incorporation procedure

With tracers

Without tracers

With tracers

Without tracers

Minimum selling price

Butter ≥ 82 %

Unaltered

—

213,7

—

—

Concentrated

206,1

—

—

—

Processing security

Unaltered

—

45

—

—

Concentrated

45

—

—

—

---

| 27.1.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 20/5 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.1.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 20/5

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COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 74/2007

of 26 January 2007

fixing the maximum aid for cream, butter and concentrated butter for the 24th individual invitation to tender under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/1999 of 17 May 1999 on the common organisation of the market in milk and milk products (1), and in particular Article 10 thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 of 9 November 2005 laying down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/99 as regards measures for the disposal of cream, butter and concentrated butter on the Community market (2), the intervention agencies may sell by standing invitation to tender certain quantities of butter of intervention stocks that they hold and may grant aid for cream, butter and concentrated butter. Article 25 of that Regulation lays down that in the light of the tenders received in response to each individual invitation to tender a minimum selling price shall be fixed for butter and maximum aid shall be fixed for cream, butter and concentrated butter. It is further laid down that the price or aid may vary according to the intended use of the butter, its fat content and the incorporation procedure. The amount of the processing security as referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 should be fixed accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 of 9 November 2005 laying down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/99 as regards measures for the disposal of cream, butter and concentrated butter on the Community market (2), the intervention agencies may sell by standing invitation to tender certain quantities of butter of intervention stocks that they hold and may grant aid for cream, butter and concentrated butter. Article 25 of that Regulation lays down that in the light of the tenders received in response to each individual invitation to tender a minimum selling price shall be fixed for butter and maximum aid shall be fixed for cream, butter and concentrated butter. It is further laid down that the price or aid may vary according to the intended use of the butter, its fat content and the incorporation procedure. The amount of the processing security as referred to in Article 28 of Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 should be fixed accordingly.

| (2) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Milk and Milk Products, |
| --- | --- |

(2)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Milk and Milk Products,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

For the 24th individual invitation to tender under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 the amount of the maximum aid for cream, butter and concentrated butter and the amount the processing security, as referred to in Articles 25 and 28 of that Regulation respectively, are fixed as set out in the Annex to this Regulation.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 27 January 2007.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 26 January 2007.

For the Commission

Jean-Luc DEMARTY

Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

---

(1)  
  OJ L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 48. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1913/2005 (OJ L 307, 25.11.2005, p. 2).

1

(2)  
  OJ L 308, 25.11.2005, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2107/2005 (OJ L 337, 22.12.2005, p. 20).

2

---

ANNEX

Maximum aid for cream, butter and concentrated butter and processing security for the 24th individual invitation to tender under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005

| (EUR/100 kg) |
| --- |
| Formula | A | B |
| Incorporation procedure | With tracers | Without tracers | With tracers | Without tracers |
| Maximum aid | Butter ≥ 82 % | 17,5 | 14 | — | 14 |
| Butter < 82 % | — | 13,65 | — | — |
| Concentrated butter | 20 | 16,5 | 20 | 16,5 |
| Cream | — | — | 9 | 6 |
| Processing security | Butter | 19 | — | — | — |
| Concentrated butter | 22 | — | 22 | — |
| Cream | — | — | 10 | — |

(EUR/100 kg)

Formula

A

B

Incorporation procedure

With tracers

Without tracers

With tracers

Without tracers

Maximum aid

Butter ≥ 82 %

17,5

14

—

14

Butter < 82 %

—

13,65

—

—

Concentrated butter

20

16,5

20

16,5

Cream

—

—

9

6

Processing security

Butter

19

—

—

—

Concentrated butter

22

—

22

—

Cream

—

—

10

—

---

| 27.1.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 20/7 |
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27.1.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 20/7

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COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 75/2007

of 26 January 2007

fixing the maximum aid for concentrated butter for the 24th individual invitation to tender opened under the standing invitation to tender provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/1999 of 17 May 1999 on the common organisation of the market in milk and milk products (1), and in particular Article 10 thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | In accordance with Article 47 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 of 9 November 2005 laying down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/1999 as regards measures for the disposal of cream, butter and concentrated butter on the Community market (2), the intervention agencies are opening a standing invitation to tender for the granting of aid for concentrated butter. Article 54 of that Regulation provides that in the light of the tenders received in response to each special invitation to tender, a maximum amount of aid is to be fixed for concentrated butter with a minimum fat content of 96 %. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

In accordance with Article 47 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 of 9 November 2005 laying down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/1999 as regards measures for the disposal of cream, butter and concentrated butter on the Community market (2), the intervention agencies are opening a standing invitation to tender for the granting of aid for concentrated butter. Article 54 of that Regulation provides that in the light of the tenders received in response to each special invitation to tender, a maximum amount of aid is to be fixed for concentrated butter with a minimum fat content of 96 %.

| (2) | An end-use security provided for in Article 53(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 is to be lodged to ensure the taking over of the concentrated butter by the retail trade. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

An end-use security provided for in Article 53(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 is to be lodged to ensure the taking over of the concentrated butter by the retail trade.

| (3) | In the light of the tenders received, the maximum aid should be fixed at the appropriate level and the end-use security should be determined accordingly. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In the light of the tenders received, the maximum aid should be fixed at the appropriate level and the end-use security should be determined accordingly.

| (4) | The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Milk and Milk Products, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Milk and Milk Products,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

For the 24th individual tender under the standing invitation to tender opened in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 the maximum amount of the aid for concentrated butter with a minimum fat content of 96 %, as referred to in Article 47(1) of that Regulation, is fixed at 19,27 EUR/100 kg,

The end-use security provided for in Article 53(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1898/2005 is fixed at 21 EUR/100 kg.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 27 January 2007.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 26 January 2007.

For the Commission

Jean-Luc DEMARTY

Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

---

(1)  
  OJ L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 48. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1913/2005 (OJ L 307, 25.11.2005, p. 2).

1

(2)  
  OJ L 308, 25.11.2005, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2107/2005 (OJ L 337, 22.12.2005, p. 20).

2

---

| 27.1.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 20/8 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.1.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 20/8

---

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 76/2007

of 26 January 2007

fixing the minimum selling price for butter for the 56th individual invitation to tender issued under the standing invitation to tender referred to in Regulation (EC) No 2771/1999

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/1999 of 17 May 1999 on the common organisation of the market in milk and milk products (1), and in particular Article 10(c) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Pursuant to Article 21 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 2771/1999 of 16 December 1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/1999 as regards intervention on the market in butter and cream (2), intervention agencies have put up for sale by standing invitation to tender certain quantities of butter held by them. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Pursuant to Article 21 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 2771/1999 of 16 December 1999 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/1999 as regards intervention on the market in butter and cream (2), intervention agencies have put up for sale by standing invitation to tender certain quantities of butter held by them.

| (2) | In the light of the tenders received in response to each individual invitation to tender a minimum selling price shall be fixed or a decision shall be taken to make no award, in accordance with Article 24a of Regulation (EC) No 2771/1999. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

In the light of the tenders received in response to each individual invitation to tender a minimum selling price shall be fixed or a decision shall be taken to make no award, in accordance with Article 24a of Regulation (EC) No 2771/1999.

| (3) | In the light of the tenders received, a minimum selling price should be fixed. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

In the light of the tenders received, a minimum selling price should be fixed.

| (4) | The Management Committee for Milk and Milk Products has not delivered an opinion within the time limit set by its chairman, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Management Committee for Milk and Milk Products has not delivered an opinion within the time limit set by its chairman,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

For the 56th individual invitation to tender pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 2771/1999, in respect of which the time limit for the submission of tenders expired on 23 January 2007, the minimum selling price for butter is fixed at 237,00 EUR/100 kg.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on 27 January 2007.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 26 January 2007.

For the Commission

Jean-Luc DEMARTY

Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

---

(1)  
  OJ L 160, 26.6.1999, p. 48. Regulation as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 1913/2005 (OJ L 307, 25.11.2005, p. 2).

1

(2)  
  OJ L 333, 24.12.1999, p. 11. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1802/2005 (OJ L 290, 4.11.2005, p. 3).

2

---

| 27.1.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 20/9 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.1.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 20/9

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COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 77/2007

of 26 January 2007

fixing a percentage for acceptance of contracts concluded for the optional distillation of table wine

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1623/2000 of 25 July 2000 laying down detailed rules for implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 on the common organisation of the market in wine with regard to market mechanisms (1), and in particular Article 63a(5) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Article 63a of Regulation (EC) No 1623/2000 lays down the detailed rules for applying the arrangements for distilling wine as referred to in Article 29 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 (2). This is optional, subsidised distillation intended to support the wine market and help ensure an uninterrupted supply to the potable alcohol sector. To that end, contracts are concluded between wine producers and distillers. These contracts were notified to the Commission by the Member States up to 15 January 2007. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Article 63a of Regulation (EC) No 1623/2000 lays down the detailed rules for applying the arrangements for distilling wine as referred to in Article 29 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1493/1999 (2). This is optional, subsidised distillation intended to support the wine market and help ensure an uninterrupted supply to the potable alcohol sector. To that end, contracts are concluded between wine producers and distillers. These contracts were notified to the Commission by the Member States up to 15 January 2007.

| (2) | For the 2006/07 wine year, distillation was opened in the period 1 October to 23 December. The quantities of wine covered by distillation contracts notified to the Commission by the Member States exceed the limits imposed by available budget resources and the absorption capacity of the potable alcohol sector. A single percentage should therefore be fixed for acceptance of the quantities notified for distillation. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

For the 2006/07 wine year, distillation was opened in the period 1 October to 23 December. The quantities of wine covered by distillation contracts notified to the Commission by the Member States exceed the limits imposed by available budget resources and the absorption capacity of the potable alcohol sector. A single percentage should therefore be fixed for acceptance of the quantities notified for distillation.

| (3) | Pursuant to the first subparagraph of Article 63a(6) of Regulation (EC) No 1623/2000, the Member States are to approve distillation contracts within a period beginning on 30 January. This Regulation should therefore enter into force immediately, |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Pursuant to the first subparagraph of Article 63a(6) of Regulation (EC) No 1623/2000, the Member States are to approve distillation contracts within a period beginning on 30 January. This Regulation should therefore enter into force immediately,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The quantities of wine for which contracts were concluded and notified to the Commission under Article 63a(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1623/2000 up to 15 January 2007 shall be accepted up to 86,99 %.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 26 January 2007.

For the Commission

Jean-Luc DEMARTY

Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

---

(1)  
  OJ L 194, 31.7.2000, p. 45. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2016/2006 (OJ L 384, 29.12.2006, p. 38).

1

(2)  
  OJ L 179, 14.7.1999, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1791/2006 (OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, p. 1).

2

---

| 27.1.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 20/10 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.1.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 20/10

---

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 78/2007

of 26 January 2007

on the issue of import licences against applications lodged between 1 and 17 January 2007 within the framework of the tariff quota opened pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 327/98 on rice

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1785/2003 of 29 September 2003 on the common organisation of the markets in rice (1),

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1301/2006 of 31 August 2006 laying down common rules for the administration of import tariff quotas for agricultural products managed by a system of import licences (2), and in particular Article 7(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Commission Regulation (EC) No 327/98 (3) opened and provided for the administration of certain import tariff quotas for rice and broken rice, broken down by country of origin and split into several sub-periods in accordance with Annex IX of the Regulation. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 327/98 (3) opened and provided for the administration of certain import tariff quotas for rice and broken rice, broken down by country of origin and split into several sub-periods in accordance with Annex IX of the Regulation.

| (2) | January is the first sub-period for the quotas provided for in points (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Article 1(1) of Regulation (EC) No 327/98. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

January is the first sub-period for the quotas provided for in points (a), (b), (c) and (d) of Article 1(1) of Regulation (EC) No 327/98.

| (3) | It follows from the communications received under Article 8(a) of Regulation (EC) No 327/98 that in the case of quotas bearing serial numbers 09.4148, 09.4154, 09.4112, 09.4117, 09.4118, 09.4119 and 09.4166 applications lodged between 1 and 17 January 2007 in accordance with Article 4(1) of the Regulation relate to a quantity exceeding that available. The extent to which import licences may be issued should therefore be determined and the allocation coefficient laid down to be applied to the quantities applied for. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

It follows from the communications received under Article 8(a) of Regulation (EC) No 327/98 that in the case of quotas bearing serial numbers 09.4148, 09.4154, 09.4112, 09.4117, 09.4118, 09.4119 and 09.4166 applications lodged between 1 and 17 January 2007 in accordance with Article 4(1) of the Regulation relate to a quantity exceeding that available. The extent to which import licences may be issued should therefore be determined and the allocation coefficient laid down to be applied to the quantities applied for.

| (4) | The total available quantities for the following sub-period should also be fixed, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The total available quantities for the following sub-period should also be fixed,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

1.   Applications for an import licence for rice covered by quotas bearing serial numbers 09.4127, 09.4128, 09.4148, 09.4149, 09.4150, 09.4152, 09.4153, 09.4154, 09.4112, 09.4116, 09.4117, 09.4118, 09.4119 and 09.4166 specified in Regulation (EC) No 327/98 and lodged between 1 and 17 January 2007 shall be issued certificates for the quantities applied for subject to coefficients set out in the Annex to this Regulation.

2.   The total available quantities for the following sub-period are set out in the Annex.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 26 January 2007.

For the Commission

Jean-Luc DEMARTY

Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

---

(1)  
  OJ L 270, 21.10.2003, p. 96. Regulation as amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 797/2006 (OJ L 144, 31.5.2006, p. 1).

1

(2)  
  OJ L 238, 1.9.2006, p. 13.

2

(3)  
  OJ L 37, 11.2.1998, p. 5. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2019/2006 (OJ L 384, 29.12.2006, p. 48).

3

---

ANNEX

Allocation coefficients to be applied to quantities applied for in respect of the January 2007 sub-period, quantities carried over to the following sub-period and total available quantities for the following sub-period:

| (a) | Quota of wholly milled or semi-milled rice falling within CN code 1006 30 provided for in Article 1(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 327/98:








  Origin | Serial number | Allocation coefficient for the January 2007 sub-period | Total quantities available for the April 2007 sub-period
  (t) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| United States of America | 09.4127 | 100  % | 28 107,000 |
| Thailand | 09.4128 | 100  % | 9 219,519 |
| Australia | 09.4129 | — | 1 019,000 |
| Other origins | 09.4130 | — | 1 805,000 |
| ‘—’ | : | no allocation coefficient for this sub-period. |

(a)

Quota of wholly milled or semi-milled rice falling within CN code 1006 30 provided for in Article 1(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 327/98:

Origin

Serial number

Allocation coefficient for the January 2007 sub-period

Total quantities available for the April 2007 sub-period

(t)

United States of America

09.4127

100  %

28 107,000

Thailand

09.4128

100  %

9 219,519

Australia

09.4129

—

1 019,000

Other origins

09.4130

—

1 805,000

‘—’

:

no allocation coefficient for this sub-period.

| (b) | Quota for husked rice falling within CN code 1006 20 provided for in Article 1(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 327/98:








  Origin | Serial number | Allocation coefficient for the January 2007 sub-period | Total quantities available for the July 2007 sub-period
  (t) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| All countries | 09.4148 | 8,206106  % | — |
| ‘—’ | : | no quota for this sub-period. |

(b)

Quota for husked rice falling within CN code 1006 20 provided for in Article 1(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 327/98:

Origin

Serial number

Allocation coefficient for the January 2007 sub-period

Total quantities available for the July 2007 sub-period

(t)

All countries

09.4148

8,206106  %

—

‘—’

:

no quota for this sub-period.

| (c) | Quota for broken rice falling within CN code 1006 40 00 provided for in Article 1(1)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 327/98:








  Origin | Serial number | Allocation coefficient for the January 2007 sub-period | Total quantities available for the July 2007 sub-period
  (t) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Thailand | 09.4149 | 100  % | 41 517,399 |
| Australia | 09.4150 | 0  % | 16 000,000 |
| Guyana | 09.4152 | 0  % | 11 000,000 |
| United States of America | 09.4153 | 100  % | 8 600,000 |
| Other origins | 09.4154 | 1,810418  % | 6 000,000 |

(c)

Quota for broken rice falling within CN code 1006 40 00 provided for in Article 1(1)(c) of Regulation (EC) No 327/98:

Origin

Serial number

Allocation coefficient for the January 2007 sub-period

Total quantities available for the July 2007 sub-period

(t)

Thailand

09.4149

100  %

41 517,399

Australia

09.4150

0  %

16 000,000

Guyana

09.4152

0  %

11 000,000

United States of America

09.4153

100  %

8 600,000

Other origins

09.4154

1,810418  %

6 000,000

| (d) | Quota of wholly milled or semi-milled rice falling within CN code 1006 30 provided for in Article 1(1)(d) of Regulation (EC) No 327/98:








  Origin | Serial number | Allocation coefficient for the January 2007 sub-period | Total quantities available for the July 2007 sub-period
  (t) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Thailand | 09.4112 | 1,537475  % | — |
| United States of America | 09.4116 | 100  % | 2 107,000 |
| India | 09.4117 | 1,41304  % | — |
| Pakistan | 09.4118 | 1,444223  % | — |
| Other origins | 09.4119 | 1,515957  % | — |
| All countries | 09.4166 | 1,264717  % | 17 011,000 |
| ‘—’ | : | no quota for this sub-period. |

(d)

Quota of wholly milled or semi-milled rice falling within CN code 1006 30 provided for in Article 1(1)(d) of Regulation (EC) No 327/98:

Origin

Serial number

Allocation coefficient for the January 2007 sub-period

Total quantities available for the July 2007 sub-period

(t)

Thailand

09.4112

1,537475  %

—

United States of America

09.4116

100  %

2 107,000

India

09.4117

1,41304  %

—

Pakistan

09.4118

1,444223  %

—

Other origins

09.4119

1,515957  %

—

All countries

09.4166

1,264717  %

17 011,000

‘—’

:

no quota for this sub-period.

---

| 27.1.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 20/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.1.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 20/13

---

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 79/2007

of 26 January 2007

on the issue of import licences against applications lodged from 15 to 19 January 2007 under the tariff quota opened by Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 for rice originating in the ACP States and the overseas countries and territories (OCTs)

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1785/2003 of 29 September 2003 on the common organisation of the market in rice (1)

Having regard to Commission Regulation (EC) 1301/2006 of 31 August 2006 laying down common rules for the administration of import tariff quotas for agricultural products managed by a system of import licences (2) and in particular Article 7(2) thereof,

Whereas:

| (1) | Commission Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 (3) opens an annual overall tariff quota for the import of 160 000 tonnes of rice, in husked-rice equivalent, comprising 125 000 tonnes originating in the ACP States (serial number 09.4187), 25 000 tonnes originating in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba (serial number 09.4189) and 10 000 tonnes originating in the least developed OCTs (serial number 09.4190), and an annual tariff quota of 20 000 tonnes of broken rice (serial number 09.4188). |
| --- | --- |

(1)

Commission Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 (3) opens an annual overall tariff quota for the import of 160 000 tonnes of rice, in husked-rice equivalent, comprising 125 000 tonnes originating in the ACP States (serial number 09.4187), 25 000 tonnes originating in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba (serial number 09.4189) and 10 000 tonnes originating in the least developed OCTs (serial number 09.4190), and an annual tariff quota of 20 000 tonnes of broken rice (serial number 09.4188).

| (2) | For the quota with serial number 09.4187, Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 sets the quantity available for the sub-period January at 41 668 tonnes. For the quota with serial number 09.4188, Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 sets the quantity available for the sub-period January at 10 000 tonnes. For the quota with serial number 09.4189, Article 9(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 sets the quantity available for the sub-period January at 8 334 tonnes. For the quota with serial number 09.4190, Article 9(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 sets the quantity available for the sub-period January at 3 334 tonnes. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

For the quota with serial number 09.4187, Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 sets the quantity available for the sub-period January at 41 668 tonnes. For the quota with serial number 09.4188, Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 sets the quantity available for the sub-period January at 10 000 tonnes. For the quota with serial number 09.4189, Article 9(1)(a) of Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 sets the quantity available for the sub-period January at 8 334 tonnes. For the quota with serial number 09.4190, Article 9(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 sets the quantity available for the sub-period January at 3 334 tonnes.

| (3) | The information provided in accordance with Article 17(a) of Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 shows that, in the case of the quota with serial number 09.4187, applications lodged from 15 to 19 January 2007 in accordance with Article 13 of that Regulation cover a quantity in husked-rice equivalent greater than the quantity available. As a result, the extent to which import licences may be issued should be determined by laying down the award coefficient to be applied to the quantities applied for. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

The information provided in accordance with Article 17(a) of Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 shows that, in the case of the quota with serial number 09.4187, applications lodged from 15 to 19 January 2007 in accordance with Article 13 of that Regulation cover a quantity in husked-rice equivalent greater than the quantity available. As a result, the extent to which import licences may be issued should be determined by laying down the award coefficient to be applied to the quantities applied for.

| (4) | In the case of the quotas with serial numbers 09.4188, 09.4189 and 09.4190, the quantities carried over to the next sub-period and the total quantities available for each quota should also be laid down, |
| --- | --- |

(4)

In the case of the quotas with serial numbers 09.4188, 09.4189 and 09.4190, the quantities carried over to the next sub-period and the total quantities available for each quota should also be laid down,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

1.   For import licence applications for rice originating in the ACP States/OCTs covered by quota serial numbers 09.4187, 09.4188, 09.4189 and 09.4190 as referred to in Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006 lodged from 15 to 19 January 2007, licences shall be issued for the quantities applied for, multiplied by the award coefficients set out in the Annex to this Regulation.

2.   The quantities available for the sub-period January 2007 to be carried over to the next sub-period and the total quantities available for the sub-period May 2007 shall be as set out in the Annex.

Article 2

This Regulation shall enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 26 January 2007.

For the Commission

Jean-Luc DEMARTY

Director-General for Agriculture and Rural Development

---

(1)  
  OJ L 270, 21.10.2003, p. 96. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 797/2006 (OJ L 144, 31.5.2006, p. 1).

1

(2)  
  OJ L 238, 1.9.2006, p. 13.

2

(3)  
  OJ L 384, 29.12.2006, p. 61.

3

---

ANNEX

Award coefficients to be applied to quantities applied for under the sub-period January 2007 and quantities carried over to the next sub-period

| Origin/product | Quota or serial No | Award coefficient | Quantity carried over to the sub-period May 2007
  (t) | Total quantities available for the sub-period May 2007
  (t) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ACP States (Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006)






  — | CN codes 1006 10 21 to 1006 10 98 , 1006 20 and1006 30 |

Origin/product

Quota or serial No

Award coefficient

Quantity carried over to the sub-period May 2007

(t)

Total quantities available for the sub-period May 2007

(t)

ACP States (Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006)

—

CN codes 1006 10 21 to 1006 10 98 , 1006 20 and1006 30

09.4187

64,522364  %

—

41 666

ACP States (Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006)

| — | CN code 1006 40 00 |
| --- | --- |

—

CN code 1006 40 00

09.4188

100  %

4 902

14 902

OCTs (Article 8 and Article 9(1)(a) and (b) of Regulation (EC) No 2021/2006)

| — | CN code 1006 |
| --- | --- |

—

CN code 1006

| (a) | Netherlands Antilles and Aruba |
| --- | --- |

(a)

Netherlands Antilles and Aruba

09.4189

100  %

1,001

8 334,001

| (b) | least developed OCTs |
| --- | --- |

(b)

least developed OCTs

09.4190

0  %

3 334

6 667

---

II Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is not obligatory

DECISIONS

Council

| 27.1.2007 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | L 20/16 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

27.1.2007

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

L 20/16

---

COUNCIL DECISION

of 22 January 2007

on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Montenegro

(2007/49/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 of 22 March 2004 on the establishment of partnerships in the framework of the stabilisation and association process (1), and in particular Article 2 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

| (1) | The Thessaloniki European Council of 19 and 20 June 2003 endorsed the introduction of the European Partnerships as a means to support the European perspective of the western Balkan countries. |
| --- | --- |

(1)

The Thessaloniki European Council of 19 and 20 June 2003 endorsed the introduction of the European Partnerships as a means to support the European perspective of the western Balkan countries.

| (2) | Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 provides that the Council is to decide on the principles, priorities and conditions to be contained in the European Partnerships, as well as any subsequent adjustments. |
| --- | --- |

(2)

Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 provides that the Council is to decide on the principles, priorities and conditions to be contained in the European Partnerships, as well as any subsequent adjustments.

| (3) | Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 states that the follow-up to the European Partnerships is ensured through the mechanisms established under the stabilisation and association process, notably by the annual progress reports. |
| --- | --- |

(3)

Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 states that the follow-up to the European Partnerships is ensured through the mechanisms established under the stabilisation and association process, notably by the annual progress reports.

| (4) | The Council adopted on 14 June 2004 a first European Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo as defined by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (2). The Council decided on 30 January 2006 to update that European Partnership (3). |
| --- | --- |

(4)

The Council adopted on 14 June 2004 a first European Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo as defined by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (2). The Council decided on 30 January 2006 to update that European Partnership (3).

| (5) | Montenegro proclaimed its independence on 3 June 2006 following a referendum which was held on 21 May 2006. |
| --- | --- |

(5)

Montenegro proclaimed its independence on 3 June 2006 following a referendum which was held on 21 May 2006.

| (6) | At the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 12 June 2006, the European Union and its Member States decided that they will develop their further relations with the Republic of Montenegro as a sovereign, independent State. |
| --- | --- |

(6)

At the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 12 June 2006, the European Union and its Member States decided that they will develop their further relations with the Republic of Montenegro as a sovereign, independent State.

| (7) | Therefore, it is appropriate to establish a new European Partnership with Montenegro on the basis of the part referring to Montenegro of the European Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro adopted on January 2006, updated in view of the findings of the 2006 progress report, and supplemented with priorities addressing the challenges that Montenegro faces as an independent state. |
| --- | --- |

(7)

Therefore, it is appropriate to establish a new European Partnership with Montenegro on the basis of the part referring to Montenegro of the European Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro adopted on January 2006, updated in view of the findings of the 2006 progress report, and supplemented with priorities addressing the challenges that Montenegro faces as an independent state.

| (8) | In order to prepare for further integration with the European Union, the competent authorities of Montenegro should develop a plan with a timetable and specific measures to address the priorities of this European Partnership, |
| --- | --- |

(8)

In order to prepare for further integration with the European Union, the competent authorities of Montenegro should develop a plan with a timetable and specific measures to address the priorities of this European Partnership,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

In accordance with Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No 533/2004, the principles, priorities and conditions in the European Partnership with Montenegro are set out in the Annex hereto, which forms an integral part of this Decision, and which shall replace, for Montenegro, the Annex to Decision 2006/56/EC.

Article 2

The implementation of the European Partnership with Montenegro shall be examined through the mechanisms established under the stabilisation and association process, notably the annual progress reports presented by the Commission.

Article 3

This Decision shall take effect on the third day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Done at Brussels, 22 January 2007.

For the Council

The President

F.-W. STEINMEIER

---

(1)  
  OJ L 86, 24.3.2004, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 269/2006 (OJ L 47, 17.2.2006, p. 7).

1

(2)  Council Decision 2004/520/EC of 14 June 2004 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo as defined by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999 (OJ L 227, 26.6.2004, p. 21).

2

(3)  Council Decision 2006/56/EC of 30 January 2006 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo as defined by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999 and repealing Decision 2004/520/EC (OJ L 35, 7.2.2006, p. 32).

3

---

ANNEX

MONTENEGRO: 2006 EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP

1.   INTRODUCTION

The European Council endorsed the introduction of European Partnerships as a means to support the European perspective of the western Balkan countries.

On 30 January 2006 the Council of the European Union adopted a European Partnership for Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo as defined by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999. Montenegro proclaimed its independence on 3 June 2006 following a referendum held on 21 May. That was followed by recognition by the EU and its Member States. Therefore, it is appropriate to adopt an updated European Partnership only for Montenegro. This updated Partnership is based on the parts related to Montenegro of the previous European Partnership for Serbia and Montenegro (including Kosovo). It adds elements reflecting the new competences of Montenegro and the challenges it faces as an independent state.

The competent authorities in Montenegro should develop a plan including a timetable and specific measures to address the European Partnership priorities.

2.   PRINCIPLES

The Stabilisation and Association Process remains the framework for the European course of the western Balkan countries, all the way to their future accession.

The main priorities identified relate to the capacity of Montenegro to meet the criteria defined by the Copenhagen European Council of 1993 and the conditions set for the Stabilisation and Association Process, notably the conditions defined by the Council in its Conclusions of 29 April 1997 and 21 and 22 June 1999, the content of the final declaration of the Zagreb Summit of 24 November 2000 and the Thessaloniki Agenda.

3.   PRIORITIES

The priorities listed in this European Partnership have been selected on the basis that it is realistic to expect that Montenegro can complete them or make substantial progress on them over the next few years. A distinction is made between short-term priorities, which are expected to be accomplished within one to two years, and medium-term priorities, which are expected to be accomplished within three to four years. The priorities concern both legislation and its implementation.

Taking into account the substantial costs involved with meeting all the EU requirements as well as the complexity of these requirements in certain areas, this Partnership does not include all important tasks at this stage. Future partnerships will include further priorities in line with progress made by Montenegro.

Among the short-term priorities, the key ones have been identified and grouped together at the beginning of the list. The order of these key priorities does not imply ranking as to their importance.

3.1.   SHORT-TERM PRIORITIES

Key priorities

| — | Adopt a new constitution, based on broad consensus, in line with European standards, in particular in the areas of human and minority rights, organisation of the judiciary, audit, defence and security structures. |
| --- | --- |

—

Adopt a new constitution, based on broad consensus, in line with European standards, in particular in the areas of human and minority rights, organisation of the judiciary, audit, defence and security structures.

| — | Complete the establishment of the legal and institutional set-up required for an independent country including the signature and ratification of the international instruments to which the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro had adhered. |
| --- | --- |

—

Complete the establishment of the legal and institutional set-up required for an independent country including the signature and ratification of the international instruments to which the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro had adhered.

| — | Continue efforts to implement the reform of the public administration, including the civil service pay system, to ensure transparent recruitment, professionalism and accountability; continue, in particular, to strengthen the European integration structures at all levels (including in the relevant ministries and in the parliament) and the mechanisms of coordination on EU matters. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue efforts to implement the reform of the public administration, including the civil service pay system, to ensure transparent recruitment, professionalism and accountability; continue, in particular, to strengthen the European integration structures at all levels (including in the relevant ministries and in the parliament) and the mechanisms of coordination on EU matters.

| — | Finalise plans to reform the judicial system; remove recruitment and career management from the parliament's powers and establish transparent procedures based on professional and objective criteria for selection and career advancement; rationalise the court system and modernise proceedings and improve administration; provide adequate and sustainable financing for the judicial system. |
| --- | --- |

—

Finalise plans to reform the judicial system; remove recruitment and career management from the parliament's powers and establish transparent procedures based on professional and objective criteria for selection and career advancement; rationalise the court system and modernise proceedings and improve administration; provide adequate and sustainable financing for the judicial system.

| — | Enhance the fight against organised crime and corruption at all levels, including by setting up efficient institutional mechanisms for inter-agency cooperation and enhancing the operational capacity of law enforcement bodies. |
| --- | --- |

—

Enhance the fight against organised crime and corruption at all levels, including by setting up efficient institutional mechanisms for inter-agency cooperation and enhancing the operational capacity of law enforcement bodies.

| — | Strengthen parliamentary control over defence and security structures. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthen parliamentary control over defence and security structures.

| — | Continue ensuring full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue ensuring full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

| — | Strengthen the capacity to adopt and implement measures deriving from commitments negotiated under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, in particular upgrade the capacity of customs to correctly apply the rules of origin and the methods of administrative cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthen the capacity to adopt and implement measures deriving from commitments negotiated under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, in particular upgrade the capacity of customs to correctly apply the rules of origin and the methods of administrative cooperation.

Political criteria

Democracy and the rule of law

Elections

| — | In line with the recommendations of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, depoliticise the election administration, improve its functioning, in particular regarding announcement of results, codify election legislation, establish rules for media coverage of campaigns and introduce rules guaranteeing transparency for the allocation of seats in line with European standards; set up a transparent framework for campaign financing. |
| --- | --- |

—

In line with the recommendations of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, depoliticise the election administration, improve its functioning, in particular regarding announcement of results, codify election legislation, establish rules for media coverage of campaigns and introduce rules guaranteeing transparency for the allocation of seats in line with European standards; set up a transparent framework for campaign financing.

Parliament

| — | Strengthen the overall legislative and control capacity of the parliament in particular through the implementation of the newly adopted rules of procedure. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthen the overall legislative and control capacity of the parliament in particular through the implementation of the newly adopted rules of procedure.

| — | Strengthen the capacity of the parliament in new areas of competence. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthen the capacity of the parliament in new areas of competence.

| — | Strengthen the functioning of the Committee on European Integration and provide appropriate administrative and expert support. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthen the functioning of the Committee on European Integration and provide appropriate administrative and expert support.

Public administration

| — | Continue the depoliticisation process of the public administration. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue the depoliticisation process of the public administration.

| — | Strengthen the administrative capacity of the ombudsman's office; ensure proper follow-up of the ombudsman's recommendations. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthen the administrative capacity of the ombudsman's office; ensure proper follow-up of the ombudsman's recommendations.

| — | Continue to implement the decentralisation process and upgrade the capacities of municipalities. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue to implement the decentralisation process and upgrade the capacities of municipalities.

Judicial system

| — | Ensure implementation of the legislation on mandatory initial and continuous training for judges, prosecutors and court support staff, and continue to strengthen the judicial training centre. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ensure implementation of the legislation on mandatory initial and continuous training for judges, prosecutors and court support staff, and continue to strengthen the judicial training centre.

| — | Finalise plans to reform the judicial system; remove control of recruitment and career management from the parliament and establish transparent procedures based on professional and objective criteria for selection and career advancement; rationalise the court system and modernise proceedings and improve administration; provide adequate and sustainable financing for the judicial system. |
| --- | --- |

—

Finalise plans to reform the judicial system; remove control of recruitment and career management from the parliament and establish transparent procedures based on professional and objective criteria for selection and career advancement; rationalise the court system and modernise proceedings and improve administration; provide adequate and sustainable financing for the judicial system.

| — | Provide guarantees to strengthen the autonomy and efficiency of the prosecution system, including in relation to budget issues. Strengthen the office of the prosecutor for organised crime and upgrade the capacity in the area of anti-corruption policy. |
| --- | --- |

—

Provide guarantees to strengthen the autonomy and efficiency of the prosecution system, including in relation to budget issues. Strengthen the office of the prosecutor for organised crime and upgrade the capacity in the area of anti-corruption policy.

| — | Upgrade the capacity of the Ministry of Justice for international judicial cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Upgrade the capacity of the Ministry of Justice for international judicial cooperation.

Anti-corruption policy

| — | Amend the law on conflict of interest and implement it in order to eliminate all possible cases of conflict of interests of officials. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amend the law on conflict of interest and implement it in order to eliminate all possible cases of conflict of interests of officials.

| — | Upgrade efforts to implement the anti-corruption strategy, notably through providing adequate financial and human resources to law enforcement bodies to ensure its implementation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Upgrade efforts to implement the anti-corruption strategy, notably through providing adequate financial and human resources to law enforcement bodies to ensure its implementation.

| — | Develop and fully implement the laws on political parties and the financing of political parties ensuring transparency and clarity. |
| --- | --- |

—

Develop and fully implement the laws on political parties and the financing of political parties ensuring transparency and clarity.

Human rights and the protection of minorities

| — | Ensure effective mechanisms for implementation of the obligations deriving from international instruments, notably with regard to the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ensure effective mechanisms for implementation of the obligations deriving from international instruments, notably with regard to the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture.

| — | Take comprehensive and transparent action in all alleged cases of ill-treatment. Strengthen the internal control services dealing with ill-treatment by law enforcement agents. |
| --- | --- |

—

Take comprehensive and transparent action in all alleged cases of ill-treatment. Strengthen the internal control services dealing with ill-treatment by law enforcement agents.

| — | Improve prison conditions, in particular as regards vulnerable groups such as juvenile offenders and those in need of psychiatric care; ensure appropriate monitoring of prison conditions for long-term inmates and for organised crime inmates, ensure further training of penitentiary staff and improvement of special needs facilities. |
| --- | --- |

—

Improve prison conditions, in particular as regards vulnerable groups such as juvenile offenders and those in need of psychiatric care; ensure appropriate monitoring of prison conditions for long-term inmates and for organised crime inmates, ensure further training of penitentiary staff and improvement of special needs facilities.

| — | Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation.

| — | Ensure implementation of the law on access to public information. Continue the transformation of Radio and Television of Montenegro into a public service broadcaster and provide appropriate means for it. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ensure implementation of the law on access to public information. Continue the transformation of Radio and Television of Montenegro into a public service broadcaster and provide appropriate means for it.

| — | Implement the memorandum on cooperation between NGOs and governmental bodies. |
| --- | --- |

—

Implement the memorandum on cooperation between NGOs and governmental bodies.

| — | Continue implementing the legislation on the restitution of property. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue implementing the legislation on the restitution of property.

| — | Provide an adequate framework, including at constitutional level, for the protection of the rights of minorities. Implement the strategy and action plan relevant to the integration of Roma people, including refugees. |
| --- | --- |

—

Provide an adequate framework, including at constitutional level, for the protection of the rights of minorities. Implement the strategy and action plan relevant to the integration of Roma people, including refugees.

Regional issues and international obligations

| — | Continue strengthening regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations, with the perspective of, inter alia, promoting reconciliation. Implement free trade agreements with neighbouring countries, notably in the context of the new Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). Upgrade cross-border cooperation in the areas of the fight against organised crime, trafficking and smuggling, judicial cooperation, border management, environment, transport and energy. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue strengthening regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations, with the perspective of, inter alia, promoting reconciliation. Implement free trade agreements with neighbouring countries, notably in the context of the new Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). Upgrade cross-border cooperation in the areas of the fight against organised crime, trafficking and smuggling, judicial cooperation, border management, environment, transport and energy.

| — | Ensure protection of the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. Repeal all discriminatory provisions in the fields of labour, access to property rights, legal redress and access to citizenship; guarantee unhindered access to health services and personal documents. Ensure the right of a real choice between sustainable return and integration and provide conditions for integration for those who choose the latter. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ensure protection of the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. Repeal all discriminatory provisions in the fields of labour, access to property rights, legal redress and access to citizenship; guarantee unhindered access to health services and personal documents. Ensure the right of a real choice between sustainable return and integration and provide conditions for integration for those who choose the latter.

| — | Align national legislation and practice with the relevant international standards and agreements through the signing and ratification of the relevant international instruments at the level of the Council of Europe and the United Nations on fighting organised crime and financial crime, including corruption. |
| --- | --- |

—

Align national legislation and practice with the relevant international standards and agreements through the signing and ratification of the relevant international instruments at the level of the Council of Europe and the United Nations on fighting organised crime and financial crime, including corruption.

Economic criteria

| — | Sustain macroeconomic stability by pursuing the necessary fiscal adjustment and consolidation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Sustain macroeconomic stability by pursuing the necessary fiscal adjustment and consolidation.

| — | Develop the institutional and analytical capacity necessary to draft and implement the ‘Economic and Fiscal Programme’ proposed by the Commission of the European Communities. |
| --- | --- |

—

Develop the institutional and analytical capacity necessary to draft and implement the ‘Economic and Fiscal Programme’ proposed by the Commission of the European Communities.

| — | Implement the public expenditure management system, notably programme budgeting, medium-term budgeting and the introduction of elements of accrual accounting. |
| --- | --- |

—

Implement the public expenditure management system, notably programme budgeting, medium-term budgeting and the introduction of elements of accrual accounting.

| — | Fully integrate capital budget into general government accounts, including local government capital expenditures. |
| --- | --- |

—

Fully integrate capital budget into general government accounts, including local government capital expenditures.

| — | Continue the restructuring and privatisation process of publicly owned enterprises. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue the restructuring and privatisation process of publicly owned enterprises.

| — | Adopt and implement the law on insurance supervision. |
| --- | --- |

—

Adopt and implement the law on insurance supervision.

| — | Continue efforts to promote adaptability and skills of the labour force, with full engagement of employers and trade unions in that process. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue efforts to promote adaptability and skills of the labour force, with full engagement of employers and trade unions in that process.

| — | Continue to make the necessary adjustments to the Montenegrin trade regimes, to render them compatible with the autonomous trade measures and the future Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA). |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue to make the necessary adjustments to the Montenegrin trade regimes, to render them compatible with the autonomous trade measures and the future Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA).

European Standards

Internal market

Free movement of goods

| — | Complete the establishment of the legal and institutional set-up on standardisation, market surveillance, certification, metrology, accreditation and conformity assessment in line with the European Community acquis communautaire to create conditions favourable to trade. Start adopting European standards. |
| --- | --- |

—

Complete the establishment of the legal and institutional set-up on standardisation, market surveillance, certification, metrology, accreditation and conformity assessment in line with the European Community acquis communautaire to create conditions favourable to trade. Start adopting European standards.

| — | Establish internal consultation and notification mechanisms for new technical regulations prior to their adoption on measures having an impact on trade. |
| --- | --- |

—

Establish internal consultation and notification mechanisms for new technical regulations prior to their adoption on measures having an impact on trade.

| — | Establish a legal framework and administrative capacity for active consumer and health protection in line with EU consumer and health policy. |
| --- | --- |

—

Establish a legal framework and administrative capacity for active consumer and health protection in line with EU consumer and health policy.

| — | Continue the necessary reforms to comply with WTO rules and obligations in order to accelerate the WTO accession process. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue the necessary reforms to comply with WTO rules and obligations in order to accelerate the WTO accession process.

Customs and taxation

| — | Further align customs legislation and procedures with the acquis. Continue to modernise the customs administrations in order to ensure a high level of administrative capacity and to fight against corruption, cross-border crime and fiscal evasion. |
| --- | --- |

—

Further align customs legislation and procedures with the acquis. Continue to modernise the customs administrations in order to ensure a high level of administrative capacity and to fight against corruption, cross-border crime and fiscal evasion.

| — | Amend and implement legislation in the area of rules of origin in order to introduce a legal basis for the application of the EC rules of origin for the purposes of the autonomous trade measures, for this purpose ensure the provision of information and training to operators and customs officers. |
| --- | --- |

—

Amend and implement legislation in the area of rules of origin in order to introduce a legal basis for the application of the EC rules of origin for the purposes of the autonomous trade measures, for this purpose ensure the provision of information and training to operators and customs officers.

| — | Further align tax legislation with the acquis. Improve implementation of tax laws, focusing on revenue collection and control in order to reduce tax fraud. |
| --- | --- |

—

Further align tax legislation with the acquis. Improve implementation of tax laws, focusing on revenue collection and control in order to reduce tax fraud.

| — | Apply the principles of the code of conduct for business taxation and ensure that new tax measures are in conformity with those principles. |
| --- | --- |

—

Apply the principles of the code of conduct for business taxation and ensure that new tax measures are in conformity with those principles.

Competition

| — | Establish and provide adequate means for the operation of a competition authority with full functional independence. |
| --- | --- |

—

Establish and provide adequate means for the operation of a competition authority with full functional independence.

| — | Strengthen the state aid framework and increase transparency, as a first step towards state aid control in line with the requirements of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthen the state aid framework and increase transparency, as a first step towards state aid control in line with the requirements of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

Public procurement

| — | Implement an effective public procurement regime in line with EU principles, including in relation to remedies. Ensure full transparency of procedures, regardless of the value of the contract concerned, and non-discrimination between Montenegrin and EU suppliers. |
| --- | --- |

—

Implement an effective public procurement regime in line with EU principles, including in relation to remedies. Ensure full transparency of procedures, regardless of the value of the contract concerned, and non-discrimination between Montenegrin and EU suppliers.

| — | Ensure the establishment and functioning of the public procurement agency and review body and upgrade their administrative capacity; provide appropriate training of staff in contracting entities responsible for implementing procurement rules. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ensure the establishment and functioning of the public procurement agency and review body and upgrade their administrative capacity; provide appropriate training of staff in contracting entities responsible for implementing procurement rules.

Intellectual property law

| — | Significantly strengthen the level of protection of intellectual property rights, in particular by adopting a comprehensive legal framework on intellectual property rights, including effective enforcement provisions, and by establishing an intellectual property rights office. |
| --- | --- |

—

Significantly strengthen the level of protection of intellectual property rights, in particular by adopting a comprehensive legal framework on intellectual property rights, including effective enforcement provisions, and by establishing an intellectual property rights office.

| — | Strengthen implementation and enforcement capacity in this field, including in border services, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthen implementation and enforcement capacity in this field, including in border services, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary.

| — | Formally confirm participation in the main international agreements in the field of intellectual property law. |
| --- | --- |

—

Formally confirm participation in the main international agreements in the field of intellectual property law.

Financial services

| — | Strengthen the regulatory and supervisory framework for financial institutions and markets, consistent with current EU practices, in particular concerning the banking sector. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthen the regulatory and supervisory framework for financial institutions and markets, consistent with current EU practices, in particular concerning the banking sector.

| — | Reinforce cooperation with the home supervisors of foreign banks with significant subsidiaries in Montenegro, including by concluding cooperation agreements. |
| --- | --- |

—

Reinforce cooperation with the home supervisors of foreign banks with significant subsidiaries in Montenegro, including by concluding cooperation agreements.

Company law

| — | Strengthen enforcement of financial reporting requirements, in particular for financial institutions and listed companies. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthen enforcement of financial reporting requirements, in particular for financial institutions and listed companies.

Employment and social policies

| — | Upgrade the capacity of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare on policy formulation and monitoring, with emphasis on labour market integration of young people, women and vulnerable groups; upgrade performance management of active employment measures implemented by the Montenegrin employment service. |
| --- | --- |

—

Upgrade the capacity of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare on policy formulation and monitoring, with emphasis on labour market integration of young people, women and vulnerable groups; upgrade performance management of active employment measures implemented by the Montenegrin employment service.

| — | Enhance the work of labour inspectorates to ensure health and safety at work. |
| --- | --- |

—

Enhance the work of labour inspectorates to ensure health and safety at work.

| — | Step up efforts to promote quality in the education system and life-long learning. |
| --- | --- |

—

Step up efforts to promote quality in the education system and life-long learning.

| — | Continue improving the quality, efficiency and relevance of the higher education system and support its integration into the European Higher Education Area. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue improving the quality, efficiency and relevance of the higher education system and support its integration into the European Higher Education Area.

Sectoral policies

Industry and SMEs

| — | Continue implementing the European Charter for Small Enterprises. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue implementing the European Charter for Small Enterprises.

| — | Strengthen the investment promotion agency. Improve business advocacy and consultation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthen the investment promotion agency. Improve business advocacy and consultation.

| — | Adopt a law on harmonisation and acceleration of licensing and systems for issuing permits; implement legislation in close cooperation with local government authorities; and, adopt and implement an action plan on the reduction of business barriers. |
| --- | --- |

—

Adopt a law on harmonisation and acceleration of licensing and systems for issuing permits; implement legislation in close cooperation with local government authorities; and, adopt and implement an action plan on the reduction of business barriers.

| — | Accelerate the setting up and implementation of a national guarantee fund for SMEs. |
| --- | --- |

—

Accelerate the setting up and implementation of a national guarantee fund for SMEs.

Agriculture and fisheries

| — | Continue strengthening administrative capacity for agricultural and rural development policy formulation and implementation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue strengthening administrative capacity for agricultural and rural development policy formulation and implementation.

| — | Adopt the food safety law, a law on animal welfare and a new veterinary law and strengthen the veterinary and phytosanitary services, including control and laboratory capacities. |
| --- | --- |

—

Adopt the food safety law, a law on animal welfare and a new veterinary law and strengthen the veterinary and phytosanitary services, including control and laboratory capacities.

| — | Continue efforts to align legislation with the EU veterinary and phytosanitary acquis including the setting up of an integrated food safety system aiming at avoiding overlapping, and increasing food safety. Prepare a system of animal identification and registration for bovines in line with EU requirements. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue efforts to align legislation with the EU veterinary and phytosanitary acquis including the setting up of an integrated food safety system aiming at avoiding overlapping, and increasing food safety. Prepare a system of animal identification and registration for bovines in line with EU requirements.

| — | Finalise the fisheries strategy and upgrade the capacity of Montenegro to conduct a fisheries policy in line with EU standards, including those concerning international cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Finalise the fisheries strategy and upgrade the capacity of Montenegro to conduct a fisheries policy in line with EU standards, including those concerning international cooperation.

| — | Ensure protection of the geographical indications and designations of origin registered in the Community pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1). |
| --- | --- |

—

Ensure protection of the geographical indications and designations of origin registered in the Community pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 (1).

Environment

| — | Continue approximating Montenegrin legislation to EU legislation and standards, notably environmental protection framework legislation. Develop the administrative capacity to implement and enforce adopted legislation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue approximating Montenegrin legislation to EU legislation and standards, notably environmental protection framework legislation. Develop the administrative capacity to implement and enforce adopted legislation.

| — | Develop an overall environment protection strategy (water, waste, air). Adopt the land use plan; adopt the sustainable development strategy and sectoral strategies (integrated coastal zone management, biodiversity, climate change). Strengthen environmental management administrative capacity. |
| --- | --- |

—

Develop an overall environment protection strategy (water, waste, air). Adopt the land use plan; adopt the sustainable development strategy and sectoral strategies (integrated coastal zone management, biodiversity, climate change). Strengthen environmental management administrative capacity.

Transport policy

| — | Continue to align aviation legislation, including air traffic control, with the acquis, in line with the commitments undertaken by signing the European Common Aviation Area Agreement. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue to align aviation legislation, including air traffic control, with the acquis, in line with the commitments undertaken by signing the European Common Aviation Area Agreement.

| — | Strengthen the civil aviation authority, and appoint an operationally independent aviation accident investigation body, a national supervisory body for the air navigation service provider, and a body responsible for the enforcement of air passenger rights. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthen the civil aviation authority, and appoint an operationally independent aviation accident investigation body, a national supervisory body for the air navigation service provider, and a body responsible for the enforcement of air passenger rights.

| — | Continue implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of the South East Europe Core Regional Transport Network, including cooperation in the South East Europe Transport Observatory. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of the South East Europe Core Regional Transport Network, including cooperation in the South East Europe Transport Observatory.

| — | Implement the road transport law (including establishment of the relevant implementation structures). Ensure sufficient resources for the maintenance of transport infrastructures and institutions. |
| --- | --- |

—

Implement the road transport law (including establishment of the relevant implementation structures). Ensure sufficient resources for the maintenance of transport infrastructures and institutions.

Energy

| — | Ratify and continue implementing the commitments undertaken in the framework of the signed Energy Community Treaty. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ratify and continue implementing the commitments undertaken in the framework of the signed Energy Community Treaty.

| — | Complete and implement the energy development strategy, and the energy efficiency strategy; strengthen the administrative capacity of the Ministry of Economy in the field of energy. |
| --- | --- |

—

Complete and implement the energy development strategy, and the energy efficiency strategy; strengthen the administrative capacity of the Ministry of Economy in the field of energy.

| — | Put in place a regulatory body and adopt appropriate legislation in the field of nuclear safety and radiation protection. |
| --- | --- |

—

Put in place a regulatory body and adopt appropriate legislation in the field of nuclear safety and radiation protection.

| — | Ensure law enforcement and transparency in the energy market. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ensure law enforcement and transparency in the energy market.

Information society and media

| — | Strengthen the agency for telecommunications to foster competition in the market by applying the relevant legislation, in particular in relation to the introduction of the necessary competitive safeguards in the market. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthen the agency for telecommunications to foster competition in the market by applying the relevant legislation, in particular in relation to the introduction of the necessary competitive safeguards in the market.

| — | Improve the administrative capacity of the Ministry of Economy in the area of electronic communications. Take further steps in tariff balancing, further address the terms and conditions of interconnection tariffs, and address the issue of licence fees. |
| --- | --- |

—

Improve the administrative capacity of the Ministry of Economy in the area of electronic communications. Take further steps in tariff balancing, further address the terms and conditions of interconnection tariffs, and address the issue of licence fees.

| — | Guarantee the operational independence of the broadcasting authority. |
| --- | --- |

—

Guarantee the operational independence of the broadcasting authority.

| — | Ensure a smooth transformation of Montenegrin radio and television into a public service provider, and ensure means for its efficient functioning. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ensure a smooth transformation of Montenegrin radio and television into a public service provider, and ensure means for its efficient functioning.

Financial control

| — | Upgrade the public internal financial control strategy with references to short- and medium-term objectives and with corresponding IT system support; enhance internal audit capacity. |
| --- | --- |

—

Upgrade the public internal financial control strategy with references to short- and medium-term objectives and with corresponding IT system support; enhance internal audit capacity.

| — | Further strengthen the State audit office and provide for the appropriate constitutional guarantees. |
| --- | --- |

—

Further strengthen the State audit office and provide for the appropriate constitutional guarantees.

Statistics

| — | Collect and transmit statistical information in compliance with statistical requirements related to the economic, trade, monetary and financial areas, consistent with current EU practices. |
| --- | --- |

—

Collect and transmit statistical information in compliance with statistical requirements related to the economic, trade, monetary and financial areas, consistent with current EU practices.

| — | Revise and adopt the master plan on statistics with a view to enhancing the quality and broadening the scope of statistics. Reinforce the collection and processing of agriculture statistics in line with EU standards and methodology; implement HS nomenclature 2007. |
| --- | --- |

—

Revise and adopt the master plan on statistics with a view to enhancing the quality and broadening the scope of statistics. Reinforce the collection and processing of agriculture statistics in line with EU standards and methodology; implement HS nomenclature 2007.

Justice, freedom and security

Visa, border control, asylum and migration

| — | Develop institutional capacity in relation to visa policy and align visa policies with those of the EU. |
| --- | --- |

—

Develop institutional capacity in relation to visa policy and align visa policies with those of the EU.

| — | Strengthen integrated border management and ensure consistent implementation by all responsible bodies, including civilian control. |
| --- | --- |

—

Strengthen integrated border management and ensure consistent implementation by all responsible bodies, including civilian control.

| — | Adopt the asylum law and carry out the construction of the planned reception centres for asylum seekers and refugees. |
| --- | --- |

—

Adopt the asylum law and carry out the construction of the planned reception centres for asylum seekers and refugees.

Money laundering

| — | Ensure efficient implementation and coordination of the anti-money-laundering legislation and strengthen the financial intelligence unit. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ensure efficient implementation and coordination of the anti-money-laundering legislation and strengthen the financial intelligence unit.

Drugs

| — | Further develop the international cooperation capacity of the centre for fighting drugs and smuggling and improve operational analysis capabilities, including the establishment of relevant databases. |
| --- | --- |

—

Further develop the international cooperation capacity of the centre for fighting drugs and smuggling and improve operational analysis capabilities, including the establishment of relevant databases.

| — | Develop a national strategy for combating drug abuse and trafficking, in line with the EU Drugs Strategy 2005 to 2012 and the EU Action Plan on Drugs 2005 to 2008, and develop a public awareness campaign on drugs. |
| --- | --- |

—

Develop a national strategy for combating drug abuse and trafficking, in line with the EU Drugs Strategy 2005 to 2012 and the EU Action Plan on Drugs 2005 to 2008, and develop a public awareness campaign on drugs.

| — | Establish standards relating to preventing the diversion of chemical precursors and other essential substances towards the production of illicit drugs. |
| --- | --- |

—

Establish standards relating to preventing the diversion of chemical precursors and other essential substances towards the production of illicit drugs.

| — | Develop the capacity of relevant law enforcement authorities to combat drug abuse and trafficking. |
| --- | --- |

—

Develop the capacity of relevant law enforcement authorities to combat drug abuse and trafficking.

Police

| — | Further strengthen the professional capacity of the police, by specialised training, development of intelligence and risk analysis tools. |
| --- | --- |

—

Further strengthen the professional capacity of the police, by specialised training, development of intelligence and risk analysis tools.

| — | Ensure the proper functioning of the police academy. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ensure the proper functioning of the police academy.

Fight against organised crime and terrorism

| — | Establish efficient institutional mechanisms for inter-agency cooperation in the area of the fight against organised crime and upgrade the capacity of the police department in the fight against organised crime. |
| --- | --- |

—

Establish efficient institutional mechanisms for inter-agency cooperation in the area of the fight against organised crime and upgrade the capacity of the police department in the fight against organised crime.

| — | Upgrade capacity to use special investigative means in line with appropriate guarantees and strengthen criminal intelligence. |
| --- | --- |

—

Upgrade capacity to use special investigative means in line with appropriate guarantees and strengthen criminal intelligence.

| — | Adopt the legislation and develop the capacity to seize assets and proceeds of crime. |
| --- | --- |

—

Adopt the legislation and develop the capacity to seize assets and proceeds of crime.

| — | Increase the efficiency of international cooperation and implementation of the relevant international conventions on terrorism and preventing and fighting organised crime; improve cooperation and the exchange of information between all branches of the security services and with other states; prevent the financing and preparation of acts of terrorism. |
| --- | --- |

—

Increase the efficiency of international cooperation and implementation of the relevant international conventions on terrorism and preventing and fighting organised crime; improve cooperation and the exchange of information between all branches of the security services and with other states; prevent the financing and preparation of acts of terrorism.

Trafficking in human beings

| — | Continue strengthening the fight against the trafficking of human beings, including the provision of adequate assistance and protection to the victims. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue strengthening the fight against the trafficking of human beings, including the provision of adequate assistance and protection to the victims.

Protection of personal data

| — | Adopt legislation on the protection of personal data and set up an independent data protection supervisory authority. |
| --- | --- |

—

Adopt legislation on the protection of personal data and set up an independent data protection supervisory authority.

| — | Take the necessary steps to prepare for the conclusion of a cooperation agreement with Europol. |
| --- | --- |

—

Take the necessary steps to prepare for the conclusion of a cooperation agreement with Europol.

3.2.   MEDIUM-TERM PRIORITIES

Political criteria

Democracy and the rule of law

Constitutional issues

| — | Fully implement the new constitution adopted in line with European standards. |
| --- | --- |

—

Fully implement the new constitution adopted in line with European standards.

Elections

| — | Continue providing for high standards regarding the organisation of elections; enforce a transparent framework for campaign financing. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue providing for high standards regarding the organisation of elections; enforce a transparent framework for campaign financing.

Parliament

| — | Continue strengthening the capacity of the parliament in all areas, in particular in relation to the adoption of the EU acquis. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue strengthening the capacity of the parliament in all areas, in particular in relation to the adoption of the EU acquis.

Public administration

| — | Further strengthen European integration units in the relevant ministries and coordination mechanisms on EU matters including on SAA and IPA. |
| --- | --- |

—

Further strengthen European integration units in the relevant ministries and coordination mechanisms on EU matters including on SAA and IPA.

| — | Develop principles, procedures and relevant administrative capacity in view of establishing a decentralised implementation system for management of EU assistance in line with EU requirements. |
| --- | --- |

—

Develop principles, procedures and relevant administrative capacity in view of establishing a decentralised implementation system for management of EU assistance in line with EU requirements.

| — | Further strengthen the authority for human resources management. Strengthen policy-making process. Continue implementing decentralisation reform. |
| --- | --- |

—

Further strengthen the authority for human resources management. Strengthen policy-making process. Continue implementing decentralisation reform.

| — | Further strengthen transparent recruitment, professionalism and accountability, including through codes of ethics and guidelines. |
| --- | --- |

—

Further strengthen transparent recruitment, professionalism and accountability, including through codes of ethics and guidelines.

| — | Continue the process of restructuring and reform of the armed forces, including, as appropriate, reducing their numbers. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue the process of restructuring and reform of the armed forces, including, as appropriate, reducing their numbers.

Judicial system

| — | Ensure adequate functioning of the judicial training centre. Implement the IT strategy for the judiciary. |
| --- | --- |

—

Ensure adequate functioning of the judicial training centre. Implement the IT strategy for the judiciary.

| — | Complete the strategic framework for judicial reform; implement the reform plans; implement transparent recruitment and career management procedures; continue upgrading the resources of the judicial system. |
| --- | --- |

—

Complete the strategic framework for judicial reform; implement the reform plans; implement transparent recruitment and career management procedures; continue upgrading the resources of the judicial system.

| — | Continue upgrading the efficiency of the prosecution system. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue upgrading the efficiency of the prosecution system.

| — | Continue upgrading the capacity of the Ministry of Justice for international judicial cooperation. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue upgrading the capacity of the Ministry of Justice for international judicial cooperation.

Anti-corruption policy

| — | Continue with determination the prevention of and fight against corruption at all levels, and provide increased means for prevention and suppression of corruption. Ensure full compliance with the UN Convention on the fight against corruption and with the relevant Council of Europe conventions. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue with determination the prevention of and fight against corruption at all levels, and provide increased means for prevention and suppression of corruption. Ensure full compliance with the UN Convention on the fight against corruption and with the relevant Council of Europe conventions.

| — | Establish effective procedures for the detection, treatment and follow-up of cases of suspected fraud and other irregularities affecting national and international funds, including EU funds. |
| --- | --- |

—

Establish effective procedures for the detection, treatment and follow-up of cases of suspected fraud and other irregularities affecting national and international funds, including EU funds.

Human rights and the protection of minorities

| — | Implement the anti-discrimination legislation and legislation on minority rights. |
| --- | --- |

—

Implement the anti-discrimination legislation and legislation on minority rights.

| — | Continue improving prison conditions. |
| --- | --- |

—

Continue improving prison conditions.

| — | Prevent and address ill-treatment by enforcement agencies. |
| --- | --- |

—

Prevent and address ill-treatment by enforcement agencies.

| — | Ensure the inclusion of disabled or minority children in mainstream education; reform the childcare system. |
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Ensure the inclusion of disabled or minority children in mainstream education; reform the childcare system.

| — | Continue to promote integration of minorities and good inter-ethnic relations. |
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Continue to promote integration of minorities and good inter-ethnic relations.

| — | Continue cooperation with NGOs at government and municipal level. |
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Continue cooperation with NGOs at government and municipal level.

Regional issues and international obligations

| — | Facilitate integration for refugees who choose not to return. Implement the national strategy on refugees as part of a comprehensive strategy on social inclusion and social integration. |
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Facilitate integration for refugees who choose not to return. Implement the national strategy on refugees as part of a comprehensive strategy on social inclusion and social integration.

| — | Continue implementing regional cooperation arrangements. |
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Continue implementing regional cooperation arrangements.

Economic criteria

| — | Strengthen macroeconomic stability by continuing fiscal adjustment and consolidation to further reduce external imbalances. |
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Strengthen macroeconomic stability by continuing fiscal adjustment and consolidation to further reduce external imbalances.

| — | Increase efficiency of government expenditure, notably by improving the budgetary process and financial management at central and local government level. Increase capacity for budget preparation and execution to enable prioritisation. |
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Increase efficiency of government expenditure, notably by improving the budgetary process and financial management at central and local government level. Increase capacity for budget preparation and execution to enable prioritisation.

| — | Ensure a more flexible labour market through a gradual liberalisation. |
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Ensure a more flexible labour market through a gradual liberalisation.

| — | Strengthen the business environment to promote the development of the private sector and employment. In particular streamline judicial procedures in commercial matters, especially for bankruptcy cases. |
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Strengthen the business environment to promote the development of the private sector and employment. In particular streamline judicial procedures in commercial matters, especially for bankruptcy cases.

| — | Design and start applying an integrated research policy to support research and development activities. |
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Design and start applying an integrated research policy to support research and development activities.

European standards

Internal market

Free movement of capital

| — | Fully liberalise capital movements and payments in line with EU principles. |
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Fully liberalise capital movements and payments in line with EU principles.

Free movement of goods

| — | Further develop standardisation, in particular through the adoption of European standards. Continue transposing the New and Global Approach and Old Approach directives. Establish a market surveillance structure as required by the acquis. |
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Further develop standardisation, in particular through the adoption of European standards. Continue transposing the New and Global Approach and Old Approach directives. Establish a market surveillance structure as required by the acquis.

Customs and taxation

| — | Ensure continued approximation of Montenegrin customs and taxation legislation to the acquis, and further increase the administrative capacity to implement customs legislation, and to fight against corruption, cross-border crime and fiscal evasion. |
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Ensure continued approximation of Montenegrin customs and taxation legislation to the acquis, and further increase the administrative capacity to implement customs legislation, and to fight against corruption, cross-border crime and fiscal evasion.

| — | Improve transparency and the exchange of information with the Member States of the European Union in order to facilitate the enforcement of measures preventing the avoidance or evasion of taxes. |
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Improve transparency and the exchange of information with the Member States of the European Union in order to facilitate the enforcement of measures preventing the avoidance or evasion of taxes.

| — | Establish a transparent exchange of information with Member States of the EU and with the Commission of the European Communities in order to strengthen the enforcement measures preventing tax fraud, evasion and avoidance. |
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Establish a transparent exchange of information with Member States of the EU and with the Commission of the European Communities in order to strengthen the enforcement measures preventing tax fraud, evasion and avoidance.

Competition

| — | Continue strengthening the competition authority, including its functional independence. |
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Continue strengthening the competition authority, including its functional independence.

| — | Continue strengthening the state aid framework and establish state aid control in line with the requirements of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. |
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Continue strengthening the state aid framework and establish state aid control in line with the requirements of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement.

Public procurement

| — | Continue strengthening the public procurement regime, including in the utilities sector and in relation to concessions, by further aligning domestic legislation with the acquis and by upgrading the administrative capacity of the public procurement agency, the review body and of contracting entities. |
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Continue strengthening the public procurement regime, including in the utilities sector and in relation to concessions, by further aligning domestic legislation with the acquis and by upgrading the administrative capacity of the public procurement agency, the review body and of contracting entities.

| — | Continue ensuring full transparency of procedures, regardless of the value of the contract concerned, and non-discrimination between Montenegrin and EU suppliers. |
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Continue ensuring full transparency of procedures, regardless of the value of the contract concerned, and non-discrimination between Montenegrin and EU suppliers.

Intellectual property law

| — | Ensure a level of protection similar to that provided by the EU, by aligning fully domestic legislation with the acquis on intellectual property rights, and by continuously strengthening administrative capacity and enforcement by all relevant public authorities, including border services, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary. |
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Ensure a level of protection similar to that provided by the EU, by aligning fully domestic legislation with the acquis on intellectual property rights, and by continuously strengthening administrative capacity and enforcement by all relevant public authorities, including border services, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary.

Financial services

| — | Establish a comprehensive regulatory and supervisory framework for financial institutions and markets in line with EU principles. |
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Establish a comprehensive regulatory and supervisory framework for financial institutions and markets in line with EU principles.

Company law

| — | Start aligning financial reporting requirements with the acquis and ensure their effective enforcement. |
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Start aligning financial reporting requirements with the acquis and ensure their effective enforcement.

Employment and social policies

| — | Further upgrade the policy formulation and monitoring capacities of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, with emphasis on labour market integration of young people, women and vulnerable groups and on modernising social policies; further upgrade performance management of active employment measures implemented by the Montenegrin employment service. |
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Further upgrade the policy formulation and monitoring capacities of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, with emphasis on labour market integration of young people, women and vulnerable groups and on modernising social policies; further upgrade performance management of active employment measures implemented by the Montenegrin employment service.

Sectoral policies

Industry and SMEs

| — | Ensure the European Charter for Small Enterprises is fully implemented. |
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Ensure the European Charter for Small Enterprises is fully implemented.

| — | Start introducing regulatory impact assessments. Further improve access to finance and develop business support structures (clusters, incubators, business and technology parks). |
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Start introducing regulatory impact assessments. Further improve access to finance and develop business support structures (clusters, incubators, business and technology parks).

Agriculture and fisheries

| — | Further administrative capacities for policy formulation and implementation in the agricultural and rural development sector. Design and start implementing a rural development policy. |
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Further administrative capacities for policy formulation and implementation in the agricultural and rural development sector. Design and start implementing a rural development policy.

| — | Strengthen institutional capacity for food safety. Prepare a programme for upgrading food processing establishments to meet EU requirements. Start action with a view to identification of sheep and goats and registration of their movements. Start action to ensure efficient control of domestic plant production, in particular for products subject to specific EU requirements. |
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Strengthen institutional capacity for food safety. Prepare a programme for upgrading food processing establishments to meet EU requirements. Start action with a view to identification of sheep and goats and registration of their movements. Start action to ensure efficient control of domestic plant production, in particular for products subject to specific EU requirements.

| — | Take measures to ensure that the fisheries policy moves closer to EU standards, in particular in the areas of resource management, inspection and control and in market and structural policies. |
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Take measures to ensure that the fisheries policy moves closer to EU standards, in particular in the areas of resource management, inspection and control and in market and structural policies.

| — | Continue ensuring protection of the geographical indications and designations of origin registered in the Community pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 and its subsequent amendments. Update the list of protected geographical indications and designations of origin in line with developments of the EU acquis in this area. |
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Continue ensuring protection of the geographical indications and designations of origin registered in the Community pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 and its subsequent amendments. Update the list of protected geographical indications and designations of origin in line with developments of the EU acquis in this area.

Environment

| — | Continue the approximation of Montenegrin legislation to EU legislation and standards, notably legislation on air pollution, water and chemicals. |
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Continue the approximation of Montenegrin legislation to EU legislation and standards, notably legislation on air pollution, water and chemicals.

| — | Begin implementing the land use plan and the overall environment protection strategy. Begin implementing the sustainable development strategy and other sectoral strategies (integrated coastal zone management, biodiversity, climate change). Ensure a viable financial framework for implementing a mid- to long-term environmental protection policy. |
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Begin implementing the land use plan and the overall environment protection strategy. Begin implementing the sustainable development strategy and other sectoral strategies (integrated coastal zone management, biodiversity, climate change). Ensure a viable financial framework for implementing a mid- to long-term environmental protection policy.

| — | Ratify and start implementing the Kyoto protocol. |
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Ratify and start implementing the Kyoto protocol.

| — | Continue strengthening the administrative capacity of ministries and bodies in charge of environmental planning, permitting, inspecting, enforcement and monitoring, as well as project management. |
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Continue strengthening the administrative capacity of ministries and bodies in charge of environmental planning, permitting, inspecting, enforcement and monitoring, as well as project management.

Transport policy

| — | Strengthen capacity building, including project preparation for large investments. Continue to earmark sufficient resources for the maintenance of transport infrastructures and institutions. |
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Strengthen capacity building, including project preparation for large investments. Continue to earmark sufficient resources for the maintenance of transport infrastructures and institutions.

| — | Implement international commitments under International Maritime Organisation Conventions and improve maritime safety conditions of the fleet in the light of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding. |
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Implement international commitments under International Maritime Organisation Conventions and improve maritime safety conditions of the fleet in the light of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding.

Energy

| — | Adopt and implement a long term strategy for an environmentally sustainable energy policy. |
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Adopt and implement a long term strategy for an environmentally sustainable energy policy.

| — | Continue to implement regional and international commitments in this area in view of establishing a competitive regional energy market. |
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Continue to implement regional and international commitments in this area in view of establishing a competitive regional energy market.

| — | Become party to international nuclear safety conventions to which Euratom is already a Contracting Party. |
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Become party to international nuclear safety conventions to which Euratom is already a Contracting Party.

Information society and media

| — | Finalise transposition into national legislation of the EU 2002 framework for electronic communications. |
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Finalise transposition into national legislation of the EU 2002 framework for electronic communications.

| — | Establish a competitive electronic communications market through progressive implementation of legislation, and by applying competitive safeguards and addressing any existing market entry barriers. |
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Establish a competitive electronic communications market through progressive implementation of legislation, and by applying competitive safeguards and addressing any existing market entry barriers.

| — | Maintain the independence of the regulatory authorities and ensure there are sufficient resources and expertise to execute their tasks. |
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Maintain the independence of the regulatory authorities and ensure there are sufficient resources and expertise to execute their tasks.

| — | Fully align legislation to the audiovisual acquis. |
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Fully align legislation to the audiovisual acquis.

Financial control

| — | Develop and implement the principles of decentralised managerial accountability and functionally independent internal audit in accordance with the internationally accepted standards and EU best practice. |
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Develop and implement the principles of decentralised managerial accountability and functionally independent internal audit in accordance with the internationally accepted standards and EU best practice.

| — | Strengthen the operational capacity, and the functional and financial independence of the State audit Office. |
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Strengthen the operational capacity, and the functional and financial independence of the State audit Office.

| — | Develop procedures and administrative capacities to ensure effective protection of the EU's financial interests. |
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Develop procedures and administrative capacities to ensure effective protection of the EU's financial interests.

Statistics

| — | Continue developing reliable economic statistics. Build up institutional capacity to produce and publish basic statistical data harmonised with European standards in the area of business statistics, labour market statistics and national accounts. |
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Continue developing reliable economic statistics. Build up institutional capacity to produce and publish basic statistical data harmonised with European standards in the area of business statistics, labour market statistics and national accounts.

| — | Fully include local government in general government accounts. |
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Fully include local government in general government accounts.

Justice, freedom and security

Visa, border control, asylum and migration

| — | Develop the technical infrastructure and human resource capacities to implement the Integrated Border Management policy, including strengthening the border police and the customs services. Improve cross-border facilitations through new border posts. |
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Develop the technical infrastructure and human resource capacities to implement the Integrated Border Management policy, including strengthening the border police and the customs services. Improve cross-border facilitations through new border posts.

| — | Further align visa policy with EU legislation and practice. |
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Further align visa policy with EU legislation and practice.

Drugs

| — | Strengthen inter-agency and international cooperation and further develop the capacity of relevant law enforcement authorities to combat drug trafficking. |
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—

Strengthen inter-agency and international cooperation and further develop the capacity of relevant law enforcement authorities to combat drug trafficking.

Police

| — | Continue restructuring; ensure accountability; reform police education; ensure cooperation among law enforcement agencies. |
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Continue restructuring; ensure accountability; reform police education; ensure cooperation among law enforcement agencies.

Fight against organised crime and terrorism

| — | Develop an effective system of witness protection, which also incorporates regional elements. |
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Develop an effective system of witness protection, which also incorporates regional elements.

| — | Reinforce the fight against economic and financial crime (including money-laundering and counterfeiting of currencies), fraud and corruption, and improve the relevant legislation. |
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Reinforce the fight against economic and financial crime (including money-laundering and counterfeiting of currencies), fraud and corruption, and improve the relevant legislation.

| — | Facilitate the placement of liaison officers, seconded from EU Member States in the relevant state bodies involved in the fight against organised crime. Implement the Palermo Convention and its Protocols on transnational organised crime and the applicable international standards on financial and economic crime. |
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Facilitate the placement of liaison officers, seconded from EU Member States in the relevant state bodies involved in the fight against organised crime. Implement the Palermo Convention and its Protocols on transnational organised crime and the applicable international standards on financial and economic crime.

| — | Increase administrative and judicial capacity to implement the criminal code as regards organised crime. Further strengthen the unit for the fight against organised crime in the Ministry of the Interior, and ensure coordination of all the enforcement bodies, including the further development of appropriate criminal intelligence capacity. |
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Increase administrative and judicial capacity to implement the criminal code as regards organised crime. Further strengthen the unit for the fight against organised crime in the Ministry of the Interior, and ensure coordination of all the enforcement bodies, including the further development of appropriate criminal intelligence capacity.

| — | Reinforce the fight against economic and financial crime (including the fight against counterfeiting of both cash and non-cash means of payment) and upgrade institutional and administrative capacity to deal with related challenges. |
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Reinforce the fight against economic and financial crime (including the fight against counterfeiting of both cash and non-cash means of payment) and upgrade institutional and administrative capacity to deal with related challenges.

Protection of personal data

| — | Ensure the smooth functioning of the data protection supervisory authority. |
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Ensure the smooth functioning of the data protection supervisory authority.

| — | Ensure the capacity of State authorities, in particular law enforcement bodies, to implement the legislation on protection of personal data. |
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Ensure the capacity of State authorities, in particular law enforcement bodies, to implement the legislation on protection of personal data.

4.   PROGRAMMING

Community assistance under the Stabilisation and Association Process to the western Balkan countries will be provided under the existing financial instruments, in particular under Council Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 of 17 July 2006 establishing an Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) (2). Montenegro can thus have access to funding from multi-country and horizontal programmes.

5.   CONDITIONALITY

Community assistance to the western Balkan countries is conditional on progress in satisfying the Copenhagen criteria as well as progress in meeting the specific priorities of this European Partnership. Failure to respect these conditions could lead the Council to take appropriate measures on the basis of Article 21 of Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006. Community assistance is also subject to the conditions defined by the Council in its Conclusions of 29 April 1997, in particular as regards the recipients' undertaking to carry out democratic, economic and institutional reforms.

6.   MONITORING

The implementation of the European Partnership shall be examined through the mechanisms established under the Stabilisation and Association Process, notably the annual reports presented by the Commission of the European Communities.

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(1)  Council Regulation (EC) No 510/2006 of 20 March 2006 on the protection of geographical indications and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs (OJ L 93, 31.3.2006, p. 12).

(2)  
  OJ L 210, 31.7.2006, p. 82.

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