EN Official Journal of the European Union L 80/46

COUNCIL DECISION

of 18 February 2008

on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Serbia including Kosovo as defined by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999 and repealing Decision 2006/56/EC

(2008/213/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

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

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

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

(2) Regulation (EC) No 533/2004 provides that the Council is to decide on the principles, priorities and conditions to be contained in the partnerships, as well as any subsequent adjustments. It states also that the follow-up to the European Partnerships will be ensured through the mechanisms established under the stabilisation and association process, notably by the annual progress reports.

(3) On 30 January 2006 the Council adopted the second European Partnership with Serbia including Kosovo under UNSCR 1244 (2).

(4) The Commission's Paper on enlargement strategy and main challenges 2006-2007 indicated that the partnerships would be updated at the end of 2007.

(5) On 17 July 2006 the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 (3), establishing an Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) which renews the framework for financial assistance to pre-accession countries.

(6) It is therefore appropriate to adopt a revised European Partnership which updates the current partnership in order to identify renewed priorities for further work, on the basis of the findings of the 2007 Progress Reports on the preparations by Serbia as well as Kosovo under UNSCR 1244 for further integration with the European Union.

(7) In order to prepare for further integration with the European Union, the competent authorities in Serbia as well as Kosovo under UNSCR 1244 should develop a plan with a timetable and specific measures to address the priorities of this European Partnership.

(8) Decision 2006/56/EC should therefore be repealed,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The principles, priorities and conditions in the European Partnership with Serbia including Kosovo under UNSCR 1244 are set out in Annexes 2 and 3.

Article 2

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

Article 3

Decision 2006/56/EC shall be repealed.

Article 4

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

Done at Brussels, 18 February 2008. For the Council The President D. RUPEL

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

(2) Council Decision 2006/56/EC of 30 January 2006 on the principles, priorities and conditions contained in the European Partnership with Serbia and Montenegro including Kosovo as defined by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 10 June 1999 and repealing Decision 2004/520/EC (OJ L 35, 7.2.2006, p. 32). Decision as amended by Decision 2007/49/EC (OJ L 20, 27.1.2007, p. 16).

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

ANNEX 1 SERBIA — INCLUDING KOSOVO UNDER UNSCR 1244 — EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP 2007 1. INTRODUCTION The European Council endorsed the introduction of the European Partnerships as a means to realise the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries. The proposed revised partnership updates the second one, on the basis of the findings of the 2007 Commission Progress Reports on Serbia and on Kosovo under UNSCR 1244. It identifies new and remaining priorities for action. The new priorities are adapted to the country's specific needs and stage of preparation and will be updated as necessary. The authorities are expected to develop a plan including a timetable and specific measures intended to address the European Partnership priorities. The partnership also provides guidance for financial assistance to the country. 2. PRINCIPLES The stabilisation and association process remains the framework for the European course of the Western Balkan countries, all the way to their future accession. The priorities identified relate to the capacity to meet the criteria defined by the Copenhagen European Council of 1993 and the conditions set by the stabilisation and association process, notably the conditions defined by the Council in its conclusions of 29 April 1997 and 21 and 22 June 1999, the final declaration of the Zagreb Summit of 24 November 2000 and the Thessaloniki Agenda. 3. PRIORITIES The priorities listed in this European Partnership have been selected on the basis that it is realistic to expect that they can be completed or taken substantially forward over the next few years. A distinction is made between short-term priorities, which are expected to be accomplished within one to two years, and medium-term priorities, which are expected to be accomplished within three to four years. The priorities concern both legislation and its implementation. In view of the need to set priorities, clearly there are other tasks for to be completed which may become priorities in any future partnership, also taking into account future progress made by Serbia and Kosovo under UNSCR 1244. Among the short-term priorities, the key ones have been identified and grouped together at the beginning of the lists. The order of these key priorities does not imply a ranking in their importance. The priorities are listed in Annexes 2 and 3. 4. PROGRAMMING Community assistance under the stabilisation and association process to the Western Balkan countries will be provided under the existing financial instruments, in particular by Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 (IPA) and, for programmes adopted before 2007, Regulation (EC) No 2666/2000 (CARDS Regulation) (1). The financing agreements serve as legal basis for the implementation of the concrete programmes. Accordingly, this Decision will have no financial implications. Serbia including Kosovo under UNSCR 1244 can also have access to funding from multi-country and horizontal programmes. 5. CONDITIONALITY Assistance to the Western Balkan countries is conditional on progress on satisfying the Copenhagen criteria and on meeting the specific priorities of this European Partnership. Failure to respect these conditions could lead the Council to take appropriate measures on the basis of Article 21 of Regulation (EC) No 1085/2006 or, in the case of pre-2007 programmes, on the basis of Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 2666/2000. The assistance is also subject to the conditions defined by the Council in its conclusions of 29 April 1997, in particular as regards the recipients' undertaking to carry out democratic, economic and institutional reforms. Specific conditions are also included in individual annual programmes. The financing decisions will be followed by a financing agreement signed with the relevant authorities. 6. MONITORING Implementation of the European Partnership will be examined by the mechanisms established under the stabilisation and association process, notably the annual reports presented by the Commission. (1) OJ L 306, 7.12.2000, p. 1. Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2112/2005 (OJ L 344, 27.12.2005, p. 23).

ANNEX 2 PRIORITIES FOR SERBIA SHORT TERM PRIORITIES Key priorities — Ensure compliance with the future obligations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) and in particular the Interim Agreement (IA). — Ensure full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). — Cooperate constructively on matters relating to Kosovo. — Ensure that the constitution and constitutional law are implemented in line with European standards. — Continue efforts to implement the reform of the public administration, including the civil service pay system, to ensure transparent recruitment and promotion as well as professionalism and accountability, strengthen the European integration structures, improve coordination throughout the public administration and parliament and pay particular attention to policy coordination. — Improve the functioning of the judiciary, guarantee its independence, accountability, professionalism and efficiency and ensure that the career development and recruitment of judges and prosecutors are based on technical and professional criteria and free from political influence. Ensure proper functioning of the Constitutional Court. — Step up the fight against corruption at all levels and develop a comprehensive public system of financial control to increase transparency and accountability in use of public finances. — Finalise the process of privatisation or, when appropriate, liquidation of social-owned and state-owned enterprises. Political criteria Democracy and the rule of law Constitution — Align legislation and institutions with the new Constitution. Parliament — Complete the reform of the legal framework on elections (including the voters' register), bring it into line with the new constitutional requirements and ensure transparency and accountability of political party financing, including revision of the existing legislation to provide for sufficient monitoring and sanctions. Public administration — Establish a fully functioning ombudsman's office in line with legislative requirements and ensure proper follow-up to the recommendations made by the ombudsman. Civilian oversight of security forces — Ensure greater democratic oversight by tightening parliamentary control and establishing more transparent financial management. Judicial system — Ensure the full independence of the courts and prosecution system. — Strengthen the office of the prosecutor for war crimes. — Implement the action plan on the judicial reform strategy. — Adopt and implement legislation on mandatory initial and continuous training for judges, prosecutors and court support staff and strengthen the training centres. — Rationalise the court system, modernise proceedings, introduce an effective court management system and establish administrative and appellate courts. — Create an IT network for prosecutors at all levels, ensure enforcement of court decisions and further strengthen the capacity to try war crimes domestically in full compliance with international obligations to the ICTY. Anti-corruption policy — Implement the action plan on the anti-corruption strategy and establish an independent and effective anti-corruption agency. — Ratify international conventions against corruption. — Further clarify and enforce regulations related to the prevention of conflict of interests, in line with international standards. — Develop and implement a transparent system of declaration of assets of public officials. Human rights and protection of minorities — Fulfil all obligations arising out of membership of the Council of Europe. — Ensure compliance with the human rights provisions of the new constitution. — Continue de-institutionalisation, community-based services and aid to dependent persons, including in the field of mental health. Civil and political rights — Review relevant legislation concerning religious rights to ensure that it is in line with the Constitution. — Take action in alleged cases of ill-treatment and strengthen the internal control services dealing with ill-treatment by law enforcement agents. — Improve prison conditions, ensure appropriate monitoring of prison conditions for long-term inmates and for inmates convicted of organised crime and ensure further training of penitentiary staff and improvement of special needs facilities. — Improve the functioning of the Broadcasting Council in line with international standards, ensure fair and transparent allocation of regional and local broadcasting frequencies to media operators. — Fully implement the Law on free access to information and strengthen the office of the Commissioner for Free Access to Information to ensure enforcement of decisions/recommendations. — Adopt legislation on associations and the legal status of NGOs, encourage the development of civil society organisations and regular dialogue with civil society on policy initiatives. — Enhance access to justice. Social and economic rights — Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and ensure appropriate institutional support for victims. — Adopt adequate legislation on the restitution of property and ensure full implementation. — Improve the protection of women's and children's rights. Minority rights, cultural rights and protection of minorities — Ensure that constitutional provisions on cultural and minority rights and protection of minorities are observed and fully implement the strategies and action plans relevant to integration of Roma, including returnees. — Continue efforts to promote good inter-ethnic relations, including measures in the field of education, strengthen the functioning of minority national councils, including adoption of pending legislation, promote participation by minorities in the judiciary and law enforcement bodies and continue awareness-raising activities, including use of minority languages. — Adjust relevant legislation to the new constitution and ensure full implementation of minority rights, in particular on education in the mother tongue. — Adopt new legislation on refugees and continue to implement the national strategy on refugees. Regional issues and international obligations — Continue to honour the Dayton/Paris Agreements. — Take measures to abide by the February 2007 judgment of the International Court of Justice on the case brought by Bosnia and Herzegovina against Serbia and Montenegro regarding application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. — Contribute to strengthening regional cooperation, reconciliation and good neighbourly relations, including by promoting the transition from the Stability Pact to a more regionally owned cooperation framework and effective implementation of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). — Conclude and implement agreements with neighbouring countries on cross-border cooperation, the fight against organised crime, trafficking and smuggling, judicial cooperation, border management and the environment. — Contribute to resolving outstanding border issues with Croatia and with Bosnia and Herzegovina. — Ensure the right to a real choice between sustainable return and integration and contribute to ensuring full implementation of the Sarajevo Declaration. Economic criteria — Implement a stability-oriented fiscal policy, including a public sector wage policy, which aims at fiscal consolidation and is conducive to low inflation and external sustainability. — Continue reforms of public finance management in order to strengthen control, transparency, accountability and efficiency. — Pursue a monetary policy conducive to the objective of price stability to reduce and anchor inflation expectations. — Improve bankruptcy procedures in order to speed up market exit of unviable enterprises and to foster structural change. — Complete the liberalisation of remaining administered prices with the view of improving the efficiency of market mechanisms and resource allocation. — Further strengthen financial supervision to help ensure stability of the financial sector. — Further develop and implement the reform of the pension system and continue the reform of the health insurance system and accelerate the restructuring and privatisation of the insurance sector. — Continue efforts to formalise the grey economy and implement a public expenditure management system and tax reforms. — Develop a stable and functioning land/real estate market and prepare cadastre legislation. — Continue efforts to promote employment, including by means of vocational training and labour market reforms, improve public employment services and implement the strategy on employment of people with disabilities. European standards Internal market Free movement of goods — Continue to align the legal framework on standardisation, certification, metrology, accreditation and conformity assessment with European standards. Continue to adopt European standards and establish a national coordination body for quality infrastructure responsible for strengthening the entire area. — Establish a market surveillance structure and ensure proper coordination among the market surveillance authorities. — Adjust the trade regime and relevant legislation to comply with obligations stemming from the WTO, SAA and CEFTA. — Establish internal consultation and notification mechanisms for new technical regulations prior to adoption of measures with an impact on trade. — Strengthen the administrative capacity in the area of consumer protection. Free movement of capital — Continue to develop a system of international payment operations in line with international rules and establish national treatment for purchases of real estate. Customs and taxation — Complete the alignment of customs legislation necessary for proper implementation of the SAA, strengthen the capacity of the customs administration to fight corruption, cross-border crime and fiscal evasion and strengthen enforcement capacity, especially in the areas of risk analysis and post-clearance control. — Continue approximation of tax legislation to the acquis, implement tax legislation, in particular on revenue collection and control in order to reduce tax fraud and increase enforcement capacity. — Commit to the principles of the Code of Conduct for business taxation and ensure that new tax measures comply with these principles. Competition — Improve existing anti-trust legislation in line with the SAA requirements and strengthen the administrative capacity of the Competition Commission to ensure efficient and independent enforcement of the rules in line with the EU acquis. — Establish an independent and fully functioning authority for monitoring state aid. — Improve merger control procedures in order to strengthen the efficiency of the Competition Commission. — Establish a proper legal framework for state aid in line with the SAA requirements. Public procurement — Implement a consistent and effective public procurement regime, ensure the independence of the public procurement bodies, ensure transparent procedures, regardless of the value of the contract concerned, and non-discrimination between Serbian and EU suppliers and strengthen enforcement capacity in this sector. Intellectual property law — Continue to strengthen protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) and strengthen administrative capacity for the granting of patents and sustainable implementation and enforcement of IPRs. Employment and social policies — Develop adequate administrative structures and capacity in the field of health protection. Education and research — Continue efforts to improve education system; establish better links between vocational and higher education and the labour market and economic needs; strengthen administrative capacity and improve coordination among relevant bodies. — Ratify the Unesco Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. WTO issues — Continue preparations for accession to the WTO. Sectoral policies Industry and SMEs — Implement the European Charter for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and reduce administrative barriers for SME's. — Adopt a new medium-term SME policy strategy and industrial policy, followed by an operational action plan. — Strengthen the SME Council as an instrument for public-private and inter-ministerial cooperation to influence the design and delivery of SME policies. Agriculture — Strengthen the administrative capacity needed to formulate and implement agricultural and rural development policy. — Update legislation and strengthen implementation and controls in the areas of food safety and veterinary and phytosanitary issues. — Expand animal identification and registration to all relevant species. — Continue to upgrade veterinary, phytosanitary, wine and sanitary laboratories, inspectorates and controls at external borders. Environment — Accelerate approximation of legislation and standards to the EU acquis. — Implement the adopted legislation, notably on environmental impact assessment. — Start implementing the Kyoto Protocol. — Adopt and implement the national environmental protection strategy and a strategy for sustainable development. — Strengthen the administrative capacity of bodies in charge of planning, permits, inspection and monitoring, and also project management, strengthen capacity at local level and ensure coordination between central and local levels. Further develop and start to implement waste management plans and start construction of a facility for treatment and safe disposal of hazardous waste. Transport policy — Continue implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of the South East Europe Core Regional Transport Network and strengthen cooperation with the South East Europe Transport Observatory. — Adopt and implement a national transport strategy. Take measures to improve road safety conditions. — Implement commitments taken under the first transitional phase of the European Common Aviation Area Agreement. — Restructure the railway sector and establish railway institutions. — Develop inland waterway transport, including by the setting-up of river information services. Energy — Fulfil the obligations arising from the Energy Community Treaty as regards the full implementation of the acquis on the internal gas and electricity market and on cross border exchanges in electricity. — Amend and implement the Energy Law and ensure smooth functioning of the independent energy regulatory agency. — Continue environmental audits on energy plants, addressing the worst polluters, ensure unbundling with a view to restructuring and opening up the market and make further progress towards a regional energy market, in particular by improving interconnectivity with neighbouring countries. — Accede to the relevant international conventions relating to nuclear safety and set up the appropriate regulatory body. — Continue the dismantling of the Vinca research reactor. — Strengthen the administrative capacity within the relevant ministries. Information society and media — Ensure full liberalisation of the electronic communications sector and the independence of the regulatory bodies; ensure that the strategy adopted is put into effect, including adoption and implementation of the necessary laws and policies, and strengthen administrative capacity. — Start approximation to the acquis on the audiovisual sector and improve transparency and accountability, particularly of the Republican Broadcasting Agency. — Sign and ratify the European Convention on Transfrontier Television. Financial control — Adopt and implement a public internal financial control policy. — Develop procedures and administrative capacity to ensure effective protection of the EU's financial interests. Statistics — Amend the Law on statistics and increase cooperation and coordination within the national statistical system. — Conduct an agricultural census, create an agricultural register and continue the development of national accounts according to ESA 95 including improving the data sources. Justice, freedom and security Visa, border control, asylum and migration — Implement the integrated border management (IBM) strategy and strengthen cooperation between the IBM agencies. — Improve cross-border police cooperation in line with best practices, strengthen the capacity of border police and provide modern infrastructure and equipment for the border police, particularly in the IT area. — Align the visa regime with the acquis and implement the EU-Serbia agreement on visa facilitation. — Ensure effective implementation of requirements for delivery of high-quality travel and identity documents. — Adopt and implement asylum legislation, ensure functioning of a reception centre for asylum-seekers and ensure establishment of an operational body for asylum applications. — Implement the EU-Serbia agreement on readmission. — Adopt a strategy for reintegration of returnees, including adressing the socio-economic conditions. Money laundering — Adopt the necessary legislation and a national strategy, including a timetable, against money laundering and financing of terrorism, strengthen national bodies for the fight against money laundering and improve inter-agency and international cooperation. Drugs — Increase the capacity to fight drug trafficking, develop and start to implement a national drugs strategy in line with the EU drugs strategy and improve international cooperation. Police — Ensure full implementation of the Law on police in order to establish professionalism and accountability, improve transparency, develop a modern police force free from undue political interference and increase capacity by means of specialised training. — Take the necessary steps to conclude a cooperation agreement with Europol. Fight against organised crime and terrorism — Adopt outstanding legislation, develop the capacity to seize assets, implement a national strategy against organised crime and strengthen criminal intelligence. — Continue the fight against trafficking of human beings, including implementation of the strategy for prevention of trafficking and provision of adequate assistance and protection to victims. — Increase the efficiency of international cooperation and implementation of the relevant international conventions on terrorism. — Improve cooperation and the exchange of information between all branches of the security services and with other states and prevent financing and preparation of acts of terrorism. Protection of personal data — Revise the legal framework, sign the relevant international conventions and set up an independent supervisory authority. MEDIUM-TERM PRIORITIES Political criteria Democracy and the rule of law Public administration — Further strengthen European integration capacity within the public administration, embedding the necessary structures within line ministries and throughout government, and improve cooperation mechanisms with all departments dealing with European integration. — Continue full implementation of civil service and public administration laws, implement measures to develop human resources in the civil service, strengthen the policy-making and coordination capacity of the public administration at government and local levels, establish a centralised payroll system, implement the constitutional provisions relating to decentralisation and ensure the resources for local governments. Civilian oversight of security forces — Continue the restructuring and reform of the armed forces and increase transparency and civilian oversight of the armed forces. Judicial system — Reduce the backlog in courts and further increase the efficiency and professionalism of courts. — Introduce uniform standards in order to gather reliable data on the judiciary. Anti-corruption policy — Ensure full compliance with the international conventions on the fight against corruption. Further strengthen the capacity of anti-corruption bodies. Human rights and protection of minorities — Implement the anti-discrimination legislation. — Continue efforts to integrate and improve the conditions for children with disabilities. Reform the childcare system and ensure mainstream education for children from minorities. Regional issues and international obligations — Facilitate integration of refugees who choose not to return. Economic criteria — Strengthen fiscal consolidation and reduce the role of the State sector, measured by expenditure in proportion to GDP, to create space for private-sector development and growth. — Speed up privatisation and, where appropriate, liquidation of State-owned enterprises in order to strengthen corporate governance, reduce quasi-fiscal losses, contribute to fiscal consolidation and raise the share of private-sector activity. — Reduce structural rigidities that hamper the labour market, in particular relating to labour market regulation, to increase participation and employment rates. — Reduce State aid relative to GDP and strengthen competition policy to allow free and undistorted competition for the benefit of Serbian consumers. — Improve the education system with the aim of increasing skills which fostering employment opportunities and long-term economic growth. — Improve the business environment to increase greenfield foreign direct investment. European standards Internal market Free movement of goods — Continue to develop standardisation and, prepare for full membership of the European standardisation organisations. Free movement of capital — Further liberalise short- and medium-term capital movements. Customs and taxation — Ensure continued approximation of customs and taxation as well as other fiscal legislation to the acquis, and continue to strengthen the administrative capacity to implement this legislation and to fight corruption, cross-border crime and fiscal evasion. — Improve transparency and the exchange of information with EU Member States in order to facilitate enforcement of measures preventing avoidance or evasion of taxes. Competition — Implement State aid legislation and ensure that the authority monitoring state aid functions effectively. Employment and social policies — Adopt measures to increase school enrolment rates at secondary level of children of all communities. — Further develop social inclusion and social protection policies. — Ensure a functioning and representative social dialogue. — Take further efforts to improve the situation of persons with disabilities. Education and research — Adopt a national qualification framework for vocational and education training; promote regional cooperation in the field of higher education. — Adopt an integrated research policy. Sectoral policies SME and industrial policy — Continue the implementation of the European Charter for Small Enterprises. Agriculture — Continue efforts to strengthen administrative structures and capacity needed to formulate and implement agricultural and rural development policies. — Continue strengthening veterinary, sanitary, phytosanitary and food safety legislation and controls. — Improve waste management and reduce agricultural pollution. — Continue to upgrade food-processing establishments to meet EU requirements. Environment — Ensure full implementation and enforcement of legislation approximated to the EU legislation. — Implement the relevant international conventions and the Kyoto Protocol. — Adopt and start implementing strategies on air pollution, waste management and nature protection. — Implement fully the national environmental protection strategy and the water strategy. — Strengthen further the administrative capacity of environmental institutions at national and local level. — Implement the multi-annual plan for financing the environmental protection policy, including for investment. — Finalise construction of a facility for treatment and safe disposal of hazardous waste. Transport policy — Continue implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of the South East Europe Core Regional Transport Network and strengthen cooperation with the South East Europe Transport Observatory. — Strengthen further administrative capacity, including project preparation for large investments and maintenance of infrastructure. — Ensure further approximation of legislation to the transport acquis, notably as regards technical and safety standards (including the implementation of the digital tachograph). — Implement commitments taken under the second transitional phase of the European Common Aviation Area Agreement. Energy — Adopt and implement a long-term strategy for an environmentally sustainable energy policy. — Continue to implement regional and international commitments in this area with a view to establishing a competitive regional energy market. — Complete the dismantling of the Vinca research reactor. Information society and media — Start implementation of the EU framework for electronic communications and continue alignment with the EC acquis for the audiovisual sector. Financial control — Develop and implement the principles of decentralised managerial accountability and a functionally independent internal audit system in accordance with the internationally accepted standards and EU best practice. — Further develop procedures and administrative capacity to ensure effective protection of the EU's financial interests. Statistics — Further develop the quality management system; put in place agricultural statistics and further develop all sectoral statistical areas. Justice, freedom and security Visa, border control, asylum and migration — Continue to strengthen the capacity of the border police and the customs services, improve facilities at border posts and enhance cooperation with neighbouring countries in the fight against human trafficking. — Provide sustainable solutions for the integration of readmitted persons. Drugs — Fully implement a national strategy for the fight against drug abuse. Police — Continue restructuring the police services, ensure transparency and accountability, reform police education and ensure cooperation and coordination between law enforcement agencies. Fighting organised crime and terrorism — Ensure that an effective system of witness protection is in place, improve regional cooperation, reinforce the fight against economic and financial crime (including money laundering and counterfeiting of currencies), fraud and corruption, facilitate the placement of liaison officers, seconded from EU Member States, in the relevant state bodies involved in the fight against organised crime and implement the Palermo Convention on transnational organised crime. — Strengthen capacity at the Ministry of the Interior (in particular the Department for organised crime) and develop procedures and the capacity to share intelligence between agencies.