[pic] | KOMMISSIONEN FOR DE EUROPÆISKE FÆLLESSKABER |

Bruxelles, den 25.10.2005

KOM (2005) 531 endelig

MEDDELELSE FRA KOMMISSIONEN TIL EUROPA-PARLAMENTET, RÅDET, DET EUROPÆISKE ØKONOMISKE OG SOCIALE UDVALG OG REGIONSUDVALGET

Frigøre Europas fulde potentiale Kommissionens lovgivnings- og arbejdsprogram for 2006

MEDDELELSE FRA KOMMISSIONEN TIL EUROPA-PARLAMENTET, RÅDET, DET EUROPÆISKE ØKONOMISKE OG SOCIALE UDVALG OG REGIONSUDVALGET

Frigøre Europas fulde potentiale Kommissionens lovgivnings- og arbejdsprogram for 2006

1. INDLEDNING

EU står over for klare udfordringer af hastende karakter. Globaliseringen har givet nye muligheder, men også nye krav. Modernisering er vigtig, hvis EU skal kunne videreføre sit historisk set høje niveau for velfærd, social samhørighed, miljøbeskyttelse og livskvalitet og skabe de arbejdspladser, der er nødvendige. Dette lader sig bedst gøre ved at frigøre borgernes potentiale og fremme fælles europæiske værdier både i Europa og på verdensplan. Kommissionen vil tage denne udfordring op i sit program for 2006.

Ved begyndelsen af sit mandat fastlagde Kommissionen de vigtigste strategiske mål for perioden indtil udløbet af dette tiår: velstand, solidaritet, sikkerhed og EU som en verdenspartner. Disse mål er stadig relevante, og de bekræftes derfor som kernen i Kommissionens arbejde. De peger frem mod den ligevægt, der er nødvendig i EU's arbejde: en strategisk blanding, som giver EU mulighed for at forfølge konkurrencedygtighed og social retfærdighed, beskytte borgerne og fremme deres frihedsrettigheder, arbejde inden for egne grænser og fremme de europæiske værdier i verden udenfor. Konkrete skridt i retning af disse mål er den måde, hvorpå man bedst kan overbevise europæerne om, at EU er en væsentlig del af løsningen på de problemer, som Europa står overfor.

I Kommissionens lovgivnings- og arbejdsprogram (i det følgende benævnt "arbejdsprogrammet") for 2006 er der taget fuldt hensyn til de nuværende økonomiske og politiske tendenser og til EU’s holdning i flere vigtige strategiske sager. Fremskridt på disse områder vil få stor indflydelse på, hvordan EU kan klare sig igennem mod målene i 2006.

Europa-Kommissionen har kraftigt støttet ratificeringen af forfatningen og har tilbudt alle medlemsstater hjælp i deres informationskampagner. Forfatningen ville have været et stort skridt fremad i bestræbelserne for at gøre EU mere demokratisk, åben, effektiv og stærkere i forhold til den omliggende verden. Kommissionen beklager derfor, at forfatningen under de nuværende omstændigheder sandsynligvis ikke vil blive ratificeret inden for en overskuelig fremtid. Men hvis debatten om Europas fremtid fortsætter aktivt og effektivt, vil den kunne udfylde et stort tomrum og danne et stærkt grundlag for opbygningen af fremtiden. Med sin "plan D" for demokrati, dialog og debat vil Kommissionen deltage aktivt i debatterne i medlemsstaterne og tilbyde dem al mulig støtte. I mellemtiden kan EU så bedst vise, hvad Unionen er værd ved at gennemføre de politikker, som borgerne har brug for.

En aftale om de finansielle overslag – som man vil gøre store bestræbelser for at få indgået inden udgangen af 2005 – vil få afgørende virkning for Kommissionens arbejde for det udvidede EU. Der vil foregå et intenst arbejde i 2006, således at hele spektret af finansieringsprogrammer vil være udformet og iværksat inden 1. januar 2007.

Disse spørgsmål er genstand for en heftig debat, men det må ikke vende opmærksomheden bort fra de presserende behov, der er for handling på europæisk plan. Vi kan bedst vise, hvad EU er i stand til at udrette, ved at træffe foranstaltninger og give borgerne håndgribelige beviser for, hvad EU har at tilbyde.

Dette arbejdsprogram indeholder, hvad Kommissionen vil gøre for at opfylde disse mål i 2006:

- Hvad angår velstand, vil 2006 blive et kritisk år, hvor ord skal omsættes til gerninger under Lissabon-strategien for vækst og arbejdspladser. Det er nødvendigt at EU skaber en atmosfære, hvor borgerne og erhvervslivet kan udnytte deres fulde potentiale.

- Solidaritet betyder udvikling af en sammenhængende Union, som anerkender fælles ansvar og styrker velstanden. Det kræver også, at vi arbejder sammen om at tage langsigtede udfordringer op som demografiske ændringer og klimaændringer.

- Krav fra borgerne om reaktioner på truslerne mod sikkerhed kan kun imødekommes ved et samarbejde om at bekæmpe kriminalitet og terrorisme, fremme sundheden og minimere risici.

- I sine forbindelser udadtil må EU fortsætte med at tale med én stærk stemme i verden, med særlig fokus på forberedelserne til de kommende udvidelser, naboskab og Afrika, og via sin betydning i verdensøkonomien få vendt globaliseringen til en gunstig mulighed for alle.

Kommissionen forfølger disse mål på mange forskellige måder. Den har en regulerende og tilsynsførende funktion, som er afgørende for, at europæiske markeder kan fungere effektivt på lige vilkår. Kommissionens udøvende funktion giver den et særligt ansvar for at sikre, at alle programmer - lige fra forskning over studentermobilitet til udviklingsbistand - fungerer i praksis. Den fører forhandlinger uden for EU og gør samarbejde lettere indenfor.

Mange af de igangværende aktioner når en kritisk fase i 2006. Lissabon-strategien om vækst og arbejdspladser træder ind i en vigtig gennemførelsesfase. Der vil blive lagt op til en ny generation af programmer inden for områder som strukturfondene, udvikling af landdistrikter, innovation, forskning og uddannelse. Doha-udviklingsrunden skulle gå ind i en afgørende fase.

Kommissionen fremskynder også denne dagsorden og iværksætter nye høringer for at indhente meninger og nye ideer til, hvordan EU kan handle, og træffer nye initiativer til at koordinere politikker der, hvor det klart giver en betydelig merværdi på europæisk plan. Bilaget til dette arbejdsprogram indeholder en liste over prioriterede opgaver for 2006. Kommissionen er som i 2005 forpligtet til at gennemføre disse opgaver.

Kommissionen vil endvidere fokusere på at sikre kvaliteten ved bedre disciplin i forbindelse med lovgivningsarbejdet. Forenkling, modernisering, høring og omhyggelig evaluering af virkningerne af de forskellige politikker er centrale mål, som Kommissionen vil gøre brug af i endnu højere grad overalt i sit arbejde. 2006 vil blive det første år for Kommissionens nye strategi for forenkling og fortsættelse af arbejdet med at finindstille lovgivningen, så den opfylder ændringerne i lovgiveres og brugeres behov.

Til at slå bro over den ”kommunikationskløft”, der består i forbindelse med europæiske problemer, har EU også brug for et ambitiøst program, som skal udvikles og anvendes af alle europæiske institutioner, medlemsstater og det civile samfund. Hvidbogen om kommunikation vil således blive omsat til praksis i løbet af 2006 og understrege Kommissionens ønske om at knytte forbindelser til borgerne og konsolidere det demokratiske grundlag for det europæiske projekt.

Kommissionen spiller en hovedrolle, når det gælder at stimulere til europæisk handling. Men den er kun en aktør blandt mange. EU kan kun realisere sine mål, hvis alle EU’s institutioner, nationale, regionale og lokale myndigheder og borgerne også arbejder i samme retning. Partnerskab bør være en instinktiv refleks i arbejdet med at udvikle og gennemføre EU’s politikker.

Til udarbejdelsen af sit 2006-program har Kommissionen kunnet drage nytte af Europa-Parlamentets og Rådets reaktioner på den årlige politikstrategi for 2006. Disse drøftelser har vist, hvordan de tre institutioner deler samme politiske centrale mål, og at der er bred enighed om hovedlinjerne i de foranstaltninger, der er nødvendige for at realisere disse mål. Navnlig har den nye rammeaftale mellem Europa-Parlamentet og Kommissionen ført til detaljerede forslag om, hvordan disse mål kan omsættes til konkrete foranstaltninger. Der er fuldt ud blevet taget hensyn til de andre institutioners synspunkter i forbindelse med udformningen af nærværende program.

2. VELSTAND

En væsentlig del af den offentlige politik er at sikre, at betingelserne for støtte til velstand er til stede, både for borgerne og for erhvervslivet. Dette betyder stabile lovgivninger, sunde økonomiske politikker, skabelse af økonomiske muligheder og investering i en uddannet og initiativrig befolkning. Dette betyder også, at alle relevante aspekter af arbejdet på EU-niveau skal svare til de højeste standarder for bedre lovgivning. Et centralt element i Kommissionens opgaver i 2006 er at fortsætte arbejdet med at tilvejebringe betingelser, som kan stimulere til vækst og skabe flere og bedre arbejdspladser.

EU fastlagde en køreplan for vækst og arbejdspladser i Lissabon-strategien. 2006 vil blive et afgørende år for at få køreplanen omsat til praksis. For Kommissionen betyder det en særlig opgave med at kontrollere gennemførelsen af den reviderede strategi, både på medlemsstats- og fællesskabsniveau. Et partnerskab med medlemsstaterne er vigtigt for at sikre, at de integrerede retningslinjer for makroøkonomisk politik, mikroøkonomiske reformer og beskæftigelse stadig er gældende og får opbakning fra alle vigtige aktører. På Det Europæiske Råds møde til foråret vil Kommissionen aflægge beretning om, hvilke fremskridt der er gjort på nationalt niveau – i forbindelse med de 25 nationale reformprogrammer, der er vedtaget af medlemsstaterne – og på EU-niveau, og også forelægge de foranstaltninger, der er fastlagt i Fællesskabets Lissabon-program, der blev vedtaget i juli 2005.

Viden og innovation for vækst og bedre arbejdspladser

Færdigheder og viden er vigtige aktiver for Europa, når det gælder skabelse af vækst og arbejdspladser; men der findes et endnu større potentiale, som det er muligt at frigøre.

- Viden kan stimuleres gennem vigtig infrastruktur. Et europæisk teknologisk institut, som bygger på eksisterende kapacitet, kunne optræde som flagskib for viden og innovation i Europa. Samtidig vil Kommissionen sørge for, at alting er på plads til at iværksætte det nye rammeprogram for forskning fra 2007. I forbindelse med i-2010-initiativet skal en handlingsplan for e-forvaltning især fokusere på at få skabt bedre kontaktmuligheder mellem offentlige myndigheder, borgere og erhvervsliv.

- Det kræver muligheder, hvis viden skal kunne give maksimalt udbytte. Kommissionen vil arbejde på at forbedre den geografiske og faglige mobilitet med det europæiske mobilitetsår for arbejdstagere og via åbenhed, overførsel og anerkendelse af kvalifikationer i EU.

EU skal gøres til et mere attraktivt område for investeringer og arbejde

- Det europæiske erhvervsmiljø er stærkt afhængigt af, at det indre marked kommer til at fungere. Det betyder, at der må presses med foranstaltninger på områder som statsstøtte, iværksætterlyst og styrkelse af små og mellemstore virksomheders kapacitet til at vokse og skabe arbejdspladser. Afgiftsreglerne for situationerne, hvor grænserne krydses, bør forenkles og rationaliseres, og en ny generation af told- og afgiftsprogrammer skal sikre, at de nationale systemer fungerer bedre sammen og på en mere enkel måde, og der vil blive fastlagt en strategi for øget bekæmpelse af skattesvig og -unddragelse. Konkurrenceevnen i nøglesektorer som automobil- og forsvarsindustrien såvel som i forbindelse med elektroniske kommunikationsnet og -tjenester vil få særlig opmærksomhed.

- Andre vigtige vækstskabende faktorer er den europæiske transport infrastruktur og det europæiske energi marked. Der vil blive gjort forberedelser til den nye fase for transeuropæiske netværk, og et nyt initiativ skal fremme anvendelsen af jernbanefragt i hele Europa. Det interne energimarked vil blive færdiggjort, og samtidig vil arbejdet med at udvikle nye teknologiske løsninger på energibehovene fortsætte med fokus på rene kulteknologier og vedvarende energi. Flagskibet Galileo-systemet træder ind i en ny praktisk udviklingsfase.

- Der vil blive set nærmere på, om den eksisterende lovgivning på området fri bevægelighed inden for det indre marked er effektiv; der vil blive sigtet mod forenkling for at skabe større smidighed på det indre marked og sætte gang i væksten. Grundprincipperne for det indre marked vil i højere grad blive inddraget i lovforslagene. Desuden vil særlige sektorbestemte forslag blive undersøgt i forbindelse med postvæsen, offentlige indkøb, clearings- og afregningssystemer for værdipapirer og banksektoren. Der vil blive suppleret med igangværende analyser på områder som investeringsfonde, kreditaftaler, forsikringsselskabers solvens og offentligt-private partnerskaber.

Udvidelse af euro-området

- Et stabilt makroøkonomisk klima er en forudsætning for vækst. Kommissionens forvaltning af euro-området går ind i en ny fase med forberedelserne til den kommende udvidelse af euro-området og vurderingen af de nye kandidatlandes evne til at indføre euroen.

3. SOLIDARITET

Solidaritet og social retfærdighed er afgørende for EU’s arbejde. Det handler om at opbygge det samfund, som vi ønsker for os selv og de fremtidige generationer. Der drejer sig om at skabe livskvalitet og anerkende fælles ansvarlighed som f.eks. i forbindelse med miljøbeskyttelse. Det handler også om at fremme et sundt samfund med borgere, hvis tillid er intakt også i situationer med forandringer, da det er grundlaget for velstand og sikkerhed.

Men vi er endnu ikke nået dertil. I dag står Europa over for en række udfordringer, som kun kan imødegås i fællesskab og med beslutsomhed. Det er der, hvor EU kan tilføre en klar merværdi. Effektive politikker for samhørighed og udvikling i landdistrikterne er i overensstemmelse med Lissabon-strategien for vækst og arbejdspladser. 2006 vil blive et afgørende år med programmer, som iværksættes således, at midlerne målrettes effektivt mod konvergens og konkurrencedygtighed i de næste syv år. Reformer inden for landbrug og fiskeri har allerede banet vejen for bæredygtighed og større konkurrenceevne. Tjenesteydelser af almen interesse er af afgørende betydning for europæiske borgere, og Kommissionen vil fortsætte sine bestræbelser for at sikre, at behovet for sådanne ydelser bliver indarbejdet i EU's politikker. Truslerne mod miljøet i Europa har en transnational og global dimension, som kræver et stærkt EU-lederskab.

Tackle morgendagens problemer i dag

- Den europæiske befolknings aldring vil få store virkninger for velstand, levestandarden og forbindelserne mellem generationerne. Mange af problemerne er medlemsstaternes ansvar, men EU må også handle. Efter den debat, der er blevet iværksat i 2005, vil Kommissionen udarbejde ideer til, hvordan EU kan bidrage til at tackle problemet med den demografiske aldring i Europa.

- Effektiv forvaltning af migrationsstrømmen er et af de mest presserende problemer, som Europa står overfor, både i forbindelse med arbejdsmarkedets behov, men også hvad angår bekæmpelse af ulovlig indvandring. Det kræver omfattende og afbalancerede foranstaltninger, som samtidig bekræfter Europas humanitære traditioner.

- Klimaændringen er en anden udfordring på længere sigt. Hyppigere og mere ødelæggende naturkatastrofer har allerede vist, hvad omkostningerne er, når der ikke handles. 2006 vil blive et afgørende år for multilaterale klimaforhandlinger og forpligtelser i henhold til Kyoto-protokollen for perioden efter 2012. EU vil også skulle fastholde rytmen i indførelsen af foranstaltninger vedrørende klimaændringer for at opfylde sine mål gennem de nationale planer for tildeling af kvoter og foranstaltninger, som inddrager luftfartssektoren i emissionshandelsordningen. Det er også tid til at undersøge, om det er muligt at bygge videre på de eksisterende frivillige aftaler med industrien om at nedbringe CO2-emissioner fra biler.

Bæredygtig ressourceforvaltning

- Bæredygtig forvaltning af naturressourcer opfylder langsigtede sociale, økonomiske og miljømæssige interesser. Reformen af vin-, frugt- og grønsags- og banansektoren bringer den igangværende landbrugsreform ind i sidste fase og fortsætter tendensen mod øget konkurrencedygtighed.

- Den seneste tids skyhøje priser på olie har understreget, hvor vigtigt det er at sikre EU konkurrencedygtige og bæredygtige energiforsyninger. Indsatsen for at forvalte og nedbringe risici vil blive øget, navnlig ved at fremme energieffektivitet og vedvarende energikilder og ved at udforske alle muligheder for at udvikle biobrændstoffer.

- Ressourceforvaltning handler også om beskyttelse af den europæiske naturarv. Biodiversiteten i Europa og på verdensplan reduceres til stadighed som følge af stigende pres fra mennesket; det er nødvendigt med nye foranstaltninger, som kan opfylde det fastlagte mål om at standse nedgangen i biodiversiteten i Europa inden 2010. Det er også nødvendigt at tage skridt til at nedbringe faren fra pesticider for sundheden og miljøet og tage flere initiativer vedrørende luftforurening .

Opbygning af et mere sammenhængende EU

- Der er altid risiko for, at offentlige politikker udformes isoleret uden hensyn til, hvordan de kan indvirke på hinanden. Med den nye maritime strategi vil der for første gang blive anvendt en ny integreret fremgangsmåde til miljøvenlig bæredygtig udvikling af en blomstrende maritim økonomi, med støtte fra særlig viden inden for havforskning og havteknologi.

- Samhørighed indebærer et ansvar for EU til at sikre fælles standarder, som kan gå sammen med åbne grænser, mobilitet og et indre marked. Den gældende arbejdsret bør undersøges på baggrund af de vigtigste tendenser og afgørende opgaver i de kommende år, og politikker vedrørende ligestilling mellem kvinder og mænd og arbejdsmiljø bør styrkes og moderniseres.

- Moderniseringen af de åbne metoder for koordinering på det sociale område og iværksættelsen af samarbejdet om sundhed og langtidspleje vil øge den støtte, som EU yder medlemsstaterne i deres bestræbelser på at modernisere de sociale beskyttelsessystemer og bekæmpe social udstødelse.

- Da borgerne har større mobilitet i Europa, forventer de, at EU kan tilbyde løsninger på nye problemer på tværs af grænserne i forbindelse med retssystemet som f.eks. på områder som skilsmisse og ægteskabelig formueret og håndhævelse af erstatningsafgørelser og andre civilretlige afgørelser på tværs af grænserne. Særlig opmærksomhed bør rettes mod børns rettigheder på områder som familiesammenføring, forældrenes ansvar og menneskehandel.

4. SIKKERHED

Der går næppe en dag uden påmindelse om de trusler, der findes mod borgernes sikkerhed. Den seneste tids begivenheder har igen bragt dette i fokus. Bombeattentaterne i Madrid og London, naturkatastrofer i og uden for EU, truslen om fugleinfluenza og muligheden for en influenzapandemi mellem mennesker, energi- og transportkriser. Dette er blot de tydeligste eksempler på forhold, som har vendt op og ned på borgernes tilværelse, eller risici, hvor det mulige er blevet til det sandsynlige.

Borgerne forventer med rette, at der træffes foranstaltninger til at tage den slags udfordringer op, både inden for EU og ude i verden. I alle disse tilfælde vender de sig mod EU for effektiv fælles handling. Dette har medlemsstaterne for nylig erkendt med Haag-handlingsplanen. En effektiv og realistisk tilgang kræver handlinger på flere forskellige niveauer og mange forskellige måder, herunder forebyggelse, beskyttelse og indsats.

Et mere sikkert EU, som kan beskytte europæerne mod kriminalitet

- Terrorisme er en permanent trussel i Europa. Terroristangreb kan ramme hårdt over hele Europa. Bedre koordinering mellem medlemsstaterne vil bidrage til at opspore terrorister mere effektivt og gøre det lettere at få dem stillet for retten. Arbejdet er blevet fremskyndet efter bombeattentaterne i London, og det vil fortsætte i 2006. Det er nødvendigt, at Europa arbejder i fællesskab om problemer som terroristfinansiering, støtte til ofrene og bedre koordinering mellem lovhåndhævende myndigheder. Mere arbejde er nødvendigt for at forbedre effektiviteten af netværk på tværs af grænserne, som er i stand til at tage fat om terrorismens rod.

- Den grænsekrydsende dimension af organiseret kriminalitet og de sofistikerede midler, der anvendes i forbindelse med kriminalitet i vore dage, kræver målrettet og ajourført handling på europæisk plan. Dette bør omfatte et sammenhængende informationssystem mellem kompetente myndigheder om forbryderregistre og en omfattende undersøgelse af internetsikkerheden.

- I et EU uden grænser er sikkerheden ved de eksterne grænser af største vigtighed; der er fælles forståelse for, at det kræver kollektive foranstaltninger og fælles høje standarder for overvågning af både varer og personer. Foranstaltninger, der kan sikre medlemsstaterne hjælp til arbejdet ved de eksterne grænser, samt konsolidering og ajourføring af den nuværende fællesskabsret om visapolitik og toldforanstaltninger vil bidrage til en mere effektiv kontrol.

- EU giver mulighed for støtte til arbejdet med lovhåndhævelse . Rets- og politisamarbejdet bør styrkes for at nedbringe omfanget af retlige forhindringer, garantere borgernes rettigheder og lette udvekslingen af relevante oplysninger og bedste praksis.

Bedre beskyttelse af borgerne i hverdagen

- Bedre sundhed og større forbrugertillid samt bekæmpelse af sundhedsrisici har tydelige positive virkninger for europæisk økonomi og borgernes velbefindende. En effektiv ramme for regler og foranstaltninger vedrørende forbrugerpolitik er vigtig på europæisk plan. Særlige initiativer inden for fødevaresikkerhed vil tage sigte på, at der bliver truffet koordinerede foranstaltninger på tværs af grænserne, som kan sikre en effektiv europæisk dimension i bekæmpelsen af trusler. Foranstaltningerne skal også være sammenhængende og effektive. Et særligt træningsprogram i fødevaresikkerhed skal sigte på at sikre, at de høje standarder for gennemførelse af kontroller hele tiden forbedres.

- Ulykker til søs, i luften og på vejene har vist, hvordan mangler i forbindelse med transportsikkerheden kan have direkte virkninger for brugere og arbejdere, og de kan også føre til miljøskader. Det kan også give store økonomiske omkostninger. Udvikling af det europæiske agentur for luftfartssikkerhed og jernbaneagenturet er et reelt bidrag til sikkerheden i hele Europa.

- Det er også nødvendigt at sikre kommunikationsnetværk og informationssystemer , der er troværdige, sikre og pålidelige, idet de er en afgørende forudsætning for anvendelsen af konvergerende digitale tjenester.

- Kommissionen vil også styrke kapaciteten til civilbeskyttelse og vil udvikle EU’s kapacitet til en hurtig indsats, som kan bringes i anvendelse i tilfælde af kriser.

5. EU SOM VERDENSPARTNER

EU kan ikke realisere disse strategiske mål alene. Den sidste tids tekstilforhandlinger med Kina, den seneste hungersnød i Niger, sikkerhedssituationen i Irak, fredsprocessen i Mellemøsten, andre eksterne begivenheder er hele tiden påmindelser om, at velstand, solidaritet og sikkerhed kan være europæiske mål, men de ikke udelukkende er afhængige af, hvad vi udretter hos os selv. EU kan ikke nøjes med at reagere på verden uden for. EU må også bidrage mere proaktivt til at forme den verden.

Stabilitet og velstand ved EU’s grænser

- I de områder, der ligger tættest på EU’s grænser, må forhandlingerne om udvidelse og stabilisering og associeringsprocesser for kandidat- og præ-kandidatlande fortsætte. Tilsynsrapporterne om Bulgarien og Rumænien, som skal forelægges til foråret, vil sætte fokus på det endelige stadium i tiltrædelsesprocessen. Tiltrædelsesforhandlinger med Tyrkiet og Kroatien vil fortsætte ligesom tilsynet med de fremskridt, der gøres i alle kandidat- og præ-kandidatlande. Det videre forløb angående Den Tidligere Jugoslaviske Republik Makedonien vil afhænge af Kommissionens udtalelse om tiltrædelsesansøgningen. Forhandlingerne om en stabiliserings- og associeringsaftale med Serbien og Montenegro og med Bosnien-Hercegovina vil blive fortsat med sigte på afslutning inden udgangen af 2006.

- I forbindelse med naboskab vil Kommissionen og partnerlandene bygge videre på de eksisterende handlingsplaner, hvis gennemførelse vil blive analyseret ved udgangen af 2006. Naboskabspolitikken er en meget vigtig prioritet i forbindelserne udadtil, og den vil blive øget og suppleret med et sæt nye handlingsplaner for landene omkring Det Kaspiske Hav og Middelhavet, som vil udvide forpligtelsen til at udvikle integrerede energimarkeder med nabolande. Kommissionen vil også forberede grundlaget for en ny institutionel ordning med Rusland og Ukraine og herunder sigte mod en frihandelsaftale med Ukraine.

Globalt ansvar

I forbindelserne med udviklingslandene må EU leve op til sine nye ambitiøse forpligtelser. Hvis 2005 var året, hvor der blev indgået forpligtelser til udviklingsbistand, skal 2006 være det år, hvor bistanden bliver gennemført. I kølvandet på G8-topmødet og den fornyede forpligtelse til Millennium-udviklingsmålene må EU allerede starte arbejdet i dag for at kunne opfylde de mål, man har sat sig, om øget finansiel indsats (ekstra 20 mia. EUR om året inden 2010) og bedre sammenhæng og effektivitet i forbindelse med EU-donorernes bistand som gruppe på grundlag af den nye udviklingspolitiske erklæring, som Kommissionen foreslog i juli 2005. Til dette formål vil Kommissionen fortsætte arbejdet ved at kortlægge EU's bistand, harmonisere procedurer og anvende både geografiske strategier for AVS-partnerne og vigtige emner som menneskerettigheder og demokrati.

- Det vigtigste mål for aktioner er Afrika . På grundlag af den nye Afrika-strategi og den nye udviklingspolitiske erklæring vil Kommissionen foreslå, at partnerskabet med Afrika styrkes på to prioriterede områder: regeringsførelse og infrastruktur. Som foreslået under den reviderede Cotonou-aftale vil dialogen om sikkerhed blive intensiveret. Forhandlingerne om økonomiske partnerskabsaftaler vil gå ind i en afgørende fase, og der vil blive foretaget en omfattende revision af ordningerne.

- Støtte til genopbygning og politisk overgang vil træde ind i en ny fase med øget samarbejde i Irak såvel som støtte til udviklingen i Gaza og på Vestbredden, arbejdet i Afghanistan og arbejdet i kølvandet på tsunamien. EU vil også fortsætte med at yde humanitær bistand til ofrene for kriser over hele verden.

- Nært forbundet med ovenstående er sikkerhed med nye initiativer til ikke-spredning af kernevåben og nedrustning, menneskers sikkerhed og terrorismebekæmpelse i overensstemmelse med den europæiske sikkerhedsstrategi.

En globaliseret økonomi

- Globalisering er en virkelighed, som vi må anvende til at genskabe dynamisk vækst og bedre arbejdspladser i Europa. Udenrigs handel og investeringer går hånd i hånd med økonomisk integration i Europa. Tiden er inde til at understrege den eksterne dimension ved konkurrencedygtighed og fremsætte henstillinger til handelspolitik og handelsrelaterede politikker. Hongkong-konferencen i december 2005 bør åbne mulighed for et ambitiøst resultat af Doha-udviklingsagendaen ved udgangen af 2006, herunder håndgribelige resultater for de fattige udviklingslande. Som vor næststørste handelspartner byder Kina både på store udfordringer og muligheder, og fem år efter landets optagelse i WTO vil der blive foretaget en omfattende undersøgelse af situationen.

- EU vil bidrage til en effektiv multilateral tilgang til bæredygtig udvikling verden over, navnlig gennem udarbejdelse af en strategisk ramme for aktioner om globale offentlige goder, såsom skovrydning og vandforvaltning. EU’s erfaringer på miljøområdet vil sammen med innovation i forbindelse med kombinationen af offentlig udviklingsbistand og private investeringer blive indlagt i en fond for alternativ energi, som kan bistå udviklingslandene i arbejdet med at gennemføre Millennium-målene for sanitære anlæg og energi.

- På alle områder er et virkeligt partnerskab mellem EU’s institutioner den eneste måde til at sikre, at EU fremstår med en stærkere fælles stemme i verden. EU bør stræbe mod større sammenhæng og effektivitet i forbindelserne udadtil, om det er i Bruxelles, New York eller rundt omkring i verden; dette kan bl.a. ske via udveksling af tjenestemænd.

6. GENNEMFØRELSE OG BEDRE LOVGIVNING

Effektiv gennemførelse af de forskellige politikker er en vigtig forudsætning for EU’s troværdighed og legitimitet. Det drejer sig imidlertid ikke kun om, hvilke politikker der vælges, det er også vigtigt, hvordan de udformes og hvordan de gennemføres.

I 2005 øgede Kommissionen det igangværende arbejde med at skabe bedre lovgivning for at sikre, at lovrammerne i EU opfylder nutidens krav. Formålet er at styrke bidraget med bedre lovgivning om vækst og arbejdspladser, samtidig med at der bliver taget hensyn til de sociale og miljømæssige mål og god regeringsførelse.

Konsekvensanalyser er blevet normen for arbejdsprogrammets prioriterede opgaver, og der er blevet vedtaget nye retningslinjer[1]. Kommissionen har foretaget en grundig gennemgang af forslag, som allerede er blevet forelagt Europa-Parlamentet og Rådet, for at få fastslået, om de er forenelige med principperne om en bedre lovgivning, og resultatet var, at 68 forslag blev taget af bordet[2]. Dette kommer oven i Kommissionens foranstaltninger angående en tredjedel af alle uafklarede forslag, som stammer fra før 2004. Dette bliver nu fulgt op med en større indsats for at forenkle de eksisterende regler. Resultatet bør være et stort fremskridt, hvor alt det, der udrettes på EU-niveau, bliver gjort meget lettere tilgængeligt for borgere og erhvervsdrivende i EU. I denne nye operationelle fase vil Kommissionen internt fastlægge en særlig struktur, der kan øge anvendelsen af principperne for bedre lovgivning, og således sikre politisk sammenhæng, kvalitetskontrol og forudgående vurdering af lovgivningsmæssige spørgsmål.

- Subsidiaritet og proportionalitet. Kommissionens arbejde vil blive vurderet på grundlag af subsidiaritets- og proportionalitetskravene. EU bør kun træffe foranstaltninger, når det er nødvendigt, og da i den lettest mulige form for at nå målene. Kommissionen vil være særlig opmærksom på at sikre fuld overholdelse af subsidiaritets- og proportionalitetsprincippet.

- Udbytte af midlerne, gennemsigtighed og ansvarlighed. EU-budgettet bør kun tages i anvendelse, når det kan give et større udbytte af midlerne end budgetudgifter på nationalt plan. Der skal også være en klar ansvarlighed for udgifterne med effektive interinstitutionelle mekanismer for dette arbejde. Der skal indføres passende revisions- og kontrolsystemer, og køreplanen til sikring af en positiv revisionserklæring fra Den Europæiske Revisionsret vil blive fortsat. Beskyttelse af EU’s finansielle interesser er stadig en vigtig prioritet. På samme måde vil Kommissionen i 2006 fortsætte med sit europæiske initiativ til åbenhed.

- Høring. Politiske initiativer skal være velforberedte og målrettede for at opfylde nutidens europæiske borgeres virkelige behov. Høring er derfor et vigtigt led i Kommissionens arbejde med at udforme de forskellige politikker. Mange af forslagene i bilaget til dette arbejdsprogram er frugten af høringer. I forbindelse med andre vil der blive afholdt nye høringer. Kommissionen vil fortsætte med i videst muligt omfang at anvende de eksisterende redskaber til at inddrage borgerne i beslutningsprocessen og vil tilskynde til nye former for høring som f.eks. ”borgerpaneler”.

- Konsekvensanalyse. Konsekvensanalyser sikrer, at politikkerne føres med fuld viden om de faktiske forhold og virkningerne. Den udstikker også retningslinjerne for politikkerne via en åben analyse af mulighederne og lægger grunden til en disciplin, som sikrer, at der tages fuldt hensyn til de økonomiske, sociale og miljømæssige faktorer, herunder også virkningerne for konkurrenceevnen. Processen med konsekvensanalyser udstikker også retningslinjerne for den interinstitutionelle beslutningsproces, og den giver en klar og tilgængelig offentlig forklaring på, hvorfor et givet forslag fremsættes. Konsekvensanalyser er derfor gjort til en fast bestanddel af alle lovmæssige og politikdefinerende forslag i arbejdsprogrammet for 2006[3]: og kan i visse tilfælde føre til en beslutning om at forfølge målene på en anden måde eller at opgive dem. Desuden vil konsekvensanalyser i 2006 blive anvendt for forberedelse til programmet for 2007. Det modsatte af konsekvensanalyser er efterfølgende evalueringer, hvorved det med regelmæssige mellemrum vil blive undersøgt, om målene for EU’s politikker og programmer er blevet opfyldt.

- Gennemførelse og implementering. Kommissionen vil forstærke sin indsats for at følge den nye approach for gennemførelse af fællesskabsretten[4], navnlig ved hjælp af et mere effektivt samarbejde med medlemsstaterne, forebyggende foranstaltninger og streng behandling af overtrædelser, når dette er nødvendigt.

- Forenkling. Det vil være nødvendigt at undgå, at EU’s love og procedurer er alt for komplicerede, da dette betyder omkostninger for borgere og erhvervsliv. Nye lovforslag vil blive kontrolleret nøje, og eksisterende lovgivning blive frisket op. I oktober 2005 iværksatte Kommissionen en ny fase for forenkling af lovgivningen (med en sektorbestemt approach og mere systematisk høring af deltagerne) og fastlagde et 3-årigt rullende program for undersøgelse af lovgivning, som kunne være uforholdsmæssig byrdefuld for EU's borgere og erhvervsliv[5]. Dette fortsætter og styrker Kommissionen ramme for forenkling, som blev fastlagt i 2003. I første fase vil der blive sat fokus på automobil-, bygge- og affaldssektoren.

- Administrativ forenkling: Kommissionen har startet en revision af sine interne procedurer for at gennemføre en omfattende intern forenkling. De første resultater af dette forenklingsinitiativ vil vise sig i 2006, navnlig angående administrativ og finansiel forvaltning, udbud og offentlige kontrakter.

Da arbejdet fortsætter med de prioriterede initiativer, der er opført i bilaget, og med andre politiske initiativer, vil disse principper for bedre lovgivning indgå som et centralt led i Kommissionens arbejde. En midtvejsrevision af arbejdsprogrammet i sommeren 2006 vil give Kommissionen mulighed for at gøre status over ændringerne og om nødvendigt ændre listen over prioriteringer.

ANNEX : PRIORITY ITEMS FOR ADOPTION IN 2006

I. PROSPERITY

Title English | Type of proposal or act | Description of scope and objectives | Reference number |

Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing the European Institute of Technology (EIT) | Legislative Proposal / Regulation | This proposal will be presented only if the 2006 Spring European Council asks for it in the light of the Commission Communication on the same theme that will be annexed to the Commission report on the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy. In this case, the proposal will aim to establish the EIT (main functions and characteristics, structures and bodies, budget, etc.). | 2006/EAC+/004 |

Recommendation for a European Qualifications Framework | Non-legislative action / Recommendation | The main policy objective is to establish - on a voluntary basis - a European reference framework that will facilitate transparency, transfer and recognition of qualifications in Europe. A set of common reference levels will facilitate the comparison of education and training provisions and be supported by principles for quality assurance, validation, guidance, key competences etc. The EQF will support the comparability and thus eventually also the recognition of qualifications, provide a framework for development of qualifications at sector level and support the lifelong learning of individual citizens. | 2006/EAC/006 |

Convergence Report 2006 | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | At least every two years, the Commission and the ECB each prepare a convergence report in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 121(1). The reports examine to which extent the Member States with a derogation have achieved a high degree of sustainable convergence on the basis of the 4 convergence criteria. The compatibility of their national legislation with Community law also forms part of the assessment. | 2006/ECFIN/019 |

Proposal for a Council Decision under Art.122(2) abrogating the derogation for certain Member States | Legislative Proposal / Decision | If one or more Member States are deemed to fulfil the conditions for euro adoption, their derogation is abrogated by the Council. | 2006/ECFIN/020 |

Proposal for an amendment of Regulation (EC) No 2866/98 on conversion rates to the euro | Legislative Proposal / Regulation | Council decides on conversion rates of new euro area entrants in accordance with Article 123(5). | 2006/ECFIN/021 |

Legislative Proposal consolidating and strengthening new approach directives, policies and principles | Legislative Proposal / Decision | The main operational objectives are: Consolidating and reviewing key definitions; Enhancing mutual confidence in conformity assessment bodies and increasing transparency of the notification process by defining a Community policy on accreditation and by consolidating and reviewing designation requirements; Facilitating the notification process concerning notified bodies; Reviewing the existing conformity assessment modules; Clarifying the meaning of the CE marking and its relationship to voluntary marks; Establishing a Community framework consisting of essential requirements for national market surveillance activities; Enhancing cooperation of national market surveillance authorities; Improving the safeguard clause mechanism | 2006/ENTR/001 |

Community Regulation concerning the free movement of goods in the non-harmonised area | Legislative Proposal / Regulation | The main policy objective is improving the functioning of mutual recognition in the non-harmonised area, by finding a solution for most of the problems set out above. Mutual recognition in the non-harmonised area of goods needs more structure so as to enhance transparency and to encourage national authorities to act more ‘European’. It is also important that, in cases where mutual recognition is refused, the possibility for companies to demonstrate that the disputed product is indeed lawfully marketed elsewhere in the EU is clearly set out. | 2006/ENTR/002 |

Communication on a competitive automotive regulatory framework | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The main objective is to enhance the EU industry’s global competitiveness and employment, while sustaining further progress in safety and environmental performance of vehicles at a price affordable to the consumer. The main policy areas involved therefore are better regulation, competitiveness, environment and road safety. | 2006/ENTR/003 |

Revision of Directive 88/378/EC on the safety of toys | Legislative Proposal / Directive | The main policy objectives are the simplification of the current legislation, the improvement on the safety of toys by clarifying essential safety requirements, the improvement in the functioning of the Internal Market by developing conditions for a better common approach by national market surveillance authorities in the implementation of the legislation in force. | 2006/ENTR/004 |

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive amending Directive 98/34/EC laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations and of rules on information society services | Legislative Proposal / Directive | To ensure that the Lisbon agenda goal of ensuring a smooth functioning of the Internal Market for services by 2010 is achieved. To eliminate potential obstacles to the Internal Market for services even before they appear, thus avoiding a posteriori and lengthier interventions and increasing the competitiveness of EU enterprises. To adjust the standardisation part of the Directive to the latest developments in this area. | 2006/ENTR/006 |

Communication Financing Growth - the European Way | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The Communication aims at specifying concrete actions contributing to the growth of the European innovative firms, in particular SMEs and mid-sized firms, by spreading good practices and policy learning in access to finance. In particular the new Member States, where the financial sector development is behind that of EU-15, can benefit from an open policy dialogue process. The Communication also aims to outline actions that would contribute to enhancing the single market by identifying and removing obstacles from cross-border investment. So far, the Member States have regularly confirmed their commitment to ease the access to finance, but have mainly focused on national solutions. | 2006/ENTR/007 |

Communication on Defence Industries and Markets | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The Commission wants to encourage the competitiveness of the European defence sector. Appropriate market legislation and substantial R&D programmes are the main tools to achieve this objective. | 2006/ENTR/008 |

Communication on the functioning of the regulatory framework for electronic communications and services | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | Provides a report on the functioning of the regulatory framework for electronic communications and services and launches a public consultation on possible review. | 2006/INFSO/001 |

Communication on eGovernment | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The objective is to propose an Action Plan for 2006-2010 widely supported by Member States and Commission services that work on eGovernment related activities, as announced in the i2010 Communication. | 2006/INFSO/003 |

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directives 89/665/EEC and 92/13/EEC as lastly modified, on the coordination of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the application of review procedures to the award of public contracts | Legislative Proposal / Directive | L'objectif est d'encourager davantage les entreprises communautaires à soumissionner dans n'importe quel Etat membre de l'Union, en leur donnant la certitude qu'elles pourront, si nécessaire, engager des recours efficaces dans le cas où leurs intérêts auraient été lésés lors de procédures de passation de marchés de travaux, de fournitures ou de services. La proposition de directive vise à améliorer certaines dispositions des directives « recours » sans changer les principes qui ont inspiré leur adoption. En outre, la proposition de directive prendra essentiellement la forme d’un renforcement des procédures ou mécanismes existants en particulier par la mise en place de recours efficaces contre les marchés passés illégalement de gré à gré. Par ailleurs, les développements jurisprudentiels récents appellent une clarification voire une précision du cadre législatif existant, afin d’assurer une sanction effective, proportionnée et dissuasive des violations du droit communautaire des marchés publics. | 2006/MARKT/002 |

Commission White Paper on the Integration of the EU Mortgage Credit Market | Non-legislative action / White Paper | White Paper on mortgage credit announcing any initiatives to be proposed by the Commission to promote the creation of an EU mortgage credit market, based on the results of wide-spread consultation following the 2005 Green Paper 'Mortgage Credit in the EU'. | 2006/MARKT/003 |

White Paper on the next steps towards an efficient investment fund market | Non-legislative action / White Paper | The Green Paper on the enhancement of the EU framework for investment funds was published in July 2005. It presented an analysis of the European market for investment funds and an assessment of the ability of the EU regulatory framework in the area (UCITS Directives) to achieve its objectives in the current context. It also launched a debate on a series of options that could improve the functioning of the fund market. Drawing on a long process of consultation, research and impact assessment, the White Paper will present the concrete actions to be taken in order to achieve a more efficient market for investment funds. | 2006/MARKT/004 |

Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on clearing and settlement in the securities field | Legislative Proposal / Directive | The proposal could provide a common regulatory framework to achieve an efficient, integrated and safe market for securities clearing and settlement, thus increasing market liquidity, reducing costs of capital and increasing EU growth. Currently several barriers, of different nature, generate inefficiency and increase costs for most of the cross-border securities settlements. | 2006/MARKT/005 |

Proposal for the full accomplishment of the Internal Market for Postal Services | Legislative Proposal / Directive | The objective of the proposal is to progress the accomplishment of the internal market for postal services while ensuring the provision of universal postal services for all users, irrespective of their location in the Union. The scope of the proposal will include, if it is appropriate, confirmation of the date of 2009 for the full accomplishment of the postal internal market (i.e. opening of remaining postal monopolies to competition) and may include, in addition, measures intended to ensure the provision of universal postal services, the protection of users in conditions of undistorted competition in the market. | 2006/MARKT/006 |

Proposal to review Article 16 of Directive 2000/12/EC of 20 March 2000 relating to the taking up and pursuit of the business of credit institutions (review of the supervisory approval process for major shareholdings) | Legislative Proposal / Directive | Article 16 of the European Banking Directive allows supervisors to effectively block proposed mergers and acquisitions of banks in their jurisdiction on prudential grounds. The review of Article 16 seeks to clarify the process and procedures that should be followed by supervisors, in order to ensure clear, transparent and equitable treatment by all European supervisors in relation to proposed mergers and acquisitions of banks. | 2006/MARKT/007 |

Recommendation from the Commission - Fair compensation for private copying: copyright levies reform | Non-legislative action / Recommendation | Reform of copyright levies applied to equipment and media used for private copying by consumers and others. | 2006/MARKT/008 |

Interpretative Communication on the application of Article 296 of the Treaty to Defence Procurement | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The fragmentation of the European defence market is among other things due to the uncertainty on how to apply article 296 of the Treaty, which allows MS to derogate from Public Procurement rules when essential security interests are at stake. In the context on a more global initiative aimed at opening up defence procurement markets, an Interpretative Communication would clarify the criteria to be used in order to asses whether the conditions for the application of this derogation are met. | 2006/MARKT/012 |

European Transparency Initiative | Non-legislative action / other | The goal of the initiative is to increase transparency (e.g. use of Community funds, lobbying) | 2006/SG+/008 |

Decision on the renewal of an Action Programme for Customs in the Community (Customs 2013) | Legislative Proposal / Decision | The Customs 2013 programme is the successor of the Customs 2007 programme and has as objective to further improve cooperation between tax administrations. The Customs programme will continue to develop and modernise the trans-European computerised systems that underpin the implementation of customs policy. The Customs 2013 programme will tackle a number of new challenges, such as securing the supply chain and support for the use of a common risk management system, while promoting the incorporation of risk management into all aspects of customs work. Customs 2013 will continue to support activities to protect traders from piracy and counterfeiting. The Customs programme will also support the further development of initiatives to set up a paperless electronic customs environment while underpinning indispensable initiatives such as modernisation and simplification of the customs legislation. | 2006/TAXUD/001 |

Decision on the renewal of a Community programme to improve the operation of the taxation systems in the internal market (Fiscalis 2013) | Legislative Proposal / Decision | The Fiscalis 2013 programme will continue to support initiatives that focus on improving the proper functioning of taxation systems in the internal market by increasing cooperation between participating countries, their administrations and officials. It will raise awareness of relevant Community law and encourage Member States to share experience of implementing Directives. The programme will also encompass tools to help combat harmful tax competition and tax fraud, both within the EU and in relation to third countries. To support administrative cooperation and mutual assistance between tax administrations, the programme will develop and modernise the trans-European computerised networks required for the exchange of information for control purposes, such as the VAT Information Exchange System (VIES) and the Excise Movement Control System (EMCS). | 2006/TAXUD/002 |

Communication to the Council and the European Parliament on a strategy to improve the fight against tax fraud | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The purpose of the communication is to launch a debate on an overall anti-tax fraud strategy at EU level. The responsibility for control and anti-fraud work is clearly a matter for the Member States. The role of the Commission is to provide an appropriate legislative framework at Community level and to facilitate co-operation between Member States. A communication is therefore the appropriate tool to launch the debate. However, achieving the objective of the anti-fraud strategy will probably require both legal and non-legal activities at a later stage | 2006/TAXUD/003 |

Commission Communication on the implementation of a dedicated European rail freight network | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | Promoting the development of the rail transport (in particular the rail freight transport) and creating an integrated European railway area. Facilitating the internal rail freight market. Developing performing rail freight corridors on the trans-European rail network. Focusing Community funding on identified bottlenecks. Encouraging cooperation between infrastructure managers to increase the quality and efficiency of cross-border rail freight traffic by developing international timetabling, tailor-made paths. | 2006/TREN/003 |

Communication on transport logistics to facilitate intermodal transport | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | Freight Transport is more crucial for Europe's industrial competitiveness than for its international competitors because of our unique geography; mountains, seas, peripheral regions, location of production and population etc. The growth in international trade, enlargement and changes in logistics processes mean that freight transport continues to grow faster than GDP. Action that could be considered includes: - Support the development and use of advanced ICT, - Set standards for intermodal transport and logistics systems and services, - Improve intermodal liability, - Examine means (technical, legal, financial) to promote intermodal transport more actively, - Improve logistics education and training, - Ensure fair competition between the modes, - Expand support for alternative services and innovation, - Enhance co-operation between industry, service providers and policy makers, - Ensure widespread dissemination and take up of best practice. | 2006/TREN/010 |

Galileo future applications | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The European satellite navigation infrastructure will provide initial positioning services as from 2008. The use of this technology in all sectors of modern economies will generate by 2020 a global market of some 300 billion euros, with 3 billion receivers in use in a wide range of electronic devices. Some 150.000 highly qualified jobs will be created, contributing to the Lisbon objectives. Applications spanning the whole EU territories can easily be implemented in view of the exploitation phase. Coordinated actions and standards have to be developed in order to take the full benefits of this pan-European positioning and timing technology. Public administrations can make use of the positioning service through a set of regulated applications. An assessment of the feasibility of several regulatory measures and their impact is necessary. | 2006/TREN/025 |

Communication on Clean Coal Technologies | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | Stimuler le développement technologique et la démonstration à l'échelle commerciale des nouvelles technologies du charbon propre et, en particulier, par l'amélioration du rendement énergétique des centrales électriques utilisant ce combustible ouvrant la voie à la capture et au stockage du CO2. | 2006/TREN/026 |

Intermediate overall assessment of the measures advocated in the White Paper "European Transport Policy for 2010: time to decide" | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The Commission's White Paper established a mid-term review in 2005 to check whether its objectives and precise targets were being attained or whether adjustment need making. As the original instrument used was a Communication from the Commission, the mid-term review has to be same kind of instrument | 2005/TREN/011 |

II SOLIDARITY

Title English | Type of proposal or act | Description of scope and objectives | Reference number |

Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 404/93 on the common market organisation for bananas | Legislative Proposal / Regulation | A review of the common market organisation (CMO) for bananas is envisaged based on the findings of an ongoing evaluation, in particular as concerns the aid scheme to the EU banana producers, also taking account of the new import system to be in place as of 2006. The main objectives of the review are to maintain an acceptable balance at the level of marketing of the three sources of supply of the Community market (EU production, ACP and dollar banana imports), to improve the efficiency of EU production, to provide fair prices to EU consumers, to support the sustainable development of the producing areas and to promote environmentally-friendly methods of cultivation and processing. | 2005/AGRI/003 |

Council Regulation amending Regulations Nos 2200/96, 2201/96 and 2002/96 on the common market organisation of fresh and processed fruit and vegetables | Legislative Proposal / Regulation | The reform of these sectors is part of the overall CAP reform process. The main objectives of the reform are to improve the competitiveness of processed fruits and vegetables industry through a more market orientated policy, while taking into account the important role of the sectors concerned in employment in rural areas; to update and upgrade the current instruments of the Common Market Organisation (CMO) for fresh products; to decrease trade distorting agricultural support; to remove useless rules, to simplify and clarify the remaining regulations. | 2006/AGRI/002 |

Commission Communication on reform of the common market organisation for wine | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The common market organisation for wine is one of the last agricultural sectors to undergo a significant reform in order to address a number of problems. The Commission Communication will set out orientations for the legislation aiming mainly to improve the competitiveness of the EU-produced wine, to reach a balance between supply and demand, to develop better instruments for a better knowledge and monitoring of the market, to simplify and clarify legislation, to ensure that wine production in Europe is sustainable, and to preserve the authenticity and character of the product. The Communication will be accompanied by an impact assessment and will later be followed by a proposal for a Council Regulation. | 2006/AGRI/003 |

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the future prospects for biofuels | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The Communication will present the result of reflections on the question of measures to promote the production of biofuels, including such production in less developed third countries. | 2006/AGRI/019 |

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions "Growth, prosperity and solidarity in an equal and democratic society: a roadmap for equality between women and men" | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | Despite progress made in the last decades towards equality between women and men, several gender gaps in employment, unemployment, pay, decision making positions, as well as the phenomenon of violence against women and trafficking still remain. This Communication will represent the road map on gender equality and will define objectives and actions for EU policies in order to achieve gender equality, and to tackle remaining problems and obstacles. | 2006/EMPL/001 |

Communication from the Commission on a new Community strategy on health and safety at work 2007-2012 | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The new Community strategy on health and safety at work for the period 2007-2012 will build on the current strategy and on the evaluation of its results by combining a variety of instruments: up-dating and simplifying legislation, social dialogue, progressive measures, development of new instruments to help the implementation of legislation, economic incentives and on building partnerships between all players in this policy area. The objectives will be increased productivity and quality of work, in line with the Lisbon strategy, through a reduction of occupational accidents and absenteeism due to poor health. | 2006/EMPL/002 |

Green Paper on the evolution of labour law | Non-legislative action / Green Paper | As announced in the Social Agenda, the Green Paper is expected to launch a wide debate in Europe involving EU institutions, Member States, social partners and experts with the aim of establishing conclusions about the main trends in the recent evolution of labour law, both at EU and national level, and identifying the most crucial and urgent issues. | 2006/EMPL/003 |

Communication on the demographic future of Europe | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The Communication will present a synthesis of the replies to the 2005 Green Paper on ageing, the first results of the analytic studies prepared under the pilot action of the EP (Walter initiative) and the Commission's proposals for further action in this domain. | 2006/EMPL/004 |

Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides | Legislative Proposal / Directive | The Strategy will propose a number of measures and initiatives with the objective of a reduction of the impacts of pesticides on human health and the environment in order to achieve a more sustainable use of pesticides as well as a significant overall reduction in risks and of the use of pesticides consistent with the necessary crop protection. Justification for rescheduling: postponed from 2005 awaiting revision of SANCO directive 91/414 which is now foreseen for 2nd qtr 06 (Ref. 2003/SANCO/061). Communication with proposal for Framework Directive (Communication - option consultation ESC/CoR; Framework mandatory) | 2004/ENV/003 |

Communication - Halting the decline of biodiversity by 2010 | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The Communication will lay down a road map on priority objectives and actions to meet the EU and global objectives, set by heads of state and government, relating to halting (EU) and significantly reducing (global) the decline of biodiversity by 2010. The European Council 2003 and 2004 has called for accelerated action in this regard. ENV Council (28 June 2004) called for a report to Council and Parliament as early as possible in 2004, taking account of the ongoing biodiversity policy review process and in particular the 'Message from Malahide' (which comprises stakeholder consensus on objectives and targets towards achieving the overall 2010 objective). | 2005/ENV/011 |

Green Paper on adaptation to climate change | Non-legislative action / Green Paper | The Green Paper will help identify areas where action is needed at Community level to support the EU's adaptation to the increasing adverse effects of climate change. The need to consider EU-level action on adaptation was flagged in the Commission Communication "Winning the Battle against Global Climate Change". | 2006/ENV/012 |

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament: Results of the review of the Community Strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from cars. | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The Community's strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from cars will be reviewed and new options to complement existing measures, including the current voluntary agreements with car manufacturers will be examined. The aim is to reach an improved fuel efficiency. The results of this review will be presented and proposals on the way forward will be made. | 2006/ENV/013 |

Revision of Directive 2001/81/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on national emission ceilings (NEC) for certain atmospheric pollutants | Legislative Proposal / Directive | The revision of the NEC Directive is the key legislative initiative that will make concrete the environmental and health objectives set out in the Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution up to 2020. Limit emissions of acidifying and eutrophying pollutants and ozone precursors to improve the protection in the Community of the environment and human health against risks of adverse effects from acidification, soil eutrophication and ground-level ozone and to move towards the long-term objectives of not exceeding critical levels and loads and of effective protection of all people against recognised health risks from air pollution by establishing national emission ceilings, taking the years 2010 and 2020 as benchmarks, and by means of successive reviews. | 2006/ENV/016 |

Modification of Directive 2003/87/EC in order to include aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme | Legislative Proposal / Directive | Amend the existing legislative framework to incorporate aviation emissions into the EU Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). | 2006/ENV/017 |

Green Paper on a future European Union Maritime Policy | Non-legislative action / Green Paper | The Green Paper on an all embracing EU Maritime Policy will present the state of the art of integrated sea related policies. It shall set out options for a more holistic approach of the EU and its Member States for policies relating to the sea. | 2006/FISH/001 |

Proposal for a Regulation on the applicable law and jurisdiction in divorce matters | Legislative Proposal / Regulation | There are currently no Community rules in the field of applicable law to divorces. The main policy objective is to provide solutions that enhance legal certainty and flexibility and meet the legitimate expectations of the citizens according to the Hague Programme. The choice of the Regulation will ensure the achievement of these purposes. | 2005/JLS/187 |

Green Paper on the conflict of laws in matters concerning matrimonial property regimes, including the question of jurisdiction and mutual recognition | Non-legislative action / Green Paper | The objective is to launch a wide consultation of interested subjects on legal and practical issues arising in international situations in the area of property rights of married and unmarried couples. | 2005/JLS/188 |

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on future priorities for the common policy on illegal immigration | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The strategic objectives of an efficient handling of the EU borders and ensuring the highest level of security at the external borders are partially fulfilled through the objectives of this legal instrument. The operational powers, which should be conferred to the seconded national experts/border guards, are a minimum requirement in view of providing effective assistance to the requiring, host MS. With these powers the guest border guards contribute to reduce the risks and prevent the threats at those stretches of the EU external borders, which are under more intense threat. | 2006/JLS/005 |

Green Paper on Enforcement: A European system for the attachment of bank accounts | Non-legislative action / Green Paper | The objective is to launch a wide consultation of interested parties on how to improve the enforcement of monetary claims in the EU. The Green Paper describes the current legal situation and proposes the creation of a European System for the attachment of bank accounts as a possible solution. Different options are proposed as to the specific features of such a system. | 2006/JLS/006 |

European elections 2004: Commission Communication on the participation of the Union citizens in the Member State of residence (Directive 93/109/EC) and on the electoral modalities (Decision 76/787/EC as amended by Decision 2002/772/EC) | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | Firstly, the Communication will assess the application of Directive 93/109/EC on the voting rights of the Union citizens in their Member State of residence in the June 2004 elections to the European Parliament. The Report will draw the attention of the European Parliament to the question concerning publication of results of elections in Member States with the view of amending the relevant provision to be clear and to be implemented in a uniform way, which is not the case at the moment. It will be up to the European Parliament to contemplate the appropriateness of any legislative initiative. | 2006/JLS/008 |

Communication on the implementation of the rights of the child | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The Communication intends to set a framework where concrete actions will allow the implementation of the rights of the child within the European Union. Also, the defence of children’s rights in the external Policy of the Union will be included. The action plan included in the Communication should help the Union and the Member States to fulfil their obligations vis-à-vis the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child. | 2006/JLS/009 |

Green paper on drugs and civil society in the EU | Non-legislative action / Green Paper | Produce a Green paper to provide a framework for working with the civil society in the drugs field at the EU level. Ensure effective implementation of actions n° 3 (1) and 3 (2) of the EU Drugs Action Plan 2005-2008. | 2006/JLS/007 |

Proposal for a Council Regulation concerning Community Financial Contributions to the International Fund for Ireland (2007-2008) | Legislative Proposal / Regulation | Article 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 177/2005 of 24 January 2005 establishes that by 31 March 2006 the Commission shall submit a report to the Budgetary Authority, assessing the results of the activities of the Fund & the need for continuing contributions beyond 2006. | 2006/REGIO+/006 |

Proposal for a Council Decision on Strategic Community Guidelines on Cohesion | Legislative Proposal / Decision | Définition des priorités de la Communauté en matière de cohésion économique, sociale et territoriale. | 2005/REGIO+/013 |

Proposal for a Directive amending Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market | Legislative Proposal / Directive | Adaptation to technical progress and re-organisation of regulatory provisions concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market. Commitment of the Commission in its progress report to Council and European Parliament (COM 444(2001)final). | 2003/SANCO/61 |

Package of proposals aiming to reinforce the position and the normative framework of inland waterway transport, namely: (1) Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a European institutional framework for inland waterway transport; (2) Proposal for a negotiation mandate aiming at allowing third countries to participate in the institutional framework and, if possible, to establish a common normative framework between the EU and third countries | Legislative Proposal / Regulation | Le renforcement du cadre institutionnel, p.ex. l'établissement d'une Agence européenne pour la navigation intérieure, devrait inscrire le transport fluvial dans le cadre d'une politique des transports plus stratégique. Une telle agence devrait concentrer les aptitudes et ressources disponibles et éviter les doubles emplois dans les travaux de différents organismes, tout en combinant des missions différentes afin de susciter des synergies. En utilisant le cadre communautaire comme seul cadre approprié, la prise de décisions et l’établissement de règles communes seront facilités. Dans l’objectif de permettre la participation des Etats tiers intéressés dans les travaux de l’agence, et de parvenir à un cadre réglementaire harmonisé en Europe, l’établissement de l’Agence devra être accompagné par des accords bi- ou multilatéraux avec des pays tiers. | 2006/TREN/009 |

Action Plan on energy efficiency | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | L'énergie est au cœur de notre système économique et pourtant l'Europe doit importer 50% de ses besoins énergétiques, soit une facture annuelle de 240 milliards d’euros. Si rien n’est fait, ce sera 70% en 2030 alors que le prix du pétrole s’envole. La maîtrise de notre consommation d’énergie est indispensable si l’on veut réduire cette dépendance énergétique. C’est pourquoi l’efficacité énergétique est une des priorités de la stratégie de Lisbonne pour une Europe plus compétitive. Suite au débat public lancé cette année avec le Livre vert sur l’efficacité énergétique, cette communication définira un plan d’action visant des économies d’énergie de l’ordre de 20% d’ici 2020. | 2006/TREN/032 |

Green Paper on a secure, competitive and sustainable energy policy for Europe | Non-legislative action | The Green Paper will prepare the Communication on this subject which will be issued later in the year. The intention is to give the widest possible consultation pursuant to Better Regulation. | 2006/TREN/XXX |

III SECURITY

Title English | Type of proposal or act | Description of scope and objectives | Reference number |

Communication on a strategy for a secure information society "Strengthening Trust in ICT" | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The strategy will propose a general framework for future activities in the field of internet, network and information security. It will take stock of actions already taken and identify areas where an action at EU level can provide particular added value, while respecting subsidiarity and activities already undertaken by Member States. It will also provide a link to further security related activities planned for 2006. | 2006/INFSO/002 |

Proposal for a Decision on a computerised system of exchange of information on criminal convictions | Legislative Proposal / Decision (CFSP/JHA) | La décision aura pour objectif de créer les bases nécessaires à la mise en place d'un mécanisme européen informatisé permettant d'échanger les informations contenues dans les registres nationaux. | 2004/JLS/116 |

Council Decision creating a European Law Enforcement Network in the fight against terrorism (LEN) | Legislative Proposal / Decision | Pursuant to the Communication of the European Commission on Preparedness and the Consequence Management in the Fight against Terrorism the Commission proposes additional measures to strengthen the existing instruments on civil protection and consequence management. The intention of the Commission is to establish a law enforcement alert mechanism (the Law Enforcement Network, LEN) to be hosted by Europol and connected with other European rapid alert and rapid response systems managed by the Commission (notably ARGUS) whilst respecting national competences. | 2005/JLS/077 |

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Community Code on short stay visas | Legislative Proposal / Regulation | One of the fundamental components of further development of the common visa policy as part of a multi-layer system aimed at facilitating legitimate travel and tackling illegal immigration through enhanced harmonisation of national legislation and handling practices at diplomatic and consular posts (as defined in the Hague Programme), is the establishment of a "common corpus" of legislation. Therefore it is necessary to consolidate, update and develop the current acquis. As current legal instruments is a mixture of Community rules and administrative and practical provisions, a proper "Visa Code" is to be drafted and accompanied by practical guidelines for the operational implementation of these rules. | 2006/JLS/002 |

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council in view of setting up the powers and the financing of teams of national experts of Member States to provide technical and operational assistance to Member States in the activities dealing with the control and surveillance of the external borders in the framework of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union | Legislative Proposal / Regulation | Based on the results of the study on the powers of the MS border guards, whose final report should be ready end of 2005, the proposal of the EP and Council legal instrument aims to set up powers and financing for the border guards, when seconded in another MS. The objective is to enable the MS border guards to provide effective assistance to their colleagues of the requesting, host MS, since they should receive the appropriate powers in view of executing the regular tasks linked with the control and surveillance of the external borders. Furthermore the draft act should define the financial framework for enacting such a programme of technical assistance between the MS border guards. | 2006/JLS/003 |

Proposal for a Framework Decision on Conflicts of Jurisdiction and the Principle of ne bis in idem in criminal proceedings | Legislative Proposal / Framework decision (JHA) | The proposal aims to create a mechanism which would facilitate the choice of jurisdiction in criminal proceedings in situations where two or more Member States could be interested to prosecute the same case. It would also aim to clarify the scope, applicability and the interpretation of certain elements / definitions of the current rules on the trans-national EU principle of ne bis in idem, which are found in Articles 54-58 of the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement (CISA). | 2006/JLS/010 |

EU Action Plan on public private partnership for combating crime and terrorism | Non-legislative action / Other | To establish a recommended model for public private partnerships against crime and terrorism at the EU level. | 2006/JLS/012 |

Proposal for a modification of the Council Framework Decision on Combating Terrorism, in particular to make the transmission of expertise in explosives/bomb-making for terrorist purposes a crime | Legislative Proposal / Framework decision (JHA) | The proposal is intended to continue making life difficult for terrorists or would-be terrorists by making the intentional transmission of expertise in the making of bombs and explosives for terrorist purposes a crime under the Framework Decision. This Proposal would also tie in with the policy being developed by the Commission in the field of violent radicalisation as the transmission of such expertise could be one aspect transforming persons having violently radical views into terrorists or as a way for terrorist groups/networks to recruit new people. | 2006/JLS/013 |

Communication on a European Cyber-security and Cybercrime policy | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | A comprehensive update of the Commission's cybercrime policy, including issues related to protection of the critical information infrastructure, terrorist use of the internet, identity theft, pan-European admissibility of electronic evidence, combating on-line child pornography, etc. | 2006/JLS+/015 |

First implementation report of the Hague Action Plan – Scoreboard Plus | Non-legislative action / Other | The objective is to develop and produce a yearly report that focuses on the correct and timely transposition of legislative acts adopted and on the effective implementation of measures agreed. | 2006/JLS/016 |

Communication on the objective and impartial evaluation of the implementation of EU measures in the field of Freedom, Security and Justice. | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The main objective is to improve policies in the area of freedom security and justice through the establishment of a mechanism, which provides for effective evaluation of the implementation and results of policies in this area. | 2006/JLS/017 |

Commission Communication on organ donation and transplantation in the EU | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | Organ transplantation is currently a common technique used in medicine. Transplants are in many cases the only treatments to end stage organ failures. This process is not risk free to the donor and the recipient. The Commission, under article 152 of the Amsterdam Treaty, has the right to establish the necessary measures for setting high standards of quality and safety of organs. Organ transplantation is a very complex area that only could be addressed successfully taking into account all the elements. | 2005/SANCO/006 |

White Paper on "Better training for safer food" | Non-legislative action / White Paper | The heart of the problem is a lack of a harmonised approach to the design and developments of national control systems. The WP on Food Safety placed particular emphasis on this and clearly indicates the need to address the issues with appropriate actions to achieve a high standard of consumer protection across the EU. The EP and the Council, on 29 April 2004, adopted Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 on official controls which identifies training as a key issue. Article 51 of the Regulation empowers the Commission to develop training programmes for staff of competent authorities of the Member States, which may be open to participants of third countries, in particular developing countries. This action will develop a White Paper on a Community training strategy in the area covered by Regulation (EC) No 882/2004. | 2005/SANCO/024 |

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 on animal by-products | Legislative Proposal / Regulation | The key objective is to review the health rules on ABPs taking into account the experience gained in applying Regulation 1774/2002. Removing disproportionate provisions and clarifying the scope of the Regulation would lead to a clear text, making the measures more effective and efficient. The review will reduce unnecessary burden and negative impacts, increasing benefits by simplifying and avoiding duplication of administrative procedures for national authorities and operators. | 2005/SANCO/058 |

Green Paper on the Review of the consumer protection regulatory framework (acquis) | Non-legislative action / Green Paper | Green paper will launch the public consultation in order to allow the Commission to: - analyse the transposition and application of the eight consumer directives constituting the acquis by the MS - start a comparative law analysis of the relevant national laws - identify regulatory problems and internal market barriers. The final purpose is: to rationalise and simplify the acquis in order to get rid of possible inconsistencies, overlaps, internal market barriers and distortions of competition, in order to complete the internal market and achieve better consumer protection. | 2006/SANCO/007 |

Commission Communication on a coordinated approach in Europe to tackle alcohol-related harm | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | Council Conclusions of 5 June 2001 on Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm invites the Commission to come forward with measures in this respect. The Council reiterated the invitation on 2 June 2004. The main policy objective is to reduce the health and social harm due to alcohol consumption and contribute to higher productivity and a sustainable economic development in EU in line with the objectives set out in the Lisbon Strategy. | 2005/SANCO/032 |

Extension of the competences of the European Rail Agency - Amendment of Directive 2004/59/EC | Legislative Proposal / Directive | La longueur et le coût des procédures nationales d'homologation des locomotives ne sont pas optimales. Il convient d'examiner les modalités de participations de l'agence ferroviaire pour faciliter/améliorer les procédures actuelles en favorisant les reconnaissances mutuelles. | 2006/TREN/005 |

Communication on the protection of critical transport and energy infrastructure | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | To reduce the likelihood of European critical transport and energy infrastructure being lost or damaged by identifying it and ensuring its adequate protection. | 2006/TREN/011 |

Communication on minimum maritime labour standards | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The general objective is to explore the integration of ILO consolidated Convention, possibly through an agreement of social partners, in order to be able to extend the port state control to labour standards applied on board all ships calling at European ports regardless of the flag and the nationality of seafarers. | 2006/TREN/007 |

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council modifying Regulation (EC) No 1592/2002 with a view to extending the tasks of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to the domains of Air Traffic Management (ATM), Air Navigation Services (ANS) and airports | Legislative Proposal / Regulation | The extension of EASA's tasks related to rulemaking (safety & interoperability), certification, licensing and standardisation of services and organisations across Member States, in the domains of ATM, ANS and airports. | 2006/TREN/033 |

IV EXTERNAL

Title English | Type of proposal or act | Description of scope and objectives | Reference number |

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on an "EU Governance Facility for Africa" | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The EU will back African-owned efforts to improve governance. The EU must encourage and support African countries to systematically develop good governance plan within their national PRSP. A powerful tool to further boost efforts is, in particular, the voluntary African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the reforms that it will trigger. To this aim, the Commission will launch a Governance Initiative that will encourage participation in the APRM process and provide further support to African countries for the implementation of their APRM-driven reforms. This support should be additional to, and fully in line with, Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers and should respect African ownership both of the process and the reforms pursued. | 2006/DEV/005 |

EU-Africa partnership on infrastructure. A response to Africa's strategy for regional economic growth and integration | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | Ongoing efforts to develop and sustain Africa's infrastructure and access to services must accelerate for economic growth that contributes to reduce poverty. The Commission proposes to establish an EU-Africa Partnership for Infrastructure to support and develop sustainable Networks that facilitate interconnectivity at a continental level for the promotion of regional integration. The Partnership for Infrastructure should encompass investments in trans-boundary and regional infrastructure and their regulatory frameworks in the widest sense. African ownership will come through close engagement with African continental and regional institutions – the AU/NEPAD and the RECs. | 2006/DEV/006 |

Communication to the Council and the European Parliament on a EU Development Support Strategy for the Pacific Region | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | Update of EU/EC policy vis-à-vis the Pacific region to enhance efficiency of EC assistance. | 2006/DEV/002 |

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee on an EU development support strategy for the Caribbean | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The Communication will provide for a political and implementation strategy framework to ensure that the EU supports the efforts of the Caribbean to tackle their vulnerabilities, complete their regional integration process and reposition themselves as a high potential added value region. The strategy will also contribute to the creation of a single coherent and comprehensive EU policy towards the Caribbean. | 2006/DEV/004 |

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the monitoring of Bulgaria and Romania composed of: • Summary Paper on the Comprehensive Monitoring Reports for Bulgaria and Romania • Comprehensive Monitoring Reports for Bulgaria and Romania | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The Summary Paper for Bulgaria and Romania will specifically focus on the final preparations for accession by identifying the main gaps and make recommendations, if appropriate. The comprehensive monitoring reports cover the progress made by the 2 countries towards accession (Commission staff working papers - 100 pages) | 2006/ELARG/001 |

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the 2006 Enlargement Package composed of: • Strategy Paper on Enlargement • Progress Reports on Croatia, Turkey, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia & Montenegro/Kosovo • Comprehensive Monitoring Reports for Bulgaria and Romania | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The Strategy Paper contains the main findings of the Progress and Monitoring Reports and includes proposals for policy recommendations. The Progress Reports contain the progress made by Croatia and Turkey towards accession as well as the progress made in implementing the Stabilisation and Association process by Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia & Montenegro including Kosovo (Commission staff working papers). The Comprehensive Monitoring Reports contain the progress made by Bulgaria and Romania towards accession. | 2006/ELARG/002 |

Communication concerning the Establishment of The Global Renewable Energy Fund of Funds -- An Innovative Public-Private Financing Mechanism in support of the Global Sustainable Development Agenda | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The Communication will provide an outline of the key features of the proposed innovative public-private financing mechanism which aims to (1) create affordable "patient" risk capital so as to increase access to risk capital for renewable energy entrepreneurs and project developers, (2) increase engagement of private sector experts and investors, and (3) increase the leverage of public sector funds. In addition to the strong focus on Developing Countries, Europe and its neighbouring countries will also be considered. | 2006/ENV/015 |

Communication on a EU External Relations Strategy to Counter Terrorism | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The communication is intended to develop a horizontal strategy to encourage projects aimed at countering terrorism in third states through the appropriate legal instruments under the new financial perspectives (2007-2013). | 2006/RELEX/012 |

Communication on a Strategy for non- proliferation and disarmament of WMD and Programming of the Community contribution | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The communication is intended to define a strategic framework for initiatives and projects against the proliferation of WMD, to be implemented through the appropriate legal instruments under the new financial perspectives (2007-2013). | 2006/RELEX/014 |

Commission Communication: "Conventional Disarmament as contribution to Human security" | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The communication aims at extending the scope of the Anti-Personnel Landmines Regulations (1724/01 and 1725/01), which provide a stepping stone for a wider action on weapons removal. This Communication will pave the way to the Multi-annual Programming exercises under appropriate legal instruments (e.g. Stability, Pre-accession, Neighbourhood and Development Instruments). | 2006/RELEX/013 |

Proposal for a Council decision establishing negotiating directives for an enhanced agreement to replace, or amend, the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement between the European Community and its Member States and Ukraine | Agr. with third countries / Draft or recom. for a neg. mandate | Content to be defined, subject to further discussion with Member States and Ukraine. Objective is to define the overall framework for EU - Ukraine relations after the end of the initial 10 year period of the PCA. | 2006/RELEX/019 |

New ENP action plans and first reviews of ENP Action Plan Implementation | Non-legislative action / Commission working paper | Action plans will be set up with Egypt, Lebanon, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. For Algeria a country report will be established. Première évaluation de la mise en oeuvre des plans Politique Européenne de Voisinage pour la Moldavie, l'Ukraine, le Maroc, la Tunisie, la Jordanie, Israël et l'Autorité palestinienne. Une communication accompagnera le document des services présentant les conclusions de cette évaluation. | 2006/RELEX/007 |

The EU and China | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | China’s rise as a major global player and the development of its relations with the EU make it necessary to define a new comprehensive strategy over the next five years. This strategy will bring together, in a single framework: – A Communication defining a new general strategy for EU-China relations over the next five years and updating the 2003 Communication. – A specific Communication offering a pro-active vision for trade and investment relations with China for the next five years. 2006 will be the final year of the 5 year transition period granted to China to fully implement her WTO commitments in most areas: a timely opportunity to comprehensively review China’s implementation of her WTO commitments and to propose a forward- looking strategy to "close the gaps” | 2005/RELEX+/040 |

Communication of the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee on External Aspects of Competitiveness | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | The top priority today is to restore sustainable dynamic growth and jobs in Europe with a view to put Europe back on track to long term prosperity, in accordance with the new Lisbon strategy. In the last decade, Europe's growth and productivity gains have failed to match those of its major economic partners. A low labour force participation and employment ratio give rise to sluggish internal demand, low investment and innovation, and directly feed oppositions to structural change as well as to open and competitive markets. Greater openness to trade and investment represents a major engine of growth and productivity gains through greater competition, better specialisation based on comparative advantage, innovations generated by greater competition, the technology included in foreign imports and investments, and increased economies of scale. Trade negotiations can offer new opportunities to open new markets for European exports and better rules to improve fair competition with a view to develop qualified jobs in Europe. The Communication will assess a critical review of the current trade policy impact on European competitiveness and make some recommendations on trade and trade-related policies to maximise their contribution to the main objectives of the new Growth and Jobs Strategy. The Communication will represent a general framework for new initiatives in trade and trade-related policies and will pave the way for more specific Communications and EU actions. | 2006/TRADE/001 |

Communication of the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament and the European Economic and Social Committee on the renewed Market Access Strategy | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | L'adaptation des modalités d'action de la Stratégie Européenne d’Accès aux Marchés est nécessaire pour développer l'ouverture des marchés mondiaux, au bénéfice de l'Union européenne comme des pays tiers. Il s’agit d’utiliser au mieux l’ensemble des instruments de politique commerciale, qu’ils impliquent des négociations aux niveaux multilatéral régional et bilatéral ou qu’ils prennent la forme d’instruments spécifiques tels que le dialogue réglementaire qui vise à suivre la bonne mise en œuvre des engagements pris par nos partenaires. L’interactivité avec les entreprises européennes découlant de l’utilisation de la Base de Données Accès aux Marchés constitue à cet égard un atout qu’il convient d’exploiter plus finement. En termes de politique commerciale, les objectifs concernent la facilitation des exportations de biens et de services, et des investissements, notamment dans les pays émergents à fort potentiel de croissance Il s’agit aussi, en levant les barrières à l’accès aux marchés où qu’elles se trouvent, d’aider les entreprises européennes travaillant dans les secteurs à plus fort potentiel, à tirer profit de la spécialisation sectorielle mondiale par des économies d’échelle. Il est prévu que les critères d’importance de ces pays et secteurs soient énoncés dans une communication de la Commission prévue pour avril 2006 sur le thème des aspects externes de la compétitivité. | 2006/TRADE/002 |

Draft recommendation for a negotiation Mandate. Economic integration and free trade agreement with the Republic of Ukraine | Agr. with third countries / Draft or recom. for a neg. mandate | The proposal will request a mandate from the Council to negotiate an economic integration and free trade agreement with the Republic of Ukraine. The objectives of the agreement are to foster trade, investment and economic ties between the EU and Ukraine, which is an important neighbour of the enlarged EU. | 2006/TRADE+/003 |

Communication to the European Parliament and the Council on the development of energy markets with neighbouring countries | Non-legislative action / Commission Communication | La communication portera sur la création d'un marché de l'énergie avec les pays voisins fondé sur la complémentarité des stratégies énergétiques de l'Union et de ses voisins immédiats, qu'ils soient producteurs, consommateurs, ou pays de transits. L'objectif est de concourir par la création de ce marché à la sécurité de l'approvisionnement énergétique de l'Union Européenne qui, dans les décennies à venir, devrait demeurer fortement dépendante des sources externes d'énergies fossiles. | 2006/TREN+/015 |

[1] SEK(2005) 791.

[2] Desuden vil den økonomiske analyse blive styrket i forbindelse med yderligere 5 sager.

[3] De eneste tilfælde, hvor en konsekvensanalyse ikke er nødvendig, er i forbindelse med grønbøger og høringer af arbejdsmarkedets parter. I disse tilfælde vil en konsekvensanalyse følge senere, hvis initiativet skal fortsættes.

[4] KOM(2002) 725.

[5] Meddelelse fra Kommissionen til Europa-Parlamentet, Rådet, Det Europæiske Økonomiske og Sociale Udvalg og Regionsudvalget – En strategi til forenkling af de lovgivningsmæssige rammer - KOM(2005) 535.