EN    EN  COMMISSION OF THE E UROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 9.12.2004 
COM(2004) 789 final 
  
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
on the position to be adopted by the European Community  
within the Joint Committee established by the Interim Association Agreement on trade 
and cooperation with regard to the ad option of a Recommendation on the 
implementation of the EU-Pales tinian Authority Action Plan 
 
 2    EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM  
The 2002 Copenhagen European Council, closing accession negotiations with ten applicant 
States, recognised that enlarg ement presented an important opportunity to take forward 
relations with neighbouring count ries based on shared values, and stated that the Union 
remained determined to avoid new dividing lines in Europe and to promote stability and prosperity within and beyond the new borders of the Union. 
The Commission Communication “Wider Eur ope - Neighbourhood: A New Framework for 
Relations with our Eastern and Southern Neighbours” of March 2003
1 proposed the 
establishment of Action Plans with partner countries. On 16 June 2003, the Council welcomed 
this Communication and invited the Commission, with the contribu tion, where appropriate, of 
the High Representative, to pr esent proposals for Action Plans fo r all countries concerned as 
appropriate, commencing with Ukraine, Moldova,  and Southern Mediterranean partners with 
Association Agreements. 
On 14 June 2004, the Council welcomed th e Commission Communi cation “European 
Neighbourhood Policy – Strategy Paper”2. The Council also welcomed the Commission 
proposal to pursue the European Neighbourhoo d Policy (ENP) through Action Plans to be 
agreed jointly with the nei ghbouring countries concerned a nd invited the Commission to 
propose such Action Plans. Action Plans should have a minimum durati on of three years and 
be subject to renewal by mutual consent. Th ey should be based on co mmon principles but be 
differentiated, as appropriate, taking into account the specificities of each neighbour, its 
national reform processes and its relations with the EU. Action Plans should be comprehensive but at the same time identify cl early a limited number of key priorities and 
offer real incentives for reform. Action Plans should also contribute, where possible, to 
regional cooperation. The Council also defined how to advance and monitor implementation 
of action plans.  
The Commission, in close cooperation with th e Presidency and the High Representative on 
issues related to political cooperation and th e CFSP, has held exploratory talks with the 
Palestinian Authority which have resulted in agreement on a draft Action Plan. It covers a 
timeframe of three to five years. Its implem entation will help fulfil the provisions in the 
Interim Association Agreement and will contribute  to an increasingly close relationship with 
the Palestinian Authority, involving a signifi cant degree of economic integration and a 
deepening of political co-operation. Implemen tation of the Action Plan will significantly 
advance the approximation of the Palestinian Au thority legislation, norms and standards to 
those of the European Union. 
In accordance with the Council Co nclusions of 14 June 2004, stip ulating that the Action Plans 
will be approved by the Council and subsequently  endorsed by the respective Association or 
Co-operation Councils, the Commission attaches the text of a proposal for a Council Decision 
on the position to be taken by the Community within the EU-Palesti nian Authority Joint 
Committee with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the 
Action Plan in annex.  
                                                
 
1 COM(2003)104 
2 COM(2004)373 
 
 3    The Commission therefore requests the Council to adopt the attached proposal for a Council 
Decision. 
 
 4    Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
on the position to be adopted by the European Community  
within the Joint Committee established by the Interim Association Agreement on trade 
and cooperation with regard to the ad option of a Recommendation on the 
implementation of the EU-Pales tinian Authority Action Plan 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to Article 3 (2), of Council Decision 97/430/EC of 2 June 1997 concerning the 
conclusion of the Euro-Mediterrane an Interim Association Agreement; 
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, in particular Article 15 thereof; 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission3; 
Whereas: (1) The Interim Association Agreement on trade and cooperati on was signed on 24 
February 1997 and entered into force on 1 July 1997. 
(2) The Parties intend to agree on an EU- Pa lestinian Authority Action Plan, which will 
support the implementation of the Inte rim Association Agreement through the 
elaboration and agreement of concrete st eps towards attainment of its objectives. 
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 
Sole Article 
The position to be adopted by the Europe an Community within the Joint Committee 
established by the Interim Association Agreemen t on trade and cooperation with regard to the 
implementation of the EU-Palestinian Author ity Action Plan shall be based on the draft 
Recommendation of the Joint Comm ittee annexed to this Decision.  
Done at Brussels,  
 For the Council 
 The President 
  
                                                
 
3 OJ C , , p. 
 
 5    ANNEX  
draft 
RECOMMENDATION 
on the implementation of the EU-Pal estinian Authority Action Plan  
 
The EU/ Palestinian Authority Joint Committee, 
Having regard to the Interi m Association Agreement on tr ade and cooperation and in 
particular Article 63, paragraph 2 thereof,  
Whereas: (1) Article 63 paragraph 2 of the Interim Association Agreement gives the Joint 
Committee the power to make appropriate  recommendations, for the purposes of 
attaining the objectives of the Agreement.  
(2) In terms of Article 70 of the Interim Association Agreement, the Parties shall take any 
general or specific measures required to fulfil their obligations under the Agreement 
and shall see to it that the objectives set out in the Agreement are attained. 
(3)  The Parties to the Interim Association Agr eement have agreed on the text of the EU- 
Palestinian Authority Action Plan. 
(4) The EU-Palestinian Authority  Action Plan will support th e implementation of the 
Interim Association Agreement through the elaboration and agreement between the Parties of concrete steps which will provide practical guidance for such implementation. 
HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION: 
Sole Article 
The Joint Committee recommends that the Parties implement the EU-Palestinian Authority 
Action Plan in annex, insofar as such implemen tation is directed towards attainment of the 
objectives of the Interim Association Agreement.  
Done at [...] For the Joint Committee The President 
 
 6    ANNEX  
 
EU/ PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY ACTION PLAN  
1. Introduction  
The enlargement of the European Union on 1 May 2004 has brought a historical shift for the 
Union in political, geographic and economic term s. The EU and the Palestinian Authority, as 
close neighbours, will reinforc e their political a nd economic interdependence. Enlargement 
offers the opportunity for the EU and the Pales tinian Authority to create the conditions for 
developing an increasingly close relationship in preparation for a future Palestinian State, 
going beyond co-operation, to involve a signif icant measure of economic integration and 
deepening of political cooperation.  
The European Neighbourhood Policy of the European Union sets ambitious objectives based 
on commitments to shared values and effectiv e implementation of political, economic, social 
and institutional reforms.  
Achieving Palestinian statehood requires full im plementation of the Quartet Roadmap and an 
end to violence in order to reach a fair and la sting peace in the Middle East, on the basis of the 
relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, a nd allowing for the establishment of an 
independent, viable, sovereign and contiguous Pale stinian state, living side by side with the 
state of Israel in peace and security. 
The Palestinian Authority welcomes the EU initiative to enter into intensified political, 
security, economic and cultural relations, and sh ared responsibility in conflict prevention and 
conflict resolution. The European Union and the Pa lestinian Authority are determined to make 
use of this occasion to enhan ce their relations and to promot e stability, security and well-
being, and to support the Palestinia ns in their efforts to build their own future. The approach 
is founded on partnership, joint ownership and differentiation. 
Palestinian participation in the European Neighbourhood Policy takes place in the context of 
the overall political situation in the region wh ich affects the scope of  actions that can be 
feasibly undertaken. There are a number of constraints and limitations resulting from the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conf lict and the continuing o ccupation, including settlement 
activity, restrictions to movement as a result of the closure policy a nd the separation barrier. 
The limitations on the Palestinian Authority pendi ng the creation of a Palestinian state must 
also be taken into account. Joint action will be required both to bring about the 
implementation of the Roadmap and to c ontinue the preparations for statehood.  
The level of ambition of the EU-PA relationshi p will depend on the degree of commitment to 
common values as well as the capacity to impl ement jointly agreed priorities. The pace of 
progress of the relationship will acknowledge fully the efforts and concrete achievements in meeting those commitments. 
The European Neighbourhood Policy is part of the European Union’s response to the 
Palestinian Authority’s politic al and economic reform agenda. This Reform has been 
developed to consolidate democracy, accountabili ty, transparency and justice in the West 
Bank and Gaza. 
This Action Plan is a first step in this process. It covers a timeframe of three to five years. Its 
implementation will help fulfil the provision s in the Interim Agreement (IA) and will 
 
 7    encourage and support the Palestinian Authority ’s national reform objectives and further 
integration into European economic and social structures. Implementatio n of the Action Plan 
will significantly advance the approximation of Pa lestinian legislation, norms and standards to 
those of the European Union. It will also build solid foundations for further economic integration based on the adoption and implemen tation of economic and trade-related rules and 
regulations with the potential to enhance trade,  investment and growth. It will furthermore 
help to devise and implement policies an d measures to promote economic growth 
employment and social cohesion, to reduce pover ty and to protect the environment, thereby 
contributing to the long-term obj ective of sustainable developmen t. The Palestinian Authority 
and the EU will cooperate closely in  implementing this Action Plan.  
New Partnership Perspectives
 
The European Neighbourhood Policy opens  new partnership perspectives:   
• The perspective of moving be yond cooperation to a significant degree of integration, 
including through a stake in the EU’s Inte rnal Market, and the possibility for the 
Palestinian Authority to participate progre ssively in key aspect s of EU policies and 
programmes. 
• An upgrade in the scope and inte nsity of political cooperation; 
• The opportunity for convergence of economic legislation, the opening of economies to 
each other, and the continued reduction of tr ade barriers which will stimulate investment 
and growth; 
• More targeted financial support: EU financial assistance for the Pales tinian Authority will 
be better targeted to support the actions identified in the present document. The 
Commission is furthermore proposing a ne w European Neighbourhood and Partnership 
Instrument (ENPI), for this purpose, also  covering the very important aspect of 
transnational cooperation. There may also be infrastructure investment support through the 
European Investment Bank;  
• Possibilities of gradual openi ng of or reinforced particip ation in relevant Community 
programmes, promoting, inter a lia, cultural, educational, e nvironmental, technical and 
scientific links; 
• Support including technical assistance and twi nning to meet EU norms and standards, and 
targeted advice and support for legislativ e approximation through a mechanism such as 
Technical Assistance Information Exchange (TAIEX);  
• Deepening trade and economic relations, extendi ng them progressively to cover agriculture 
and the service sector, and to provide the condi tions for increasing investment and exports  
For the near future the Interim Association Agreement remains a valid basis for EU- 
Palestinian cooperation and will permit the imple mentation of the priorities of the Action 
Plan. In the light of the fulfilment of the objectives of this Action Plan and of the overall evolution of the EU-PA relations, consideratio n will be given to the possibility of a new 
contractual relationship. The Co mmission has suggested that this  could take the form of a 
European Neighbourhood Agreement. Upon the esta blishment of an independent Palestinian 
State, this would include the featur es of a full Association Agreement. 
 
 8    Priorities for action  
The Action Plan sets out agreed priority object ives to be achieved, which have been jointly 
agreed by the both the EU and the PA. Many of  these priorities are based on the ongoing 
Palestinian reform programme which was launched in June 2002. Given the prevailing 
political situation in the West Bank and Gaza St rip, it is not possible to distinguish between 
short and medium term actions. In this contex t the EU and the Palestinian Authority attach 
particular importance to: 
– Facilitating efforts to resolve the Middle East  conflict, and to alleviate the humanitarian 
situation 
– Enhancing political dialogue and cooperation, based on shared  values, including issues 
such as strengthening the fight against terroris m and incitement to violence, promoting the 
protection of human rights a nd the rights of minorities, improving the dialogue between 
cultures and religions,  co-operating in the fight ag ainst racism and xenophobia, in 
particular anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.  
– Progress on establishing a func tioning judiciary and effective enforcement of legislation; 
strengthening the rule of la w and respect for human rights 
– Strengthening institutions and furthe r reinforcing administrative capacity 
– Organisation of elections in the West Bank a nd Gaza Strip in accordance  with international 
standards 
– Building on progress made in establishing an  accountable system of public finances 
– Developing trade relations with the Palestin ian Authority and progr ess with economic and 
regulatory reform plans; fully implem ent the Interim Association Agreement 
– Enhance cooperation on transport and energy i ssues with the objectiv e of strengthening 
Palestinian participation in Tr ans Euro-Mediterra nean networks 
Progress in meeting these priorities will be  monitored in structures under the Interim 
Association Agreement. On this basis, the EU, together with the Palestinian Authority, will 
review the content of the Acti on Plan and decide on its adaptation and renewal. Within three 
years, decisions may be taken on the next step in the development of bilateral relations, 
including the possibility of  new contractual links.  
 
 9    2. Actions  
2.1 Political dialogue and reform – building the institutions of an independent, 
democratic and viable Palestinian State   
Development of enhanced political dialogue and cooperation 
(1) Strengthen political dialogue and cooperation including on foreign and security policy 
issues 
Regular EU-PA political dialogue is provided for in the contex t of the Interi m Association 
Agreement on Trade and Cooperation. Politi cal dialogue and cooperation should be 
strengthened and extended to include the fo llowing regional and international issues.  
– Developments in the region and prospect s for cooperation to resolve the Middle 
East conflict, including inte nsified efforts to facilitate  the peace process and bring 
about the implementation of the Quarte t Roadmap to a permanent two-state 
solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict 
– Measures to facilitate improving th e overall humanitarian situation  
– Ensuring respect for international law, in particular international humanitarian law 
– Dialogue between cult ures and religions 
– Measures in the fight against racism and xenophobia, including anti-Semitism and 
Islamophobia 
– Fight against terrorism 
– Strengthen EU-PA cooperation on th e Palestinian reform programme 
(2) Intensify co-operation in the areas of combating terrorism, non-proliferation of 
weapons of mass destruction and illegal arms trade 
– Strengthen EU-Palestinian Authority co-operation on the fight against and 
prevention of terrorism, incl uding the preventio n of illicit funding and supply of 
arms; 
– Co-operate to reinforce the role of the UN in the multilateral fight against 
terrorism, including thro ugh full implementation of UNSC Resolutions 1373/01 
and 1267/99, through implementation and en forcement of the UN Convention for 
the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism; 
– Ensure respect of human rights in the fight against terrorism. 
– Co-operation on non-proliferation of wea pons of mass destruction, their means of 
delivery and ballistic missiles, including through implementing UNSC resolution 1540/04, ensuring full compliance with and national implementation of existing 
international obligations and promoti ng the accession to and compliance with 
other relevant international instru ments and export control regimes 
 
 10    – Further develop co-operation in the prev ention of and fight against the illicit 
trafficking of WMD-related materials 
– Co-operation on establishing effective systems of national export control, 
controlling export and transit of WMD -related goods, including WMD end-use 
control on dual use technologi es, and effective sanctions  for breaches of export 
controls 
– Apply the risk-based customs control en suring safety and security of goods 
imported, exported or in transit, and expl ore possible definitions of standards for 
certification of operators (exporters and tr ansporters) intervening in commercial 
exchanges 
– Improve overall co-ordination in the non-proliferation area ,and examine specific 
threats related to WMD which undermine re gional security and the scope for co-
operation in addressing them 
– Promote the relevant provisions of the pol itical and security partnership of the 
Barcelona Declaration with the objective of pursuing a mutually and effectively 
verifiable Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction. 
Democracy and rule of law 
(3) Establishment of an independent, impartial an d fully functioning judiciary in line with 
international standards and strengt hen the separation of powers. 
– Adopt a coherent strategy for judicial reform  
– Ensure progress on unification of the legal codes of the West Bank and Gaza Strip 
– Ensure effective implementation of the Basic Law, in particular those articles 
relating to Citizen’s Rights and Civil Libe rties, and to the respect of provisions 
regarding the Mi litary Courts 
– Progressively improve th e courts infrastructure 
– Ensure full implementation of the “Law on the Judicial Authority”, including the 
complete and transparent division of responsibili ties between the Supreme 
Judicial Council and the Mi nistry of Justice and st rengthen the administrative 
capacity 
– Improve conditions for training in releva nt areas (including human rights) and 
examine possibilities for establis hing a Judicial Training Institute 
– Implement reform of the PA security services 
(4) Organisation of transparent general and loca l elections according to international 
standards 
– Revise the legal framework to ensure compatibility with international standards 
and best practice 
 
 11    – Update the Voter Register for the We st Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem 
(subject to freedom of movement w ithin the Palestinian Territory).  
– Start preparations for polling, counti ng, observation and party registration 
– Adopt a legal framework for the registra tion and activities of political parties 
– Ensure the independence of the elections commissions and a fair and free election 
process covering both general and local elections.  
– Guarantee conditions for media covera ge preceding and during the election 
campaign 
(5) Acceleration of constitutional and legislative reform 
– Finalise work on the drafting of a democratic Constitution and consultation with 
wider public. 
(6) Public administration and civil service reform  
– Continue implementation of the civil se rvice and public administration reform 
programme, in particular making the non-mi nisterial public institutions operating 
outside the jurisdiction of the Council of Mi nistries and the Palestinian Legislation 
Council (PLC) accountable, and continuing the restructuring efforts in various Ministries, including the developmen t of mandate, mission statements, and 
development programmes 
– Strengthen the capacity of institutions re sponsible for implementing the reform 
programme 
Human rights and fundamental freedoms 
(7) Strengthen legal guarantees for freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of 
assembly and association in accord ance with international standards  
– Ensure effective freedom of the media, including journalists’ rights and allow for 
unhindered functioning of a pluralistic media system 
– Review the legal framework in view of providing for full freedom of the press in 
accordance with international best practices (including possibilities for 
establishing an independent media commission)  
– Ensure full implementation of th e 2000 NGO Law according to the by-laws 
adopted in November 2003 and the Basic Law 
(8) Ensure the respect of human rights and basic  civil liberties in accordance with the 
principles of international law, and foster  a culture of non-violence, tolerance and 
mutual understanding. 
– Adopt and implement an Action Plan on fostering a culture of non-violence, 
tolerance and mutual un derstanding, covering, inter alia, public institutions the 
education system and the media, including effective measures against incitement. 
 
 12    – Strengthen possibilities for legal redress against violations of human rights and 
civil liberties and access to information on citizens’ rights 
– Promote women’s rights and ensure equal treatment a nd opportunities for women 
– Strengthen and ensure effective enforcemen t of legal provisio ns against torture 
– Provide training for the relevant Palestin ian authorities on human rights issues and 
civil liberties 
Financial Accountability and Sound Management of Public Finances 
(9) Continue efforts to establish a modern and well-functioning system of financial control 
in line with internati onal best practices  
– Strengthen internal audit within the Fi nance Ministry and all PA spending 
agencies 
– Provide training in modern methods of fi nancial control (internal and external 
audit) 
– Pursue adoption and implementation of the new law on external audit that 
provides for a modern and efficient S upreme Audit Institution, headed by an 
independent Auditor General, empowered to conduct audits on the public sector 
on a regular basis and accountab le to the legislature. 
– Submit annual reports of the General C ontrol Institute to the Palestinian 
Legislative Council, in accord ance with legal requirements 
– Continue cooperation on exchange of information between the Palestinian 
Authority’s law enforcement authorities and other relevant authorities (including specialised bodies at European level) 
– Continue cooperation with relevant EU in stitutions and bodies in the case of on-
the-spot checks and inspections related to the management and control of EU funds. 
(10) Continue work to improve transparency of the PA finances and to take concerted 
action to tackle corruption within pub lic institutions and to fight against fraud. 
– Complete the implementation of the Pa lestinian Reform programme on budgetary 
and fiscal transparency  
– Provide training for public instituti ons on anti-corruption measures 
– Develop sufficient administrative capacity  to prevent and fight against fraud and 
other irregularities affecting national  and international funds, including the 
establishment of well-functioning co-opera tion structures involving all relevant 
national entities. 
 
 13    (11) Ensure transparency of public procurement operations.  
– Develop conditions for open, fair and co mpetitive award of public contracts in 
accordance with internati onal best practices.  
– Enforce the General Procurement Law 
(12) Put in place a modern and financia lly sustainable pension system. 
– Adopt an action plan for the re form of the pension system 
– Establish a legal framework for a new pens ions system, includi ng the PA security 
services and restructuring and unifying th e existing civil servi ce pension schemes  
2.2 Economic reform and development  
(13) Improve the conditions for the establishm ent and functioning of a market economy  
– Carry out necessary legislative reform a nd ensure adoption and implementation of 
a basic regulatory framework (including: Capital Market Authority Law, amended 
Income Tax Law, Companies Law, Competition Law) 
– Strengthen the administrative capacity of  the Palestinian Authority and other 
relevant agencies in the area of economic reform. 
– Strengthen the capacity of the Land Authority  
2.3 Trade-related issues, ma rket and regulatory reform  
(14) Develop trade relations between the Eu ropean Community and the Palestinian 
Authority 
– Proceed with gradual libera lisation of trade in agricu ltural and fishery products 
and develop the necessary tools for trad e control and management, including the 
gathering and analysis of data  
– Implement the Palermo Action Plan approved at the July 2003 Euro-
Mediterranean Conference of Trade Ministers 
– Examine priorities for veterinary and phyt osanitary standards in order to improve 
access to the EU market 
(15) Strengthen regional cooperati on with neighbouring countries 
– Reinforce co-operation among the EC, the Palestinian Authority and Israel to 
facilitate implementation of trade-related aspects of the Interim Association Agreement 
– Develop competencies, required knowle dge and skills for trade negotiations 
– Enable Palestinian participation in the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean cumulation of 
origin. 
 
 14    (16) Develop the regulatory framework for a modern  taxation system and institutions based 
on international best practices.  
– Revise the Income tax law in line with international best practices, and 
encompassing a single tax code for the West Bank and Gaza Strip.  
– Continue efforts to unify the taxation ad ministration in the West Bank and Gaza 
Strip, and to improve the overall e ffectiveness of revenue collection 
– Improve coordination between the West  Bank and Gaza treasuries and tax 
administrations 
– Strengthen administrative capacity of th e treasuries and ta x administrations 
(17) Revitalise the private sector 
– Provide support for sustainable private sector development, including institution-
building 
– Strengthen relations between the Palestinia n private sector and its institutions and 
EU counterparts  
– Strengthen EU-PA cooperation on enterprise policy, in cluding implementation of 
the EuroMed charter for enterprises 
– Simplify administrative pr ocedures for business  
(18) Further develop the statistics system based on international best practices  
– Reinforce the administrative capacity of the statistics bureau and improve overall 
coordination on collection of data. 
– Ensure the appropriate legal framework fo r a modern statistics system based on 
impartiality, reliability, transpar ency and confidentiality of data 
2.4 Energy, Environment, Transport and Science and Technology  
(19) Take steps to promote good environmental governance, to aim for prevention of 
deterioration of the envi ronment, and to enhance co -operation on environmental 
issues 
– Review the PA environment policy and prioritise activities included in the 
Palestinian Environmental Law 
– Strengthen administrative capacity and clar ify responsibilities between different 
authorities 
– Work towards improvements in the overall water and sanitation management 
system 
– Promote enhanced regional cooperation with neighbouring countries, including on 
the sharing and manageme nt of water resources 
 
 15    – Pursue efforts to improve water supply and quality, especially in  rural areas, with 
a view to meeting WHO standards 
– Assess possibilities for participation in selected European Environment Agency 
activities 
– Explore scope for strengthening capabilities for the safe disposal of hazardous 
waste 
(20) Enhance cooperation on energy and transport issues 
– Strengthen institutional capacity in the field of energy 
– Develop regional cooperation on, inter alia,  electricity and gas; energy and 
renewable energy sources and networks (i n particular Euro-Mediterranean, and on 
the basis of relevant agreements, e.g. EC-Israel-Palestinian Authority) 
– Strengthen cooperation on transport and pr omote Palestinian participation in 
Trans Euro-Mediterranean networks , and on other regional issues 
– Promote participation of the PA in re gional transport programmes, including 
satellite navigation 
(21) Science and technology, research and development 
– Evaluate the current situation with regard to research and development 
(infrastructure, human res ources, institutional capacity) 
– Promote improved Palestinian particip ation in the EU Sixth Framework 
Programme on Research and Developmen t (including the establishment of 
national contact points) 
2.5 People-to-people contacts, education, and public health  
Education, training, and youth 
(22) Develop a modern education system bas ed on peace, tolerance and mutual 
understanding 
– Ensure continued progress on the new Pa lestinian Authority School Curriculum 
for all grades 
– Upgrade the higher education system 
– Enhance regional cooperation in the field of education and youth;  
– Promote intercultural dialogue, and youth exchanges including cooperation 
through youth and other relevant cu ltural cooperation programmes  
– Examine possibilities for deve loping sporting activities 
– Reinforce participation in the EC TEMPUS programme and encourage 
participation in the Erasmus Mundus programme 
 
 16    – Examine ways to implement recommenda tions on bridging the knowledge gap as 
identified in the UNDP Arab Human Development Reports.  
– Implement the national strategy for t echnical and vocational education and 
training through capacity building and human resource development  
Public health 
– Upgrade the Palestinian Public health system, and examine ways to improve 
sustainability beyond the conflict 
– Strengthen the administrative capacit y of the Ministry of Health 
– Strengthen coordination with relevant in ternational organisations and health 
service providers, including NGOs 
2.6 European Community-Palestinian Authority Cooperation  
(23) Take concrete measures to implement th e Interim Association Agreement on Trade 
and Cooperation between the EC and the PLO (for the benefit of the Palestinian 
Authority) 
– Examine possibilities of greater use of th e institutional framework of the Interim 
Association Agreement (e.g. Joint Committee meetings, working groups etc.) 
– Examine prospects of negotiation of a full Association Agreement 
(24) Support the implementation of PA reform programme, focused on the priorities set out 
in the Action Plan. 
– Participate in the Quartet Task Force on Palestinian Reform and the Ad Hoc 
Liaison Committee on Assist ance to Palestinians 
– Provide targeted financial assistance a nd institution building support, focused on 
the priorities of the Action Plan and the overall objective of building the 
institutions of a Palestinian state liv ing in peace and security with Israel 
3. Monitoring  
The Action Plans will be submitted for formal adoption to the Joint Committees between the 
EU and the Palestinian Authority. The Action Pl ans will guide the work between the EU and 
the Palestinian Authority. Should the need aris e, on the EU side, for specific measures 
necessitating legally binding de cisions, the Commission will r ecommend to the Council the 
adoption of the necessary negotiating directives.  
The joint bodies established under the Interim Association Agreement will advance and 
monitor the implementation of the Action Pl an on the basis of re gular reports on its 
implementation.  
A first review of the implementation of the Acti on Plan will be taken within two years of its 
adoption. 
 
 17    The Action Plans can be regularly amended, on a joint basis, and/or updated to reflect 
progress in addressing the priorities.