THE COMMISSION'S WORK PROGRAMME FOR 1996 COM(95) 512 final (96/C 282/02)

CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION . 5 1. ACTION FOR EMPLOYMENT AND SOLIDARITY . 6 1.1. Strategy for employment . 6 1.2.

Social policy . 6 1.3. Cohesion policy and the regions . 7 1.4. Education and training . 7 2.

MAKING PROGRESS TOWARDS ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION . 7 2.1. Multilateral surveillance and

convergence . 7 2.2. Preparing for the single currency . 7 3. TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE UNION'S

POTENTIAL . 8 3.1. Completing and strengthening the Single Market . 8 3.2. Relying on the sectors

of the future . 8 - The information society and the audiovisual industry

- Research and technological development

- Biotechnology

3.3. Infrastructure and transport . 9 - Trans-European networks

- Transport

3.4. Making Community policies more effective . 10 - Industrial competitiveness and innovation

- Small and medium-sized enterprises

- Agriculture and fisheries

- Energy

- Quality of the environment

- Consumer policy

4. PREPARING FOR ENLARGEMENT . 11 5. ENHANCING EUROPE'S PRESENCE IN THE WORLD . 12 5.1. Relations

with non-member countries . 12 5.2. Commercial policy . 13 5.3. Common foreign and security policy

. 14 5.4. Humanitarian aid . 14 Page

6. MAKING PROGRESS IN JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS . 14 7. EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY BUSINESS .

14 7.1. Openness, information and subsidiarity . 14 7.2. A better-managed Union . 15 ANNEXES

- Summary table of measures proposed

- Detailed list of measures proposed

INTRODUCTION

The 1996 work programme fits into the framework that President Santer mapped out for the next five years in the speech he gave to Parliament after its vote of approval confirming the new Commission.

There are four priority areas.

The first is employment. Despite the general upturn in the Union's economy, unemployment remains obstinately high. We need to continue fighting for jobs in 1996 with all the effort and determination we can muster.

Secondly, the creation of an economic and monetary union (EMU), with a single currency as its objective, is one of the great challenges of the decade. The timetable for it is laid down in the Treaty and the Commission will present the necessary proposals far enough in advance to enable the deadlines and other conditions to be met.

Thirdly, we must make use of all the resources provided by the Single Market. It must be the driving force which enables the Union to move forward with strength and confidence. It is essential if European business is to be made more competitive, which must be one of the objectives of the Commission, the Union as a whole and businesses themselves. The existence of a border-free market comprising no fewer than 15 countries presents many possibilities. It is a great opportunity for non-member countries and the financial resources which it can count on in the years ahead.

These four priorities are inter-linked. Without a single currency, the Single Market will not work as well as it should; in the long term, its very existence may be jeopardized. Without an expanding, integrated Single Market, it is difficult to see how unemployment could be reduced. They all form part of a whole. That is why the Commission is advocating a comprehensive approach to the issues facing the Union.

The Intergovernmental Conference will open in 1996 as envisaged in the Treaty on European Union. This review of the operation of our institutions will be crucial for the future of the Union with an eye to enlargement. The Commission will present an opinion on the subject.

The Commission's main objectives in 1996 are to create new jobs and make the mechanisms of Community solidarity work for the benefit of everyone, prepare for economic and monetary union, and in particular the transition to a single currency, take full advantage of the Single Market, work towards another round of enlargement, enhance Europe's influence in the world, make progress in the field of justice and home affairs, manage Community affairs efficiently and, lastly, make sure that all the above are done in such a way as to serve the interests and quality of life of the European citizen. Everyone's support is required if our objectives are to be achieved.

1. ACTION FOR EMPLOYMENT AND SOLIDARITY

The campaign to create employment is still a priority. While national measures are pivotal, the comprehensive, European approach recommended by the Commission and endorsed by the European Council is a useful tool that must be put into action. The key elements of this approach were presented in the Commission's report on employment in October 1995. In 1996 the Union must therefore do even more to promote economic growth and job creation.

1.1. Strategy for employment Despite the present outlook, growth alone will not bring about the required reduction in unemployment. Macroeconomic policies geared towards producing strong and sustained growth must therefore be accompanied by structural measures and other changes to make the labour market function more efficiently. The Commission will ensure that this is taken into account, particularly in the Member States' employment programmes and in projects financed by the Structural and Cohesion Funds.

In 1996 the Commission will present reports on employment trends and employment systems in the Union on the basis of national multiannual programmes, such as those produced as a result of the decisions of the Essen European Council. The Commission will take whatever steps are necessary to strengthen existing tools, thereby contributing to job creation and improving the operation of the labour market.

Small and medium-sized enterprises play a leading role in job creation. This will be the subject of Commission proposals based on its 1995 report on small and medium-sized enterprises, which will be examined by the Madrid European Council.

The campaign to create jobs will involve a wide range of Community policies (see Chapter 3). The Commission will pay particular attention to the measures it takes in this field in 1996, to ensure that they really do translate into new jobs.

It will try to ensure that the two sides of industry are fully involved in everything it does on the employment front and will promote dialogue between them at European level. The Standing Committee on Employment will play a crucial role here.

1.2. Social policy

The Commission will update the social action programme adopted in 1995 and will take the opportunity to outline the framework for its future activities. Action in the field of labour law will focus on individual dismissals and the information and consultation of workers in national companies. Work under the fourth programme of action on health and safety at work will be continued.

The Commission will stimulate discussion on the development of the social dialogue in order to secure increased involvement of the two sides of industry. In the consultations the questions of reconciling family life and work, sex discrimination (burden of proof) and flexibility of working time and stability of employment will be addressed.

Special attention will be paid to the issues of racism and the free movement of workers from non-member countries residing legally in a Member State and the reduction in the number of persons marginalized from society.

As regards equal opportunities for men and women, the Commission will continue its action under the programme it presented in 1995. This programme will provide a reference framework for integrating equal opportunities into national and Community policies and programmes.

An action programme on pollution-related diseases and another on accidents are the measures to be taken under the heading of public health policy.

1.3. Cohesion policy and the regions

Economic and social cohesion continues to be a fundamental objective. Without it economic and monetary union and the Single Market would be jeopardized. The Commission will be presenting its first report on progress towards economic and social cohesion.

The Commission will develop a closer partnership with the regions and the socio-professional actors to ensure that effective use is made of the resources of the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund. It will study the possible effects which implementation of the Council's recommendations on government deficits may have on the operation of the Cohesion Fund.

The Commission will draw up the list of regions to be targeted for industrial conversion over the period 1997 to 1999, decide on the indicative allocation of funds to these regions and adopt the development programmes for them.

It will implement the new guidelines for innovatory action in the fields of internal and external interregional cooperation and in town and country planning and urban policy.

1.4. Education and training

The measures planned for 1996 under the White Paper on lifelong learning will focus significantly on the impact they may have on promoting employment and on combating exclusion. They will lead to specific proposals. The discussions they prompt will be useful material for work in connection with the European Year of Lifelong Learning in 1996.

2. MAKING PROGRESS TOWARDS ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION

One of the Community's prime objectives must be to create the right economic conditions for the transition to stage three of economic and monetary union (EMU), according to the timetable laid down by the Treaty. In practice, this means:

- bringing about convergence of the Member States' economies, and - preparing in good time for stage three of EMU and the introduction of a single currency.

2.1. Multilateral surveillance and convergence The Treaty lays down the procedures for multilateral surveillance, which are based on broad economic policy guidelines and the Member States' convergence programmes. The procedures in Article 104c designed to prevent excessive deficits must be strictly applied if this objective is to be achieved. The Commission will take great care to discharge all the responsibilities conferred on it by the Treaty in this field.

2.2. Preparing for the single currency

The publication of the Commission's Green Paper in 1995 was a significant step forward in analysing the issues surrounding the technical preparations for the transition to stage three and the introduction of the single currency.

The timetable for the transition will be drawn up after the Madrid European Council has decided on the baseline scenario for the introduction of the single currency. It will then be possible to make detailed technical plans. The Commission will actively continue with its work on the other technical preparations, in close cooperation with the European Monetary Institute, the Member States and all other interested parties.

It is important to prepare the public for the introduction of a single currency, explain what it will mean and provide objective information on the benefits as well as the difficulties of an operation on such an unprecedented scale. The Commission will hold a round-table discussion in January 1996 to decide what communication strategy to adopt. Representatives from the groups concerned will be invited to attend.

3. TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE UNION'S POTENTIAL

The Union's potential for development is still considerable but it must have the means it needs to derive maximum benefit.

3.1. Completing and strengthening the Single Market

Full and effective completion of the Single Market continues to be an essential condition for economic growth which can help to establish a strong job-creating economy. A legal and administrative environment to help the public and businesses is essential at both Community and national level.

The Commission will take firm action to remove the barriers to trade which still exist and to prevent any new ones from being raised.

Application of the principle of mutual recognition will have to be generalized. Various prudential rules applicable in the financial sector will have to be brought up to date and their extension proposed, notably with regard to financial conglomerates. Rules will be proposed concerning the protection of pluralism in the media. In the field of taxation the Commission will continue its work to prepare proposals on the definitive VAT system.

The need to ensure strict enforcement of the existing rules remains a top priority. The Commission will ensure that the Member States transpose Community legislation correctly, and in particular that the quality of the transposition guarantees that it is fully effective. The Commission also intends to make the procedures for monitoring the application of Community law faster and more effective in all sectors.

3.2. Relying on the sectors of the future

The Commission intends to devote much of its attention in 1996 to the opportunities for tomorrow's Europe. If we do not seize these opportunities, we could be condemning Europe to decline.

The information society and the audiovisual industry A rapid and successful transition to a society where information is available to everyone will bring with it a new dynamism, creativity and economic growth for Europe.

The main initiatives planned for next year in the field of telecommunications concern the harmonization of access to voice telephony in a competitive environment, personal satellite communication services, the financing of universal service and regulations on new services. With regard to the adaptation of the legal framework to the new services, intellectual-property and data-security rules will be proposed. Applying competition rules to the industry will ensure that the market stays dynamic. The Commission will analyse the extent to which the impact of the information society on services can help to create jobs in this sector and will identify existing obstacles (laws, regulations, market, etc.) in order to remove them.

A Green Paper on new audiovisual services will cover in particular ways of encouraging their development and promoting cultural and linguistic diversity. The consequences of this development for the protection of general interests will be examined in this context.

The Commission also intends to present a Green Paper on the social and societal aspects of the information society. The paper is to be based on a report by an independent group of experts which was set up at the beginning of this year. A separate Green Paper will be published on education and training in the information society in recognition of the crucial role they play.

On the basis of the conclusions of the G7 summit in Brussels, the Commission will continue to cooperate with its partners outside the Community - industrialized countries, developing countries and countries in transition, in particular central and eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. It will give active support to the conference on the information society and the developing countries, due to be held in South Africa.

Research and technological development

There will be a new drive within the research/industry task forces to coordinate Community and national policies in seven RTD areas identified as priorities, i.e. the car of tomorrow, multimedia educational software, next-generation aircraft, the train of the future, intermodal transport, maritime systems of the future and anti-virus vaccinations. It is also planned to set up a task force on environmental water technology. The Commission also plans to continue its study of the regulatory framework for biotechnology. After presenting a proposal in 1995 for making use of the additional financial resources for the fourth RTD framework programme, the Commission will propose the fifth framework programme.

Biotechnology

Modern biotechnology offers potential for innovation and growth in a great many industrial and agricultural activities and for cleaning up the environment. Operations to enhance competitiveness in this area will continue, but with attention being paid to maintaining a high level of protection for human health and the environment, notably by the regular review of the regulatory framework in the light of scientific and technical progress and support for R& D and innovation (particularly in small businesses).

3.3. Infrastructure and transport

Trans-European networks

The development of trans-European networks (TEN) will help to boost the Union's economic performance and strengthen its cohesion. However, responsibility for the implementation of the TEN lies mainly with their operators and the Member States. The Commission intends to continue to act as a catalyst in this process.

Commission activities in 1996 will focus on projects of shared interest with reference to the guidelines for transport, energy and telecommunications and in accordance with the terms of the Financial Regulation for the TEN adopted in 1995. For these projects a special environmental impact assessment is in progress.

The Commission will continue its efforts to promote partnerships between the public and private sectors for the purposes of the financing, planning and implementation of these projects. The Commission will submit the annual progress report on the TEN to the European Council in December 1996.

Transport

The Commission will press on with its action programme on the common transport policy (1995 to 2000). Proposals will be presented on air transport (airport taxes, passengers' rights and distribution of slots), shipping (ferry operation approval system) and road transport (road taxes). The Green Paper on passenger transport ('citizens' networks`), the White Paper on air traffic control and the shipping strategy will lead to concrete initiatives in the fields concerned, amongst other things in the matter of safety. As regards the environmental aspect of transport, the Green Paper on the internalization of the external costs of transport, which should be adopted by the end of 1995, could lead to new initiatives. The social dialogue will be pursued with a view to improving working conditions. On the international front, activity will concentrate particularly on relations with the countries applying for accession.

3.4. Making Community policies more effective Industrial competitiveness and innovation The Commission will present a series of practical measures to improve competitiveness in the textile, business services, chemicals, recycling, defence and shipping industries and in the multimedia programmes field. These measures will include action on international cooperation. The Commission will also be presenting its first report on the competitiveness of Union industries. This will take into account the findings of the Competitiveness Advisory Group (Ciampi Group).

After adoption of the Green Paper on innovation an action plan with specific measures will be drawn up.

Small and medium-sized enterprises

The multiannual programme for small and medium-sized enterprises (1997 to 2000), which will be presented in 1996, will entail a very broad range of support measures from the point of view of finance, information, cross-border cooperation, improvement of management and adaptation to structural change.

Agriculture and fisheries

The Commission's activities on market organizations will include proposals for reform in the tobacco and olive oil sectors.

As regards veterinary and plant-health aspects, the Commission envisages making a number of simplifications to legislation in order to improve the clarity of existing regulations and take account of the completion of the Single Market.

The Commission will organize a European conference on rural development with the aim of drawing mid-term conclusions from the implementation of the programmes in this field so as to define guidelines for the future.

The reform of the fisheries policy started in 1991 will continue in 1996, in particular by aligning the fisheries fleet structural policy and the conservation policy when preparing the new multiannual guidance programmes for 1997 to 1999. This year will also see an increase in the coherence of certain technical measures applicable to Community fisheries and greater account being taken of the impact of fishing on marine ecosystems.

At international level the Commission will see that full effect is given to recent developments on the law of the sea (New York Conference and Crete Conference for the Mediterranean and FAO Code of Conduct for responsible fishing) and will give careful thought, in both bilateral and multilateral contacts, to the future of its external relations in fisheries.

Energy

The Commission will continue its work to open up the energy sector to competition and promote dialogue between consumers and producers. Harmonization measures are planned to ensure the effective operation of the internal market for electricity and natural gas. Following the White Paper on energy policy, proposals will be presented on the rational use of energy (Altener programme), renewable energy sources and new energy technology. Efforts will also be made to ensure security of supply. As for nuclear energy, in 1996 the Commission intends to conclude cooperation agreements with the CIS countries and to negotiate agreements with Canada and Argentina.

Quality of the environment

The examination of the fifth action programme on the environment and sustainable development will afford an opportunity to identify priority measures for attaining the high levels of environmental protection which the public expects.

In 1996 the Commission intends to concentrate on these priorities, including the proper application of Community legislation, resorting to other types of instrument, for example of an economic nature. The principal emphasis will be on incorporating the environmental dimension in other policies. The Commission will continue to raise the level of environmental protection throughout the Union following enlargement.

Sectoral initiatives will be undertaken, on matters such as the management of waste and water, the quality of the air and noise abatement, or the implementation of the directive on integrated pollution control.

Activities in the field of nuclear safety will continue, in particular with a view to improving the situation in central and eastern Europe and in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

On the external level, the Union will have to confirm and further develop its driving role in environmental protection matters by means of international cooperation. It will act on the basis of the commitments made at the Rio Summit. This will involve measures referring to the Convention on climate change, the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances and the Convention on biodiversity. In addition, an in-depth study will be made of environmental legislation in the countries of central and eastern Europe.

Consumer policy

In implementing its priorities for consumer protection policy, the Commission will pay particular attention to financial services. Integration of the 'consumers` dimension in the other Community policies will be actively pursued. In particular the Commission will take account of consumer interests in the process of liberalizing public utilities.

4. PREPARING FOR ENLARGEMENT

At the Essen European Council, the Heads of State or Government laid down a pre-accession strategy for the countries of central and eastern Europe which have concluded Europe Agreements with the Union. The Cannes European Council clearly reiterated the Union's commitment to the accession of these countries and confirmed that accession negotiations with Malta and Cyprus would open six months after the end of the 1996 Intergovernmental Conference with due account being taken of the outcome of the conference.

The Conference will have the task of ensuring that the Union's institutional structure is capable of successfully absorbing new members in the future. The Union must prepare the way for enlargement in all branches of its activity. The Commission's work in this field will be guided by its report to the Madrid European Council on the effects of the accession of the central and east European countries on present and future Union policies and the European Council's conclusions on that report.

The Commission's activities in relation to central and eastern Europe will be based on the pre-accession strategy and will include following up the White Paper on the preparation of the associated countries for integration in the Union's internal market.

The Commission will be seeking to coordinate technical assistance and to monitor and facilitate implementation of the recommendations set out in the White Paper.

It will be up to the associated countries themselves to define and implement their own preparatory programmes according to their own priorities.

5. ENHANCING EUROPE'S PRESENCE IN THE WORLD

With countries all over the world becoming increasingly attracted by the idea of regional blocs - witness the creation of Nafta, Mercosur and the West African Economic and Monetary Community and the rise in stature of organizations such as Asean and APEC - it is the Commission's duty, within the scope of its powers, to promote as far as possible the model of 'open regionalism` which the European Union has adopted. The Commission will remain active at multilateral level, taking part in conferences proposed by the UN (Unctad IX, Habitat II, etc.) on matters within its jurisdiction. It will generally endeavour to propose a comprehensive definition of the Union's international interests and of the policy to be established to serve them in the form of a coherent set of objectives to be attained with an order of priorities.

It will use the instruments it has at its disposal in the first and second pillars to defend the Union's external interests in the most coherent manner possible.

5.1. Relations with non-member countries

The Commission will continue to do what it can to ensure that the Union's external relations develop in support of peace and with due respect for the principles of democracy and human rights.

In central and eastern Europe, the Commission will continue to develop the Phare programme to support the necessary political and economic reforms and the investment efforts so sorely needed there, notably in respect of infrastructure.

It will support initiatives to deepen economic and political integration in the Baltic Sea region.

Trade and cooperation agreements with Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and an interim agreement (Europe Agreement) with Slovenia are under negotiation or in preparation.

The aim in relations with Russia and the other countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States that emerged from the break-up of the USSR is to conclude cooperation or partnership agreements with some of them, necessarily implying that those countries must respect the principles of democracy and human rights. Relations with them, combining political dialogue, trade relations and the establishment of cooperation instruments, will be underpinned by the Tacis programme.

The Commission is already supplying food aid to certain countries, notably in the Caucasus region.

The Commission wishes to see a Euro-Mediterranean area of prosperity and stability established. Here again, the economic and the political elements are to be combined. Some negotiations will have to be completed so that association agreements with countries in that area can be finalized.

The Commission will implement the action plan to be drawn up after the Barcelona Conference. Economic cooperation with the Gulf Economic Council will also be developed further.

The attention paid by the Union to relations with its closest neighbours must not overshadow its transatlantic relations. Work begun in 1995 will continue in the light of the plan of action to be adopted at the Madrid European Council.

The Commission welcomes the agreement between the Union and Mercosur. Measures to be taken in relation to Latin America will be based on the paper on a new partnership between the European Union and Latin America. Negotiations will continue with Mexico and Chile for an ambitious agreement on trade and other matters. The Commission will also present proposals for bringing up to date the Union's political and economic dialogue with Central America, paying particular attention to the search for forms of cooperation more suited to the reality of that region.

Turning to Asia, the Euro-Asia Conference scheduled for March 1996 will bring together the Heads of State or Government of the Union Member States, the Asean countries, China, the Republic of Korea and Japan. The Commission will propose practical measures on the basis of the conclusions of that Conference. The implementation of the new guidelines for relations with China and Japan and the framework agreement with Korea will all contribute to strengthening the European presence in this key region.

Concerning the ACP countries, after the signing of the Lomé IV review instrument, national and regional indicative programmes will have to be produced for implementing the eighth EDF. The Commission will take this opportunity to improve the effectiveness and quality of development cooperation.

The Commission will also endeavour to conclude the negotiations with South Africa and to put the rehabilitation programme into operation.

The Commission will lend its active support to cooperation and regional integration via the programming of development aid. Development policy will be reinforced by the incorporation of measures to prevent crises and conflicts in Africa. Thought will be given to the strategy for the Union's future relations with the ACP States.

5.2. Commercial policy

As the structure of the world economy continues to change apace, the Commission is seeking to establish a solid network of relations between the Community and other areas of the world, its strategic objective being to give European exporters wider access to world markets through bilateral, regional and multilateral trade relations.

On the multilateral front, the Uruguay Round agreements will obviously have to be implemented. The multilateral system will have to be strengthened so that the opening up of markets in goods and services can continue, notably where telecommunications and shipping are concerned. The work programme of the World Trade Organization will have to be extended to new matters such as investment, competition policy, labour standards and the environment.

The Commission will be continuing more specific activities alongside this multilateral business. OECD negotiations for an agreement on direct investment and bilateral agreements on mutual recognition with the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are expected to be completed.

5.3. Common foreign and security policy

A strong European presence in the world cannot be consolidated without backing from a common foreign and security policy. The Commission accordingly intends to encourage activities in this respect, especially in relation to the pre-accession strategy, relations with Mediterranean partners (including follow-up to the Barcelona Conference), the Middle East peace process (including the election process), relations with Russia and Ukraine, transatlantic partnership and peace and disarmament.

5.4. Humanitarian aid

The Commission will offer a rapid, efficient response to the needs of victims of humanitarian crises in the world, in close cooperation with the Member States and other donors. Preventive action will be given special attention.

6. MAKING PROGRESS IN JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS

On immigration and asylum policy, the Commission will propose joint action on temporary protection of displaced persons, a convention on admission of nationals of non-member countries and a convention on harmonization of national procedures for the granting of asylum.

The Commission will present a plan of action on the fight against drugs and the prevention of urban violence.

The Commission will also take action in response to the deadlock on the draft convention on controls at external borders.

The Commission will ensure that work is completed on simplifying working methods under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union. The harmonious integration of matters governed by Title VI into relations with the Union's growing number of partners will be a constant Commission preoccupation. Priority will be given to cooperation in the context of the pre-accession strategy. Relations with the United States and the Mediterranean countries will be reviewed in this light.

7. EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY BUSINESS

7.1. Openness, information and subsidiarity Efforts to generate more openness in Community business will continue, via contacts with interest groups and the consultation of interested parties on the basis of green papers. The Commission will review the application of the code of conduct adopted by the Commission and the Council in February 1994 concerning public access to documents and if necessary propose its revision.

Three major information operations will be launched over the next two years as part of a comprehensive information strategy. They will cover the rights conferred on citizens by the Single Market, economic and monetary union and the single currency, and the challenges of European integration up to the next millennium.

The Commission will continue to ensure that the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality are applied in the preparation of its action. It will also look into the obstacles of a regulatory nature at both national and Community levels in order to improve the general environment in which business has to operate. One of the Commission's main concerns in this exercise will be to take into account the situation of small businesses.

To round off work on this front, the Commission will continue its initiatives to recast and consolidate Community legislation.

7.2. A better-managed Union

The Commission will continue its administrative simplification efforts. Its measures to improve internal financial management under the SEM 2000 programme and its administrative practices will be put into practice in 1996. In the financial field they include a review of existing procedures, rules and practices with an eye to greater efficiency and more systematic and more precise evaluation of transactions.

The fight against fraud will become effective in 1996. The measures to strengthen the legal protection of the Community's financial interests will be amplified. New administrative penalties will be introduced. Partnership with the Member States will be strengthened.

Community legislation and programmes will be revised to enhance effectiveness, reduce the risk of fraud and give more flexibility in management.

ANNEXES

THE COMMISSION'S WORK PROGRAMME FOR 1996

Summary table of measures proposed

> TABLE POSITION>

Detailed list of measures proposed

1. ACTION FOR EMPLOYMENT AND SOLIDARITY

1.1. Strategy for employment

New initiatives: Stimulating public debate

- White Paper on teaching and learning

- White Paper on working time and excluded sectors

- Green Paper on illegal work

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Part-time, fixed term and temporary work: follow-up to the first stage consultation of social partners

Further action on measures under way

- October report on employment

- Work of high level panel on free movement of persons

- Report on implementation of Objective 4 of the ESF

- Report on the Commission's opinion on equitable wage

- Individual dismissals - Consultations with the social partners

- Employment in Europe report

1.2. Social policy

New initiatives: Stimulating public debate

- Implementation of Community directives by collective agreements

- International organizations: the role of the Union and procedures for cooperating in the field of social policy (framework)

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Development of the framework initiative on social protection

- Report by the 'comité des sages` on the Social Charter

- Employment of disabled people

- Equal opportunities for disabled people

- Reconciliation of work and family life: follow-up to the proposals presented under the Social Protocol

- Burden of proof: follow-up to the proposals presented under the Social Protocol

Social dialogue

- Information and consultation of employees in national undertakings - Consultations with the social partners

- Protection of privacy of workers - Consultation with the social partners

Health promotion measures

- Programme of action on pollution-related diseases

- Communication on rare diseases

- Communication on accidents and injuries

Further action on measures under way

- Social security of migrant workers: other limited benefits to third country nationals (amendment of Regulation (EEC) No 1408/71)

- Follow-up to Helios II programme.

Health and safety at work

- Commission report on the need for specific measures for high-risk areas in the field of health and safety at the workplace

- Risk assessment for particular safety and health issues, including pregnant workers, violence and stress at the workplace, disposal of waste (analysis)

Social dialogue

- European Forum on social policy: possibility of extension of the Social Charter

Health promotion measures

- Integration of health protection requirements into Community policies - Report

Equal opportunities

- Completing equal treatment in social security

- Equal opportunities and the role of Structural Funds - Communication

- Integration of equal opportunities into the policies of the Community - Communication

- Dignity of women and men at work (sexual harassment) - Consultation with the social partners

- Gender balance for women and men in decision-making

1.3. Cohesion policy and the regions

New initiatives: Stimulating public debate

- Urban issues: the place of towns and cities in town and country planning policy

- Commission communication on the adoption of the new member countries' regional development programmes

- Regional policy and the information society

- Cohesion and transport

- Cohesion and employment

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Economic and social cohesion: report on progress and prospects

Further action on measures under way

- Interaction between cohesion policy and certain sectoral policies such as transport and research and development (communication)

- Industrial areas in decline: review of eligibility for Objective 2, indicative distribution of commitment appropriations and definition of economic development programmes for the period 1997 to 1999

- Cohesion Fund: examination of the impact of Council recommendations on public deficits (communication)

1.4. Education and training

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Follow-up to the White Paper on teaching and learning:

- Trans-European project for the accreditation of skills

- Programme for the development of apprenticeships in Europe

- Second chance schools

- New trades in the tertiary sector

Further action on measures under way

- Creation of a European voluntary service

- Green Paper on the removal of obstacles to mobility of researchers, teachers and students

- Vocational training and adjustment to industrial change: assessment of activities supported by the Community and prospects

- Communication on Cedefop's contribution to the implementation of a policy on vocational training

- Report from the Task Force on multimedia educational software - Communication

2. MAKING PROGRESS TOWARDS EMU

2.1. Multilateral surveillance and convergence

Further action on measures under way

- Broad guidelines for the economic policies of the Member States and the Community

- Excessive deficits

- Entering the third stage of EMU: report on the Member States' progress in fulfilling their obligations for achieving EMU

- Medium-term financial support mechanism for Member States' balance of payments: assessment report and possible proposal

- European system of accounts (ESA): distribution of indirectly measured financial intermediation services

- Consumer price indicators: harmonization

2.2. Preparing for the single currency

New initiatives: Legislative proposals

- Regulatory aspects for the introduction of the single currency

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Communication strategy for the introduction of the single currency (round table)

Further action on measures under way

- Measures to set up the European system of central banks (ESCB) and the European Central Bank (ECB)

- Preparations for the third stage of economic and monetary union (EMU): arrangements for establishing the Economic and Financial Committee and the European Central Bank (ECB)

3. TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE UNION'S POTENTIAL

3.1. Completing and strengthening the Single Market

New initiatives: Legislative proposals

- Protection of pluralism in the media

- Utility models: approximation of Member States' legislation

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

Report on the impact and effectiveness of internal market legislation

Further action on measures under way

- Disclosure of financial derivatives: annual accounts of banks and other financial institutions (amendment of Directive 86/635/EEC)

- Follow-up to the Green Paper on copyright and related rights in the information society

- Definitive VAT system: simplification and adaptation to the needs of the internal market

- Excise duties: review of the provisions regarding citizen's rights and the simplification of formalities (Articles 7 to 10 of Directive 92/12/EEC)

- Excise duties: analysis of the impact of minimum rates on the functioning of the internal market

- Customs irregularities: definition and establishment of Community penalties and administrative measures

- International customs transit: negotiation of a convention on arrangements for goods carried by rail

- Customs control: elimination of controls and formalities applicable to cabin and hold baggage for intra-Community air and sea journeys (Regulation (EEC) No 3925/91)

- Recognition of diplomas: extension of the general system to professions covered by the transitional directives

- Protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of data of a personal nature and the free movement of such data: measures necessary with particular respect to the development of the information society

- Recasting of the legislation on medication for human and veterinary use

- Recasting of legislation on agricultural tractors

- Biological farming: extension of Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91 to animal husbandry

- Recasting of Directive 88/379/EEC on the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations

- Report on regulated markets (investment services)

- Capital adequacy: adjustments to the recommendations of the Basle Committee to ensure a level playing field (amendment of Directive 93/6/EEC), including prudential treatment of commodities risks

- Cross-border mergers of public limited liability companies: amended proposal for a 10th Council Directive taking into account the proposal on the statute of a European Community

- Transfer of the seat of a company from one Member State to another

- Cultural goods: harmonization of national legislation on resale rights (amendment of Directive 85/635/EEC)

- Return of cultural goods: report assessing application of Directive 93/7/EEC and Regulation (EEC) No 3911/92 and possible updating of financial thresholds

- Competition policy

New initiatives:

- Merger control (amendment of Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89)

New initiatives: Stimulating public debate

- Green Paper on vertical restraints of competition

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Minor agreements not caught by Article 85 (1) of the EC Treaty

- Commercial agency agreements: assessment in the light of Article 85 of the EC Treaty

- Canada: conclusion of an agreement of competition rules

Further action on measures under way

- Cooperation with the national competition authorities for the application of Articles 85 and 86 of the EC Treaty - Communication

- Major investment projects: framework for regional aid - Communication

- Commission aids code for the steel industry (ECSC Decision)

- Synthetic fibres industry: framework for aid - Communication

3.2. Relying on the sectors of the future

- The information society and the audiovisual industry

New initiatives: Stimulating public debate

- Report by the high-level group on the social and societal implications of the information society - Green Paper

- Green Paper on the deployment of information technology systems

- Green Paper on access to and use of public sector information

- Mechanism for regulatory openness for information society services

- Green Paper on the development of the new audiovisual services

Further action on measures under way

- Voice telephony: adapting the application of open network provision to a competitive environment

- Universal service: calculation of cost and funding - Communication

- Information society: regulatory aspects for the new services - Communication

- Information society and R& D - Communication

- Communication on the impact of the information society on service industries

- Information society and standardization (interoperability) - Communication

- Communication on the action plan for the introduction of advanced television services in Europe and extension of the action plan

- Research and technological development

New initiatives: Legislative proposals

- Fifth framework programme for research and development

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Publication of the final reports of the Research/Industry Task Forces

Further action on measures under way

- United States and South Africa: negotiation of science and research cooperation agreements

- Canada: negotiation of a cooperation agreement on nuclear research and safety

- Biotechnology

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Action to support biotechnology innovation in small businesses

Further action on measures under way

- Marketing of plant-health products: extension of Community arrangements to plant-health products containing genetically modified organisms

- Genetically modified organisms: deliberate release into the environment (review of Directive 90/220/EEC)

- Authorization and movement of specific raw materials for animal feed (repeal of Directive 82/471/EEC)

3.3. Infrastructure and transport

- Trans-European networks

Further action on measures under way

- Computer networks between administrations for statistics relating to trade in goods between Member States (Edicom): implementation programme for 1996 and Community resources for 1996 to 1998

- Transport

New initiatives: Legislative proposals

- Inland waterways: framework regulation on the carriage of hazardous goods

- Road transport: framework regulation on road taxes

- Air transport: general principles concerning airport dues

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Maritime transport: negotiation of an agreement with China

- Air transport: negotiation of agreements with Cyprus and Malta

Further action on measures under way

- Maritime safety: system for granting licences for roll-on roll-off passenger ferries

- Maritime safety: introduction of a compulsory passenger list system for roll-on roll-off ferries

- Air transport: improvement of passenger rights

- Air transport: review and amendment of Regulation (EEC) 95/93 on the allocation of slots at Community airports

- Task Force on trains and railway systems of the future: project launch

- Task Force on intermodal transport: project launch timetable

- Fourth framework programme: revision of specific transport programme

- International transport organizations: relations with the Union (communication)

3.4. Making Community policies more effective

- Industrial competitiveness and innovation

New initiatives: Legislative proposals

- Retention systems for children in vehicles

- 'Orphan drugs` (drugs for rare diseases)

- Framework proposal on sound clinical practice in drug testing

- Improvements in the front-construction of motor vehicles to enhance pedestrian safety (type-approval)

New initiatives: Stimulating public debate

- Services to business

- Competitiveness of the shipping industry

- Competitiveness of the chemicals industry

- Recycling industry

- Green Paper on commerce and distribution

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Intangible investment: measures to promote intangible investment

- Follow-up to the Green Paper on innovation

Further action on measures under way

- Follow-up to action plan for industrial competitiveness

- Four-yearly survey on the cost of labour

- International industrial cooperation - Communication

- Annual report on the competitiveness of the European industry

- Communication laying down a plan of action and support for the competitiveness of subcontracting in the textiles and clothing industry

- Working Paper on matters connected with the expiry of the ECSC Treaty in 2002

- Small and medium-sized enterprises

New initiatives: Stimulating public debate

- New multiannual programme for small and medium-sized enterprises and implementation of guidelines contained in the conclusions of the Madrid European Council

- Growth and the environment: pilot project for the promotion of investment in small and medium-sized enterprises for environmental protection

Further action on measures under way

- Community action in support of tourism to stimulate quality and competitiveness

- Annual report of the European Observatory for small and medium-sized enterprises

- Agriculture and fisheries

New initiatives: Legislative proposals

- Tobacco: overhaul of the market organization

- Olive oil: overhaul of the market organization

- Forests: protection against atmospheric pollution and fires

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Fisheries agreement: conclusion and/or negotiation of fisheries agreements with certain Latin American and Baltic countries

Further action on measures under way

CAP:

- Advisory committees in the field of the common agricultural policy: reform

- Beef: report on the application of individual guarantee limit measures (quotas)

CFP:

- Control system: satellite detection methods for the monitoring of fishing vessels, by amendment of Council Regulation (EEC) 2847/93

- Gathering of scientific data: harmonization and establishment of a Community part-financing scheme

- Energy

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Negotiation of cooperation agreements on the peaceful use of nuclear energy between Euratom and Russia and Argentina

- Negotiation of trilateral France-Euratom-IAEA Agreement on application of the Tlatelolco guarantees to the French Overseas Departments and Territories

- Negotiations on international security and management of radioactive waste

Further action on measures under way

- Follow-up to the White Paper on energy policy

- Altener programme for renewable energies

- Conclusion of cooperation agreements on the peaceful use of nuclear energy between Euratom and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Ukraine

- Quality of the environment

New initiatives: Legislative proposals

- Proposal on the limitation of emissions of organic compounds caused by the use of organic solvents in certain processes and industrial installations

- Proposal on end-of-life vehicles

New initiatives: stimulating public discussion

- A framework for voluntary environmental protection agreements with industry

- Framework for Member States' use of 'green` levies and charges

- Implementation of Community environmental law

- Future noise policy

- Waste strategy

Further action on measures under way

- Framework proposal on water

- Reduction of air pollution from motor vehicle emissions (other than private cars) from the year 2000 (amendment of Directive 70/220/EEC)

- Reduction of air pollution from diesel-engine vehicle emissions (third phase) (amendment of Directive 88/77/EEC)

- Proposals on marking the packaging of products ('Mark Packs`)

- System for awarding environmental label

- Consumer policy

New initiatives: Legislative proposals

- Food legislation

New initiatives: Stimulating public debate

- Consumers and the liberalization process: access to universal service and consumer protection

- Consumers and mortgage credit

Further action on measures under way

- Consumer credit: review of calculation of annual percentage rate of charge

4. PREPARING FOR ENLARGEMENT

Further action on measures under way

- Assistance for central and east European countries in implementing the White Paper on the harmonization of legislation in the field of the internal market

- Communication on economic and political cooperation in the Baltic region

- Follow-up to the report on the effects of enlargement on Community policies

5. ENHANCING EUROPE'S PRESENCE IN THE WORLD

5.1. Relations with non-member countries

New initiatives: Stimulating public debate

- Strategy for relations with India

- Strategy for relations with Asean

- Strategy for promotion and support for regional integration in Africa

- Strategy for relations with Central America

- Strategy on future relations between the Union and the ACP States

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

Central and eastern Europe

- Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia-Montenegro: negotiation of specific agreements as part of a regional approach

- Programme for rebuilding the countries of former Yugoslavia

Mediterranean countries

- Implementation of the action plan annexed to the Barcelona Declaration

- Albania and Fyrom: negotiation of customized agreements

Industrialized countries

- Conclusion of framework agreements with Australia and New Zealand

- Implementation of EU/United States Action Plan adopted on the basis of the Transatlantic Summit Declaration

- Communication on EU-Canada relations and their development

Asia

- Conclusion of framework agreements with Bangladesh, Pakistan, Laos and Cambodia

Further action on measures under way

Mediterranean and Middle East

- Conclusion of Euro-Med Association Agreements with Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon

CIS

- Conclusion of partnership and cooperation agreements with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia and exploratory talks for the negotiation of partnership agreements with Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan

Latin America

- Conclusion of partnership agreements with Chile and Mexico

- Implementation of 'Towards a new partnership between the EU and Latin America` guidelines

- Continuation of the exploratory talks to define a framework for relations with Cuba

Asia

- Preparation and follow-up of the meeting of the Euro-Asia Conference (Heads of State from Europe, Asean countries, China, Korea and Japan)

South Africa

- Negotiation of a trade and cooperation agreement with South Africa and implementation of the rehabilitation programme

Development aid

- Commission report to the Council and the European Parliament on the implementation of macro-financial assistance to non-member countries and new proposals

- Approval of the Internal Agreement and Financial Regulation for the eighth EDF

5.2. Commercial policy

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Export credits for agricultural products: guidelines in the framework of OECD (Decision)

- Communication on the Union's accession to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

Further action on measures under way

- Conclusion of Multilateral Investment Agreement in the framework of OECD

- Waste exports to non-OECD countries

- Rules of origin: drawing up of rules to honour WTO commitments

- Generalized system of preferences: amendment of rules of origin

- Implementation of mutual recognition agreements with USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

5.3. Common foreign and security policy (CFSP)

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- International organizations: strengthening cooperation with the Council of Europe

6. MAKING PROGRESS IN JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Temporary protection for displaced persons (proposal for joint action)

- Convention on the admission of nationals of non-Community countries

- Convention on the approximation of national procedures for granting asylum

Further action on measures under way

- Implementation of action plan to combat drugs (1995 to 1999)

7. EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY BUSINESS

7.1. Openness, information and subsidiarity

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- The 'Robert Schuman` scheme: training and information on Community law

Culture and information

- Inventory and evaluation of Community policies and measures with regard to language diversity and pluralism

- Report on the account taken of cultural aspects in Community action

Further action on measures under way

Culture

- Communication on the European City of Culture after the year 2000

Legislative consolidation

- Technical standards and regulations (Directive 83/189/EEC)

- machinery (Directive 89/392/EEC)

- common market organization in sugar (Regulation (EEC) No 1785/81)

- financing of the common agricultural policy (Regulation (EEC) No 729/70)

- conservation of fishery resources in the waters of the Baltic Sea (Regulation (EEC) No 1866/86)

- collective dismissals (Directive 75/129/EEC)

- fertilizers (Directives 76/116/EEC, 77/535/EEC, 80/876/EEC, 87/94/EEC)

- dangerous substances and preparations (Directive 76/769/EEC)

7.2. A better-managed Union

New initiatives: Legislative proposals

- Fight against fraud: extension of the system of administrative penalties to all budget areas

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

Fight against fraud

- Textile products: anti-fraud provisions

Further action on measures under way

- Assistance for the application of Community law in the three new Member States

- Adjustment and possible revision of the financial perspective

- 1996 Intergovernmental Conference

New initiatives: Action plans and other initiatives

- Commission opinion on the meeting of a conference of representatives of the Member States' governments