[pic] | EUROPEAN COMMISSION |

Brussels, 9.11. 2010

COM(2010) 660 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL

Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2010-2011

{SEC(2010) 1326 final}{SEC(2010) 1327 final}{SEC(2010) 1328 final}{SEC(2010) 1329 final}{SEC(2010) 1330 final}{SEC(2010) 1331 final}{SEC(2010) 1332 final}

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL

Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2010-2011

INTRODUCTION

The EU's enlargement process has gained new momentum since the Commission adopted its last progress reports, notwithstanding the many other challenges the Union faces. The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty ensures that the EU can pursue its enlargement agenda, while maintaining the momentum of European integration.

Negotiations with Croatia have entered their final stage, demonstrating to all enlargement countries that accession can become a reality, provided the necessary conditions are fulfilled. Serbia has applied for membership. The Commission today issues its opinions on applications from Montenegro and Albania. Iceland began accession negotiations in July. New chapters have been opened in the negotiations with Turkey and the country has embarked on a thorough revision of its constitution, moving closer to European standards. Visa liberalisation for the Western Balkans has progressed. There have been significant break-throughs in long-standing bilateral differences between Slovenia and Croatia and a dialogue is under preparation between Serbia and Kosovo[1]. Post-conflict reconciliation among peoples has advanced and the countries themselves have started to take greater responsibility for regional cooperation.

However, many challenges persist. In some enlargement countries the reform momentum has slowed down. All need to focus on good governance, improving the rule of law, speeding up economic reform and improving their capacity to adopt and implement the acquis . Upholding freedom of expression is a concern in most countries. Several complex problems remain to be solved, including the governance of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the name question concerning the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Open bilateral issues remain and differences over Kosovo's status have held up regional cooperation. As regards the Cyprus issue, negotiations on a comprehensive settlement have progressed but have not yet been concluded.

The EU's commitment to the enlargement process reflects the Member States' conviction that it is in the mutual interest of the Union and the aspirant countries. This straight-forward message needs to be presented and explained clearly to the public in order to strengthen understanding and support for enlargement. The EU's enlargement process contributes to stability in Europe and to the security and well-being of its citizens. It provides a unique incentive for political and economic reform in the enlargement countries. It is in the mutual interest of the EU and enlargement countries to open discussions on difficult negotiating chapters early in the process. This process aims to bring the enlargement countries up to European standards in all areas covered by the EU treaties and thereby help the EU to attain its own objectives. These objectives today include dealing with the economic crisis and governance, restoring growth for jobs through the 2020 reform agenda, making the EU a safer place and pulling our weight on the world stage. The Commission's 2011 Work Programme includes a number of initiatives with these goals in mind.

Enlargement needs to remain credible for all involved. Aspirant countries and their citizens need a clear perspective of accession, once conditions are met, and should see tangible benefits along the way. Member States and EU public opinion must be sure that new accessions are prepared well through rigorous conditionality. Making a success of enlargement requires the firm political commitment of all stakeholders. The renewed consensus on enlargement, agreed by the December 2006 European Council, remains the framework for achieving these objectives. This policy is based on the principles of consolidation of commitments, fair and rigorous conditionality and good communication with the public, combined with the EU’s capacity to integrate new members.

The enlargement process provides mechanisms and incentives, culminating in membership, that encourage enlargement countries to work together with the EU in realising common objectives. As economic governance within the EU is reinforced, economic dialogue with the enlargement countries will also be intensified, enabling us to focus together on putting the crisis behind us and creating jobs. The EU's global competitiveness gains from closer integration with countries that have a number of comparative advantages. This is one of the lasting benefits of the fifth enlargement, which brought the EU from 15 to 27 Member States between 2004 and 2007. Trade between 'old' and 'new' Member States tripled from around €150 billion to €450 billion during the decade leading to 2008. The enlargement process has provided the financial means for the EU to step in, together with the international financial institutions, to maintain economic stability in times of crisis, where necessary. Small and medium sized enterprises, which generate two out of three private sector jobs in the EU and are a major stimulus for innovation, benefit from an enlarged internal market and are an important focus for pre-accession assistance.

Closer integration through the enlargement process helps the EU to achieve its objectives in a number of areas which are key to economic recovery and sustainable growth, including energy, transport, the protection of the environment and efforts to address climate change. The countries of the Western Balkans are entirely surrounded by Member States. Turkey adjoins the European Union by land and sea. The construction of trans-European transport corridors, the diversification of energy sources, the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change and the reduction of trans-boundary air and water pollution are among the EU's goals whose achievement requires the full commitment of the enlargement countries.

They, too, benefit from progress in such areas; the accession perspective provides them with incentives to give priority to goals shared with the EU. Grants from the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) and loans from the European Investment Bank and other international financial institutions, which IPA helps to leverage, provide practical means of support. The most recent candidate which has begun accession negotiations, Iceland, is a world leader in various forms of renewable energy and has much to contribute to EU innovation efforts in this and other advanced fields.

Making Europe a safer place is high on the EU's agenda as defined in the Stockholm Programme. Enlargement countries are required to take over the acquis of the Union and to demonstrate their capacity to implement it fully. For this reason, the Commission has redoubled efforts to support enlargement countries to prevent and tackle organised crime and corruption and to strengthen their law enforcement capabilities. EU prosecutors, judges and other experts in law enforcement, border management and migration now assist counter-parts in the enlargement countries to share their expertise and to check on progress. The fulfilment of the benchmarks, which determines the pace at which a candidate country advances towards EU membership in accession negotiations, requires a convincing track record in administering justice in an independent and effective manner.

The experience of visa liberalisation for the Western Balkans shows how much can be achieved by combining rigorous conditionality with the delivery of specific benefits, linked to progress towards EU membership. It also underlines the importance of continuous efforts by the governments concerned to ensure that the limits and conditions attaching to freer movement of persons are respected.

With the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the EU has given itself the means to pull its weight on the global scene. The EU's role in the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution on Kosovo is an example of this potential. In a world where emerging powers are playing an increasing role, enlargement gives the EU greater weight and strengthens its voice in international fora. The fifth enlargement gave a new impetus to the EU's relations with its eastern and southern neighbours and led it to explore ways of developing initiatives in the Baltic and Black sea regions. The accession process with countries in the Western Balkans and Turkey, gives the EU a still greater interest and influence in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions and in the Danube basin. Provided that Turkey's role in its own region is developed as a complement to its accession process and in coordination with the EU, it can add to both parties' weight in world affairs, not least in the Middle East and the Southern Caucasus. By acting together, the EU and Turkey can strengthen energy security, address regional conflicts, and prevent cleavages developing along ethnic or religious lines. Iceland and the EU can together play an important role in addressing energy, environmental, maritime and security issues in the Arctic. To be sure, the full potential of such synergies can only be realised through mutual commitment to a credible enlargement strategy.

The EU's weight in the world also depends to a considerable extent on the attractiveness of its regulatory model. The vitality of the internal market and the adoption of EU norms and standards by countries around the world are a major stimulus to trade, investment and growth. The single market act presented by the Commission aims to remove many remaining bottlenecks and release new growth potential. Through the enlargement process, enlargement countries will progressively adopt the acquis , widening the area in which a single set of standards applies. This should stimulate new investment, innovation and social cohesion as well as strengthen the attractiveness of the EU's regulatory model in neighbouring countries and in the wider international system.

Much is at stake in the enlargement process both for the EU and the aspirant countries. At the same time public perceptions of the importance of this agenda are affected by daily concerns which may often appear more pressing. This year's package of reports, and accompanying conclusions and recommendations, show that the enlargement process is part of the solution to many of our citizens' concerns, whether in the prevention and tackling of organised crime and corruption or in the creation of growth and jobs. The EU institutions and its Member States need to work hand in hand to strengthen understanding and support for the enlargement process and to explain how it can help us achieve our common objectives. By making a success of further enlargement, the EU will be able better to address the many other challenges which it faces.

KEY CHALLENGES

Overcoming the economic crisis

The economic crisis has affected all enlargement countries. Its impact, however, varied depending on each country's economic structure. Albania, Kosovo and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia were least affected, as they are less dependent on exports and their domestic markets kept up well. Croatia, Serbia and Turkey, which are more integrated in the global market, were heavily affected. Montenegro was severely hit, due to its dependence on external financing and few sectors. In Bosnia and Herzegovina the impact of the crisis has been exacerbated by pro-cyclical fiscal policies with a high share of subsidies and social transfers in the budget.

In 2010, there are modest signs of recovery in the Western Balkans. Domestic demand is still weak, reflecting tight credit conditions and persistent unemployment. Recovery with a robust growth rate is well on track in Turkey, which benefitted from fiscal consolidation and the restructuring of its banking sector at the start of the decade. Iceland is still suffering from the effects of the global financial turmoil and the collapse of its banking system.

Public finances remain under pressure in a number of countries. Despite relatively low average public debt fiscal expansion in the boom period increased the vulnerability and exposure of enlargement countries to the global financial crisis, with the exception of Turkey. Most Western Balkan countries lacked the fiscal margin of manoeuvre and the capacity needed to prioritise public spending for fiscal stimulus in response to the crisis. Fiscal tightening measures, involving budget rebalancing, have been implemented in the Western Balkans. However this has not been sufficient to prevent a widening of fiscal deficits. Iceland, Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina have made use of IMF support.

The EU, together with the international financial institutions, helped alleviate the impact of the crisis. IPA assistance was reprogrammed to support investment in infrastructure and competitiveness. Budget support and macro-financial assistance were made available to some countries. The Western Balkans Investment Framework plays an important role in mobilising funds for large infrastructure projects ( see section 3 below ).

Achieving sustainable growth rates and real convergence will require further structural reforms and prudent fiscal policies. Domestic sources of growth need to be more effectively exploited in order to improve productive capacity, job creation and competitiveness. Higher volumes of domestic and foreign investment are now needed in greenfield projects, particularly in export-oriented activities. This will contribute to raising output and productivity, in turn leading to higher employment and more sustainable trade balances. It will also help in addressing the region’s pressing social problems.

To increase foreign and domestic investment, governments need to improve the business environment. This means increasing the efficiency of public administration and the independence of judiciary, removing informal barriers to trade and strengthening the rule of law. A functional regional market within the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) and continued acquis alignment are important to attract investment. The planned liberalisation of trade in agricultural products and services across the region and the opening of public procurement markets will further increase the region's growth potential.

Ensuring sound and sustainable public finances is crucial for the enlargement countries. It is also a key issue in preparing for EU-membership. Recent experience has shown the interdependence of European economies and the destabilising potential of large imbalances even in small economies.

The Commission will continue to make full use of pre-accession instruments and economic surveillance to monitor the economic and fiscal performance of the enlargement countries. The EU conducts a regular dialogue with candidate countries, introducing them to the system of economic policy coordination and surveillance within the EU. A similar process has been established with potential candidates. The economic dialogues between the Commission and enlargement countries under the Association Agreements are likewise being used for economic policy surveillance.

Currently, steps are being taken to enhance economic governance within the EU. Once this reinforced macroeconomic, budgetary and structural reform coordination is fully defined and formalised, the Commission will examine how some of its provisions could be extended to the enlargement countries.

In addition to dialogue and surveillance, the EU is actively supporting the enlargement countries' endeavours towards economic recovery, macroeconomic stabilisation and fiscal consolidation. Substantial IPA assistance is being targeted at improving public finance management, increasing the quality of statistics and strengthening banking sector supervision.

The enlargement process contributes to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy by extending the area of the EU's regulatory framework and creating new trading opportunities. The Commission welcomes the intention of many enlargement countries to reflect the Europe 2020 strategy in their national reform priorities. The Commission will associate enlargement countries with initiatives taken at EU level to meet the goals of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, delivering high levels of employment, productivity and social cohesion. In the field of education, the Commission will explore the possibilities to include all enlargement countries in the "Education and Training 2020" framework and engage them in peer-learning activities.[2]

Enlargement countries have started to take up initiatives in regional groups, where they can jointly evaluate progress and set region-specific targets. The Small Business Act for Europe, a set of measures to improve the business environment for SMEs, is an example of such an initiative. The Commission will propose to the Regional Cooperation Council that it sets up platforms for dialogue and peer review in other areas in line with Europe 2020 priorities. When programming IPA assistance, the Commission will take into account the priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy.

Social inclusion

The economic crisis has had a negative impact on social welfare in the enlargement countries. Vulnerable groups, including minorities, disadvantaged communities and people with disabilities, have been particularly affected. High levels of unemployment, especially youth unemployment, low labour force participation rates and poverty are widespread throughout the region. Roma constitute a particularly vulnerable minority; they are affected by poverty, discrimination and segregation in access to education, employment, housing and social services, including health care. A significant number of Roma still lack civil registration or personal documents. Many of them still live in camps as Internally Displaced Persons as a consequence of the recent wars.

The Commission is committed to helping the enlargement countries to improve conditions for vulnerable groups, including the social and economic inclusion of Roma. The Commission provides substantial IPA support for vulnerable groups through education and the strengthening of social and employment services with the aim to integrate people at a disadvantage into the labour market. It also finances the upgrading of infrastructure in Roma settlements. This support will be reinforced, with a view to improving living conditions in the countries most concerned, by helping them to develop a comprehensive approach to problems of social inclusion. In the case of Croatia, a Joint Inclusion Memorandum has already been concluded, providing a policy framework in this field. The enlargement countries have taken certain measures to address the challenges outlined above but more needs to be done. The Commission encourages them to work to reduce poverty and social exclusion, in line with the priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy, and to make better use of the opportunities provided by the Decade of Roma Inclusion. The enlargement countries should consider setting explicit and ambitious targets on employment, education and poverty reduction of disadvantaged communities, in particular Roma.

Strengthening the rule of law and public administration

Strengthening the rule of law, in particular the judiciary and the fight against organised crime and corruption is a crucial challenge for most of the countries in the enlargement process. Tangible results, bringing sustained improvements to the rule of law, are an important element in moving to the next stages of the EU accession process.

The renewed consensus on enlargement, agreed in 2006, calls for issues related to the rule of law to be addressed at an early stage of the accession process. The Commission has given high priority to tackling these issues and using all available instruments. The use of benchmarks in the accession negotiations serves as an important catalyst for reforms and gives a clear message that rule of law issues must be addressed seriously before accession. The visa liberalisation process has demonstrated the effectiveness of an approach which set concrete, specific reform requirements thus allowing the countries to better focus their efforts. Peer assessment and other missions have been intensified, bringing judges, prosecutors and other experts in law enforcement, border management and migration from the Member States into direct contact with their counterparts. Intensified judicial and police cooperation within the region, with EU Member States as well as with Europol, Eurojust and Frontex, provide means to tackle transnational crime during the pre-accession period.

In the light of this experience, the Commission will further step up its work and intensify the dialogue on the rule of law with candidate countries and potential candidates. The countries should work towards achieving concrete, sustainable results and establishing a convincing and credible track-record in the fight against organised crime and corruption and the reform of the judiciary. Achieving a stable legal framework and implementing it is key. The use of peer missions and of benchmarking will be extended. The Commission Opinions on the application for membership by Montenegro and Albania set out priorities in the area of the rule of law.

The Commission is closely monitoring progress, in particular through the joint bodies under the Stabilisation and Association Agreements or Interim Agreements and assessment missions. The results of this dialogue are reflected in the Progress Reports. IPA assistance has a major focus on the rule of law. TAIEX organises more than 100 rule of law-related training events per year for the enlargement countries.

There have been positive developments recently on judicial cooperation in several Western Balkan countries. New bilateral agreements on police cooperation, notably between Serbia and Albania, on mutual legal assistance and mutual enforcement of sentences in penal matters have been concluded. Croatia and Serbia went further, signing an agreement enabling them to extradite their nationals to each other for criminal proceedings or enforcement of prison sentences in cases of organised crime and corruption. The Commission encourages other countries in the region to follow this example. Judicial cooperation would be further improved by expanding the possibility to extradite nationals in all cases of serious crimes, including war crime cases. The Regional Cooperation Council strives to enhance cooperation between the police, prosecution services and the judiciary.

A professional and non-politicised civil service is essential for the rule of law and improving governance. Public administration reform is a priority in enlargement countries most of which are in various stages of state-building. In order to be sustainable, reforms need to be embedded within existing state structures and take account of the specific social and governance context. The Commission will continue to support public governance reforms in enlargement countries, in close cooperation with SIGMA[3].

Freedom of expression and media

Freedom of expression and of the media, which is an integral part of any democratic system, remains a concern in most enlargement countries. In Turkey, the legal framework does not yet sufficiently guarantee freedom of expression. In several Western Balkan countries, threats and physical attacks against journalists continued. In some countries, defamation remains a criminal offence or subject to disproportionately high fines. In several countries political interference with the independence of media, including public service broadcasters, is a problem. Editorial independence is undermined by undue political and economic pressures. These issues need to be addressed by the countries concerned as a matter of urgency.

The Commission will closely monitor progress in this area. The main focus will be on areas such as the legal framework and its compliance with European standards, in particular regarding defamation; the responsibility of authorities to duly sanction all cases of attacks on journalists; the establishment of self-regulatory bodies and their contribution to enhanced professionalism; the role of public service broadcasters in pluralistic democracies; cross-border networks for enhancing reporting across the region thereby contributing to better mutual understanding. The Commission will organise a conference on freedom of expression and the media in the enlargement countries in spring 2011 which will provide an opportunity to take stock of progress in these areas. IPA support will be provided as a follow-up to the conference, where appropriate.

Reconciliation, regional cooperation and bilateral issues in the Western Balkans

Over the last decade, the Western Balkans have made substantial progress towards stability and regional cooperation. However, a number of issues stemming from conflicts in the region remain open and affect both the internal functioning of states and relations among them. The EU is working with parties in the region to overcome this legacy of the past.

Progress on reconciliation is a key element for stability in Kosovo, where a new phase has opened following the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice. Following the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution, the EU is ready to facilitate a process of dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade with the aim of promoting cooperation, achieving progress on the path to the EU and improving the lives of people. Progress in reconciliation is also essential in Bosnia and Herzegovina, not least for the functioning of the state. Full implementation of the Ohrid agreement in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, respect for and protection of ethnic minorities throughout the region, return of refugees and cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) as well as the proper conduct of domestic war crimes trials are important for reconciliation.

Lasting reconciliation requires efforts at all levels – governments, judiciary and civil society. It is also linked to addressing poverty and social exclusion. There have recently been a number of positive signals. The Serbian parliament adopted a declaration condemning the crime in Srebrenica and referring to the International Court of Justice ruling on Srebrenica. NGOs have launched an initiative to establish a regional commission for truth-seeking and truth-telling. This so-called RECOM initiative is supported by the Presidents of Croatia and Serbia, by the Montenegrin parliament and religious communities. A wider regional support would contribute to reconciliation. The May 2010 summit of the Igman Initiative in Sarajevo was attended by the Presidents of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro; more than 140 NGOs are involved with the aim of promoting and facilitating local and regional cooperation. These various efforts must be underpinned by the judicial prosecution of war crimes through full cooperation with ICTY and proper and speedy handling of war crimes cases in domestic courts. Full cooperation with ICTY, in particular by Serbia and Croatia, remains key.

There have been positive developments on the refugee return issue as initiated by the Sarajevo Process. A ministerial conference, held in March in Belgrade, reopened the dialogue between the governments concerned. The Commission is ready to consider additional EU financial contributions for this process and to support the holding of a donors' conference once the countries have reached agreement on concrete actions for solving remaining problems. There are still 14,631 (as of August 2010) persons missing as a result of the armed conflicts in the region and the process of resolving the remaining cases is very slow. The countries concerned need to increase their efforts to solve the remaining cases within a reasonable time limit.

Regional cooperation contributes to reconciliation, good neighbourly relations and a climate conducive to addressing open bilateral issues. In the Western Balkans it is also crucial for economic development and to address joint problems such as organised crime, border management, climate change or environmental pollution. Regional cooperation is essential to make progress on the EU integration agenda in areas such as security of citizens, energy or transport.

The region has taken steps to strengthen regionally owned structures. The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) has a key role in guiding and monitoring regional cooperation. The RCC adopted an ambitious strategy and work programme for 2011-2013 which now needs to be implemented, with a focus on result-oriented activities where the RCC can add real value. The Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) is essential for completing the regional free-trade area. The Energy Community is working towards a regional energy market and preparing for integration into the EU's energy market. The European Common Aviation Area Agreement will upgrade standards in the areas of safety, security and air traffic management and lead to more competitive conditions for air passengers.

The Commission provides substantial financial support for regional cooperation. In 2011, IPA funds will be mobilised to facilitate the region's participation in major international agreements such as the Transport Treaty. The Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA) is now fully operational and currently delivering around 2,500 training days per year. The International Agreement establishing its legal personality was ratified in July 2010. The official opening of its premises in Danilovgrad (Montenegro) is expected to take place on 11 November 2010.

The Commission will continue to support the rehabilitation of cultural heritage, in the context of the Ljubljana process. The RCC will establish a Task Force on Culture and Society, supported by a permanent secretariat benefitting from EU pre-accession financial assistance. Its task will be to manage the Ljubljana Process, in co-operation with the Council of Europe and the Commission.

The Commission is currently finalising a Danube Strategy, bringing together Member States, enlargement and eastern partnership countries. The inclusion and active participation of the Western Balkan countries sharing the Danube basin with their EU neighbours is essential for the success of the strategy. The strategy is an opportunity for mutually beneficial investments in the transport, energy and environment sectors and for socio-economic development.

Regional cooperation has been held back by differences over Kosovo. In particular, the functioning of CEFTA, the extension of the Pan-Euro-Med system of diagonal cumulation and the signing of the Transport Community agreement have been affected. It has sometimes proved impossible to hold meetings with the participation of all regional actors. The Commission strongly encourages all parties concerned to seek practical and pragmatic solutions to ensure the inclusiveness of regional cooperation, without prejudice to differing positions over the status of Kosovo.

Slovenia and Croatia signed and ratified a Border Arbitration Agreement which paves the way for a final settlement. This agreement shows that bilateral issues can be solved in the spirit of good neighbourliness. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Kosovo completed the demarcation of their border. However, a number of other bilateral issues, in particular regarding borders, remain unresolved, as does the name issue between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Open bilateral issues, including border disputes, need to be solved by the parties concerned, in a good neighbourly spirit and taking into account overall EU interests. They require a renewed political will by the parties concerned. The Commission expects them to make every effort towards solving outstanding border disputes in line with the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter, including if necessary jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. Bilateral issues should not hold up the accession process. The EU stands ready to facilitate the creation of the necessary political impetus in the search for solutions and to support related initiatives.

PRE-ACCESSION INSTRUMENTS SERVING ENLARGEMENT POLICY

Financial Assistance – strategic approach

Financial assistance under the Instrument of Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) is designed to help candidate countries and potential candidates in their efforts to meet accession criteria, to align with EU policies and standards and to foster socio-economic development. Such assistance through the EU budget provides clear added value. Assistance to enlargement countries is an investment in the future of the EU; by supporting its future members to prepare adequately for accession, the EU itself will be better placed to meet its strategic goals. €11.6 billion is available under IPA for 2007-2013 to help enlargement countries prepare for accession. An indicative breakdown is given in the revised multi-annual indicative financial framework for 2011-2013.

IPA is designed to allow for strategic planning of assistance through three-year multi-annual indicative planning documents (MIPDs). These documents set out the main priorities for assistance over the coming years and form the basis for annual or multi-annual programming. The MIPDs are based on the needs identified in the partnerships and progress reports.

The Commission has taken a number of steps to enhance the strategic nature of this process and to strengthen the link between the priorities established in the Accession or European Partnerships and the progress reports and the programming of assistance. This has led to an increased focus on key fundamental areas such as good governance and the rule of law. To better illustrate this focus, and to strengthen ownership by the beneficiary countries, the Commission will increasingly use a more sector-based approach in its planning of pre-accession assistance.

Enlargement countries are therefore encouraged to develop detailed, strategic programmes in key sectors that have been identified as essential for progressing towards the EU. Accession priorities should be fully integrated into these country owned programmes. The next MIPDs covering the years 2011-2013 will set out the objectives for IPA assistance within these sectors.

Other areas that will continue to be included in the MIPDs as priorities will be those linked to regional development, human resource development and rural development, particularly for candidate countries. By learning how to manage pre-accession aid effectively and in line with the principles of sound financial management, the governments of the enlargement countries can prepare themselves for the management of EU funds as future Member States.

However, challenges remain when it comes to effective implementation of IPA programmes in some countries. Beneficiary countries need to increase their efforts to ensure sufficient administrative capacity and expertise in the development and implementation of sustainable, results-oriented projects in order to optimise the absorption of available pre-accession funds. The Commission will support beneficiaries to improve their capacity and will monitor the IPA financial cycle, identifying deficiencies at an early stage.

The Commission will also increasingly programme on a multi-annual basis allowing better prioritisation and sequencing of planned measures, as well as more predictability of financial assistance for the beneficiary countries.

A sector approach will facilitate cooperation among donors and beneficiaries, eliminating duplication of efforts and leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness. This in turn should allow all stakeholders to focus increasingly on the expected results and impact of our combined efforts.

The magnitude of investment needed in the enlargement countries to prepare for membership and real convergence requires significant contributions from national budgets, support from other donors, the International Financial Institutions (IFIs), and the mobilisation of private investors. Public–private partnerships are particularly valuable in bringing together grants from public budgets and loans from private banks. The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), the European Fund for South-East Europe (EFSE) and the Green for Growth Fund (GGF) are good examples of leveraging a high level of capital in-flow with limited public resources.

The WBIF was set up in December 2009 as a joint initiative of the Commission and partner IFIs. It is a key tool for channelling investments into infrastructure in the region. It leverages significant loans from the IFIs with IPA grants. €137 million of grants have been attributed that could leverage investments for an estimated value of €6.6 billion. The WBIF will focus on increasing the number of water and waste water projects in the region, stimulating support for energy efficiency, accelerating investments in the core transport network, and supporting the development of SMEs and mechanisms to encourage economic growth in the aftermath of the financial crisis. Projects under the WBIF cover a number of countries in the Western Balkans and strengthen regional cooperation. The WBIF will favour major investments of regional importance such as the South-east Europe core regional transport network, which can be considered to be the precursor of the future trans-European transport network (TEN-T) in the region.

Financial assistance under IPA for regional cooperation aims to ensure regional stability, increase intra-regional trade flows, and support regional cooperation initiatives and structures in the Western Balkans, including the Regional Cooperation Council and the Regional School for Public Administration. The Regional Cooperation Council has an important role in monitoring whether IPA and other donor funding reflects regional cooperation priorities.

Participation in EU Programmes and Agencies

Participation of enlargement countries in EU programmes and agencies aims to enhance cooperation with Member States and familiarise countries with EU policies and working methods. Candidate countries and potential candidates are able to take part in EU programmes on the basis of framework agreements and can participate in EU agencies on a case-by-case basis. Participation may be partially funded through IPA financial assistance. Countries are encouraged to focus their participation on programmes or agencies where involvement supports key sectors for reform and where they can get the most benefit.

Information and communication

A successful enlargement policy requires solid public support. Member States and enlargement countries have a central role in the information and communication efforts that can help maintain this public support. The Commission is committed to improving the flow of objective information about the enlargement process, presented in user-friendly form, through the different media of communication now available. It is particularly important that this information reaches young people whose life experience may not give them a sense of the importance of reinforcing security and stability in Europe. It is up to political leaders at EU, national, regional and local level to make use of this information in ways which are most meaningful to their own constituents.

Experience from the fifth enlargement has shown that a gap in communication is quickly filled by misleading information. The gap needs to be overcome by freely available and accurate information. This is essential if the public is to understand fully what is at stake. In 2010 the Union is facing new challenges linked to the economic crisis, the environment, jobs, safety of the citizen, climate change and migration. These are the issues that concern the public in both the Member States and the enlargement countries. The challenge for leaders is to explain how the pursuit of the enlargement agenda can help the EU attain its objectives in these crucial areas, and can accelerate the reform agenda and improve living conditions in the enlargement countries. Tangible and real results of the process are the best advertisements for enlargement. Visa liberalisation for the Western Balkans is one powerful example.

Civil society development

Civil society activities are essential for a mature democracy, the respect for human rights and the rule of law. Such activities enhance political accountability, stimulate and expand the space for discourse on societal choices and strengthen the consensus for a pluralistic society. By contributing to a more open, participatory and dynamic democracy, a lively and vibrant civil society is also conducive to tolerance and reconciliation. The involvement of civil society organisations in the pre-accession process contributes to the quality of and public support for accession-related reforms.

A culture of acceptance and appreciation of the role played by civil society need to be in place to allow civil society organisations to engage in an effective policy dialogue. Public consultation on policy initiatives and draft laws should become the general principle. The access of civil society to government support is frequently hindered by a lack of transparency and poorly developed allocation criteria.

The civil society facility helps civil society organisations to strengthen their capacities and professionalism, allowing them to engage in an effective dialogue with public and private actors and to monitor developments in areas such as the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights. The facility finances initiatives at local level, regional networking and short-term visits to the EU.

The Commission has reviewed the facility to better reach out to local community-based organisations, taking into account feed-back from civil society organisations. The Commission will better target needs in each country and provide longer-term seed-funding to NGOs. Stronger, well-established organisations could become mentors and facilitators for smaller organisations.

PROGRESS IN THE ENLARGEMENT COUNTRIES AND AGENDA FOR 2010-2011

Steering the Western Balkans towards EU membership

At the Sarajevo EU-Western Balkans ministerial meeting on 2 June 2010, the EU reiterated its unequivocal commitment to the European perspective of the Western Balkans. The future of the Western Balkans lies in the European Union.

The Western Balkans have moved closer to the EU over the past year, as the region made progress, albeit unevenly, in reforms and in meeting established criteria and conditions. The progress of Croatia confirms that the Stabilisation and Association Process for the Western Balkans is a policy leading to EU accession. Progress of the other countries of the Western Balkans towards EU membership depends likewise on the pace of their political and economic reforms.

Substantial progress was made towards visa liberalisation. Over the past year, the EU has lifted visa requirements for Serbia, Montenegro and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, when they demonstrated their capacity to meet the benchmarks which had been set in areas like the security of travel documents, border management, migration, asylum, public order and security, as well as respect for human rights. Visa requirements will shortly be lifted for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania, on the basis of clear evidence that they too have met these benchmarks. It is important that the countries concerned intensify their efforts to inform their citizens about the scope and limits of the visa-free regime. Kosovo adopted a law on readmission and stepped up efforts on reintegration of repatriated persons, thus paving the way for the visa liberalisation dialogue.

Croatia

Croatia has made steady progress towards meeting the criteria for membership since starting accession negotiations in October 2005. Croatia meets the Copenhagen political criteria. As regards the economic criteria, Croatia is a functioning market economy. It should be able to cope with competitive pressures and market forces within the Union, provided that it implements its comprehensive reform programme with determination in order to reduce structural weaknesses.

Regarding the acquis criteria, Croatia has made good progress in the accession negotiations. 33 chapters were opened, and 25 have been provisionally closed. Croatia has made good progress towards meeting the conditions for the closure of the negotiating chapters with financial implications ( agriculture and rural development; regional policy and coordination of structural instruments; financial and budgetary provisions ). Croatia needs to sustain efforts to fully establish the administrative structures required for the management and control of EU funds.

Croatia needs to meet outstanding closing benchmarks in the field of judiciary and fundamental rights , in particular building up the necessary track records as regards the independence and efficiency of the judiciary, the fight against corruption and organised crime, respect for and protection of minorities, including refugee return, war crimes trials and full cooperation with the ICTY including settling the issue of access for ICTY to documents. Regarding competition , Croatia needs to adopt restructuring plans for the shipyards, in line with the acquis . Croatia is expected to continue to play an active role in regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and to support the other countries of the region on their path towards EU membership.

Bearing in mind Croatia's track record in meeting benchmarks and in implementing the commitments given in the accession negotiations, Croatia is well on its way to meeting the acquis criteria. This is demonstrated in the monitoring tables which the Commission establishes for provisionally closed chapters.

The Commission will continue to monitor the implementation of commitments until accession, by using all available instruments, including peer assessments and structures under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. Monitoring Reports will be presented regularly by the Commission.

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continues to sufficiently fulfil the political criteria. Following substantial reforms in 2009, further progress has been made, although at an uneven pace, as regards the reform of the parliament, the police, the judiciary, public administration and respect for and protection of minorities. The country needs to make further progress in relation to dialogue among political actors, judiciary and public administration reform, the fight against corruption, freedom of expression and improving the business environment. Implementation of the legislation is essential.

The country continued to fulfil its commitments under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement. The Commission has proposed moving to the second stage of the association as provided for by the SAA.

The Council has not yet taken a position on the Commission's recommendation from October 2009 to open accession negotiations.

The name issue with Greece remains unresolved. The two countries are engaged in talks under the auspices of the UN on resolving it and a number of bilateral contacts, including at prime minister level, have taken place, although this momentum has not yet led to concrete results. Actions and statements which could adversely affect good neighbourly relations should be avoided. Maintaining good neighbourly relations, including a negotiated and mutually accepted solution to the name issue, under the auspices of the UN, is essential.

Montenegro

In parallel to this Strategy Paper, the Commission has adopted its Opinion on Montenegro's application for EU membership. The conclusions and recommendations of the Opinion are set out in the Annex to this Communication.

Albania

In parallel to this Strategy Paper, the Commission has adopted its Opinion on Albania's application for EU membership. The conclusions and recommendations of the Opinion are set out in the Annex to this Communication.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina has made limited progress in addressing key reforms. The elections of October 2010 were generally in line with international standards. Incompatibilities between Bosnia and Herzegovina's Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights were not removed, despite the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights. Respect for democratic principles and the right to equal treatment without discrimination, as embodied in the ECHR, constitutes an essential element of the Interim Agreement.

Developing a shared vision by the leaders on the overall direction of the country and on key EU-related reforms remains essential for further progress towards EU membership. The country needs to increase efforts to establish a satisfactory track record in implementing the provisions of the Interim Agreement.

Initial steps should be taken, as a matter of urgency, by Bosnia and Herzegovina to align its Constitution with the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) and to improve the efficiency and functioning of its institutions. The country must be in a position to adopt, implement and enforce the laws and rules of the EU. Regarding international obligations, making progress towards meeting the objectives and conditions which have been set for the closure of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) remains essential. The EU, through a reinforced presence, will assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing the objectives of the EU agenda.

Serbia

Serbia applied for EU membership in December 2009 and has demonstrated a renewed commitment towards meeting the Copenhagen criteria. In October 2010, the Council invited the Commission to submit its Opinion on this application. In February 2010 the Interim Agreement entered into force and in June 2010 the Member States agreed to submit the Stabilisation and Association Agreement to their parliaments for ratification.

Serbia has continued to implement its political reform agenda. Some positive results have been achieved in the fight against organised crime. Additional efforts are required regarding judicial and public administration reform as well as the fight against organised crime and corruption. Serbia has continued to build a track record in implementing the Interim Agreement and is well placed to fulfil the requirements under the SAA. Serbia has taken important steps towards reconciliation in the region, in particular with Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbia has continued to cooperate actively with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. However, the two remaining ICTY fugitives are still at large. Full cooperation with the Tribunal remains an essential condition for membership of the EU, as set out in the Council conclusions of 25 October 2010.

Serbia needs to demonstrate a more constructive attitude towards Kosovo’s participation in regional trade and cooperation. It should recognise Kosovo's customs stamps which UNMIK has twice certified as in compliance with UNSCR 1244. Cooperation with the EULEX rule of law mission with respect to the north of Kosovo needs to be strengthened. Following the UN General Assembly Resolution, the EU is ready to facilitate a process of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina to promote cooperation, achieve progress on the path to the EU and improve the lives of people.

Kosovo

In Kosovo local elections at the end of 2009 were conducted in an orderly manner and with participation of all communities. Voter turnout was very low in northern Kosovo. The decentralisation process has advanced significantly. Cooperation with EULEX increased. The government has improved its capacity to implement Kosovo's European agenda and reform policy. However, major challenges remain as regards the public administration reform and the rule of law, including the judiciary. More needs to be done to tackle corruption, organised crime and money-laundering. Dialogue and reconciliation between communities and the protection and integration of minorities, particularly the Kosovo Serbs, are still areas of concern. The authorities need to ensure a constructive approach towards Kosovo's participation in regional cooperation fora, in order to keep pace with regional developments.

In December 2009, the Council welcomed the Commission's Communication 'Kosovo - Fulfilling its European Perspective'[4]. The Council invited the Commission to take the necessary measures to support Kosovo's progress towards the EU, in line with the European perspective of the region to report back on progress in this regard. The Council underlined the importance to measures related to trade and visas, without prejudice to Member States' positions on status.

In February, the Commission proposed the extension of the autonomous trade measures for Kosovo. In July it undertook an expert mission to assess Kosovo's preparedness to meet requirements relevant to a possible trade agreement with the EU. Efforts will be necessary concerning technical regulation of products, control of origin, intellectual property, competition rules and public procurement. The Commission will step up efforts to assist Kosovo to address the shortcoming identified. Once Kosovo meets the relevant requirements, the Commission will propose negotiating directives for a trade agreement.

The Commission will take forward Kosovo's participation in relevant Union programmes. Together with the Kosovo authorities, the Commission launched the Stabilisation and Association Process dialogue with Kosovo in January. A full cycle of meetings has been completed.

The Commission supports Kosovo's participation in IPA cross-border cooperation programmes with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania. As of 2011, support will also include programmes with Montenegro.

The Commission will continue to take forward the initiatives it outlined in its communication on Kosovo, in line with the Council conclusions.

Furthering accession negotiations with Turkey

Turkey has continued its political reform process. Turkey amended its constitution introducing key reforms to its political and legal system which address a number of priorities in the areas of judiciary and fundamental rights. The reforms limit the competence of military courts; restructure the constitutional court; widen the composition of the high council of judges and public prosecutors, making it more representative of the judiciary as a whole; broaden trade union rights in the public sector; provide the basis for the adoption of special measures protecting the rights of women and children; guarantee protection of personal data; and grant the right to apply to an ombudsman, thus providing the legal basis for the establishment of the ombudsman institution.

The constitutional amendments are an important step in the right direction. However, broad public consultation involving all political parties and civil society, with their full engagement, is needed to strengthen support for constitutional reform. It is now essential to ensure proper implementation of these reforms through relevant legislation. A new civilian constitution would provide a solid base for a further strengthening of democracy in Turkey, in line with European standards and the EU accession criteria.

Regarding fundamental rights, freedom of expression and of the media needs to be strengthened in Turkey both in law and in practice. A number of shortcomings remain in the exercise of the freedom of religion. Progress is also needed regarding, women's rights and gender equality and ensuring full trade union rights. The 'democratic opening' aimed notably at addressing the Kurdish issue has produced only limited results. The security situation in the South-East has worsened, with a resurgence of attacks by the terrorist organisation PKK/Kongra-Gel. Some progress has been made in the fight against corruption.

Accession negotiations advanced, albeit rather slowly. They have reached a demanding stage requiring Turkey to step up its efforts in meeting established conditions. By advancing in the fulfilment of benchmarks and of the requirements specified in the Negotiating Framework, Turkey will be able to accelerate the pace of negotiations. During the next months, Turkey should give particular priority to the competition policy, public procurement and social policy and employment chapters.

Turkey's foreign policy has become more active in its wider neighbourhood. This is an asset for the European Union, provided it is developed as a complement to Turkey's accession process and in coordination with the EU. Turkey has made a number of proposals for closer EU-Turkey foreign policy cooperation. Considerable progress has been made in the negotiations towards a readmission agreement with Turkey.

Turkey has continued to express public support for the negotiations under UN auspices between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. However, there has been no progress towards normalisation of bilateral relations with the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey has not fully implemented the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement and has not removed all obstacles to the free movement of goods, including restrictions on direct transport links with Cyprus. It is urgent that Turkey fulfils its obligation of full non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol and makes progress towards normalisation of bilateral relations with the Republic of Cyprus. The EU will continue to follow up and review progress made on issues covered by the Declaration of 21 September 2005, in accordance with the Council Conclusions, including the December 2006 and December 2009 conclusions. In the absence of progress, the Commission recommends that the EU maintains its measures from 2006, which will have a continuous effect on overall progress in the negotiations.

Turkey needs to step up efforts to solve open bilateral issues, including border disputes, with its neighbours. There is a renewed impetus to improve relations with Greece. A considerable number of formal complaints were made by Greece about continued violations of its airspace by Turkey, including flights over Greek islands. Greece also made complaints about violations of its territorial waters. The protocols on the normalisation of relations with Armenia signed in 2009 have not been ratified.

Launching the accession process with Iceland

The accession process with Iceland has been launched. Following the Commission's recommendation in its Opinion of February 2010 and the decision of the June European Council, accession negotiations were opened in July 2010 and the screening of the EU acquis with Iceland is about to start. Iceland is now entitled to IPA assistance which is available to support the country's efforts towards becoming fully prepared for EU membership.

Good progress was made to further improve the legal framework related to conflict of interests and the financing of political parties. The rules on the appointment of judges were amended with the aim of further strengthening the independence of the judiciary. The Important steps of economic stabilisation have been taken. Progress has been made in consolidating public finances and restoring the financial system. The IMF programme is on track. However, economic uncertainties and challenges remain. Iceland will need to address existing obligations, such as those identified by the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) under the European Economic Area Agreement. Substantial efforts are needed to ensure that citizens in Iceland are properly informed about what EU membership entails.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the above analysis, the Commission puts forward the following conclusions and recommendations :

1. Enlargement reinforces peace and stability in Europe. It is in the EU's strategic interest to take the enlargement process forward on the basis of the agreed principles and conditions and the renewed consensus on enlargement approved by the European Council in December 2006. The firm political commitment of all stakeholders is required to make a success of enlargement. Enlargement must remain credible for all involved. Aspirant countries need to be well prepared through rigorous conditionality and to have a clear and tangible European perspective, once conditions are met.

2. The enlargement process helps the EU to better achieve its policy objectives in a number of areas, which are key to economic recovery and sustainable growth, including regulatory convergence and the internal market, energy, transport, the protection of the environment and efforts to limit climate change as well as making the EU a safer place.

3. The Commission will further strengthen the monitoring of macro-economic policies of the enlargement countries, also taking into account new developments in EU economic governance. The Commission expects the enlargement countries to pursue EU-related reforms, and to improve the business environment, thereby helping to overcome the economic crisis and to achieve sustainable growth. The Commission will associate enlargement countries with initiatives taken at the EU level to meet the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy . It invites the enlargement countries to reflect the 2020 targets in their national political priorities, to engage in regional policy groups with the aim of reviewing regularly the results of these reforms and to set region-specific targets, where appropriate.

4. The Commission encourages the enlargement countries to work on improving conditions for vulnerable groups, including the social and economic inclusion of Roma. The Commission is committed to support them in this endeavour.

5. The Commission will give continued priority to judiciary and public administration reform, the fight against organised crime and corruption and further intensify the rule of law dialogue with enlargement countries. Most enlargement countries need to make substantial progress to consolidate the rule of law and, in particular, to establish credible track-records in the fight against organised crime and corruption.

6. Freedom of expression and of the media remains a concern in most enlargement countries and the problems identified must be addressed as a matter of priority. Progress in this area is essential and will be closely monitored by the Commission. The Commission will continue to support civil society organisations and make full use of its civil society facility.

7. Regional cooperation is an essential element of the Stabilisation and Association process. The Western Balkans have made important progress in regional cooperation, which should not be undermined by divergences over Kosovo. The Regional Cooperation Council needs to focus on the implementation of its results-oriented strategy.

8. Substantial progress has been made towards visa liberalisation . The visa obligation for citizens from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia was lifted. Visa requirements will shortly be lifted for Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania, on the basis of clear evidence that they too have met the benchmarks. Further efforts are needed by the countries concerned to inform their citizens about the scope and limits of the visa-free regime, to monitor closely its implementation and, where required, take adequate corrective measures.

9. Bilateral issues need to be solved by the parties concerned, in a good neighbourly spirit and taking into account overall EU interests. They should not hold up the accession process. The EU stands ready to facilitate the search for solutions and to support related initiatives. The time has come for the region to overcome the legacy of the conflicts of the past, building on recent positive momentum regarding reconciliation. Good neighbourly relations remain key.

10. The Commission recalls that negotiating chapters for which technical preparations have been completed should be opened or provisionally closed on the basis of the acquis concerned, in line with the Negotiating Frameworks, and subject to measures agreed by the Council. It is in the EU's interest to open discussions on difficult chapters early in the negotiations, including the chapter on judiciary and fundamental rights, which requires the establishment of convincing and credible track records and hence is likely to be among the last chapters to be closed.

11. Pre-accession assistance forms an integral part of the enlargement strategy and is designed to help meet the priorities identified in the partnerships and progress reports. Beneficiary countries need to strengthen their capacity to use EU funds effectively.

12. The Commission invites Member States to work with the EU institutions to strengthen understanding and support for the enlargement process and to explain how it can help us achieve our common objectives. The Commission is committed to improving the flow of objective information about the enlargement process, presented in user-friendly form, through the different media of communication now available.

13. Croatia has made good progress towards meeting the criteria for membership and the accession negotiations have reached the final phase. Full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia remains a requirement for Croatia's progress throughout the accession process, in line with the Negotiating Framework. The Commission considers that negotiations should be concluded once Croatia has met outstanding closing benchmarks, in particular in the field of judiciary and fundamental rights, including the fight against corruption, thus removing the need for the EU to consider a cooperation and verification mechanism after accession. The Commission will closely monitor Croatia's progress in the field of judiciary and fundamental rights and take stock of the situation in the first quarter of 2011.

14. Turkey has continued its political reform process, in particular through the reform of its constitution. Further results are needed regarding fundamental rights, the 'democratic opening' and the involvement of all stakeholders in the reform process. Assuring freedom of expression in practice is particularly challenging. Accession negotiations advanced, albeit rather slowly. By advancing in the fulfilment of benchmarks and of the requirements specified in the Negotiating Framework, Turkey will be able to accelerate the pace of negotiations. It is now urgent that Turkey fulfils its obligation of full non-discriminatory implementation of the Additional Protocol to the Association Agreement and makes progress towards normalisation of bilateral relations with the Republic of Cyprus. The EU will continue to follow up and review progress made on issues covered by the Declaration of 21 September 2005, in accordance with the Council Conclusions, including the conclusions of December 2006 and December 2009. In the absence of progress, the Commission recommends that the EU maintains its measures from 2006, which will have a continuous effect on overall progress in the negotiations.

15. As regards the Cyprus issue , the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and of the Turkish Cypriot communities are continuing negotiations on a comprehensive settlement under the auspices of the United Nations. The Commission supports their efforts and provides technical advice on issues within EU competence. It calls on both leaders to strengthen their efforts to bring the settlement talks to a successful conclusion as soon as possible and reiterates its call on Turkey to contribute in concrete terms to such a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue.

16. The accession process with Iceland has been launched. Following the Commission's recommendation in its Opinion of February 2010 and the decision of the June European Council, accession negotiations were opened in July 2010 and the screening of the EU acquis with Iceland is about to start. Iceland will need to address existing obligations, such as those identified by the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) under the EEA Agreement. Substantial efforts are needed to ensure that citizens in Iceland are properly informed about what EU membership entails.

17. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continues to sufficiently fulfil the political criteria. Further progress has been made in key reform areas, although at an uneven pace. Efforts are needed in particular as regards judiciary and public administration reforms. The Commission reiterates its recommendation that negotiations for accession to the European Union should be opened with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Maintaining good neighbourly relations, including a negotiated and mutually accepted solution to the name issue, under the auspices of the UN, is essential.

18. In its Opinions adopted today the Commission recommends that accession negotiations should be opened with Montenegro and Albania once these countries have achieved the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria set out by the 1993 Copenhagen European Council. In particular, Montenegro and Albania need to meet the specific key priorities set out in each Opinion. The Commission recommends that the Council grant the status of candidate country to Montenegro. It urges Albania to make further efforts to build on the progress made to date. The Commission's progress report on both countries in the 2011 enlargement package will focus in particular on the implementation of the key priorities which need to be addressed with a view to the opening of accession negotiations.

19. Serbia applied for EU membership in December 2009 and in October 2010 the Council invited the Commission to submit its Opinion. Serbia has continued to implement its political reform agenda and to build a track record in implementing the Interim Agreement. It is well placed to fulfil the requirements under the SAA. Serbia has taken important steps towards reconciliation in the region. Additional efforts are required regarding judicial and public administration reform as well as the fight against organised crime and corruption. Serbia has continued its cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. However, the two remaining ICTY fugitives are still at large. Full cooperation with the Tribunal remains an essential condition for membership of the EU, as set out in the Council conclusions of 25 October 2010. Serbia needs to demonstrate a more constructive attitude towards Kosovo’s participation in regional trade and cooperation. Cooperation with the EULEX rule of law mission with respect to the north of Kosovo needs to be strengthened.

20. Following the UN General Assembly Resolution, the EU will facilitate a process of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina to promote cooperation, achieve progress on the path to the EU and improve the lives of people.

21. The decentralisation process in Kosovo has advanced significantly and cooperation with EULEX has increased. The government has improved its capacity to implement Kosovo's European agenda and reform policy. However, major challenges remain as regards the rule of law, including the reform of public administration and the judiciary, as well as tackling corruption, organised crime and money-laundering. Dialogue and reconciliation between communities and the protection and integration of minorities, particularly the Kosovo Serbs, are still areas of concern. The authorities need to ensure a constructive approach towards Kosovo's participation in regional cooperation fora, in order to keep pace with regional developments.The Commission is taking forward the initiatives outlined in its October 2009 Communication on Kosovo, in line with the December 2009 Council conclusions. The Commission welcomes the recent progress Kosovo made in adopting the legislation on readmission, in devising an Action Plan on reintegration of returnees underpinned with earmarked resources. Subject to its continued implementation, the Commission is committed to launch a visa liberalisation dialogue shortly. The Commission is assisting Kosovo to put into place the conditions needed for a possible trade agreement with the EU. Once Kosovo meets the relevant requirements, the Commission will propose negotiating directives for a trade agreement . The Commission will propose the opening to Kosovo's participation of relevant Union programmes , such as Europe for Citizens and Culture. The Commission will propose negotiating directives for a framework agreement to this effect.

22. Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to form a government committed to the country's EU future and to speed up relevant reforms. Initial steps should be taken, as a matter of urgency, by Bosnia and Herzegovina to align its Constitution with the European Convention of Human Rights and to improve the functioning of its institutions. The country must be in a position to adopt, implement and enforce the laws and rules of the EU. Regarding international obligations, making progress towards meeting the objectives and conditions which have been set for the closure of the Office of the High Representative (OHR) remains essential. The EU, through a reinforced EU presence, will assist Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing the objectives of the EU agenda.

23. Overall, the 2010 progress reports indicate that the EU's enlargement process is moving forward at a pace which is largely determined by the proven capacity of the aspirant countries to take on the obligations of membership. This requires durable reforms as well as legislative and institutional adaptations which are credible and convincing. As the countries concerned meet the standards which have been set, including notably those linked to democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights and freedoms, the EU is committed to working with them to advance to the next steps in the process.

ANNEX 1

Conclusions and Recommendations of the Commission's Opinions on the membership applications by Montenegro and Albania

Montenegro

Montenegro has made progress towards fulfilling the criteria related to the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities, set by the Copenhagen European Council in 1993, as well as the conditions of the Stabilisation and Association Process. Nonetheless, further efforts are needed.

As regards the economic criteria, Montenegro has achieved a certain degree of macroeconomic stability. However, to become a functioning market economy, as set out by the 1993 Copenhagen European Council, Montenegro needs to address internal and external imbalances, as well as existing weaknesses, notably in the financial sector and the functioning of labour markets, and strengthen the rule of law. In order to enable it to cope in the medium term with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union, Montenegro needs to strengthen its physical infrastructure and human capital and to continue implementing structural reforms.

Montenegro's track record in implementing its obligations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement is positive overall.

Montenegro would be in a position to take on the obligations of membership in the medium term, in most of the acquis fields, provided that the alignment process continues and that, considerable and sustained further efforts are made to ensure the implementation and enforcement of legislation. Particular attention needs to be paid to the areas of free movement of goods, intellectual property law, agriculture and rural development, food safety, veterinary and phyto-sanitary policy, fisheries, statistics, social policy and employment, regional policy and coordination of structural instruments, judiciary and fundamental rights, justice, freedom and security and financial control. Full compliance with the acquis in the field of the environment could be achieved only in the long term and would necessitate increased levels of investment; efforts in this area need to be accelerated.

Montenegro's accession would have a limited overall impact on European Union policies and would not affect the Union's capacity to maintain and deepen its own development.

The Commission considers that negotiations for accession to the European Union should be opened with Montenegro once the country has achieved the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria and in particular the Copenhagen political criteria requiring the stability of institutions guaranteeing notably the rule of law. In this regard Montenegro needs in particular to meet the following key priorities:

- Improve the legislative framework for elections in line with the recommendations of the OSCE-ODIHR and the Venice Commission; strengthen the Parliament’s legislative and oversight role.

- Complete essential steps in public administration reform including amendments to the law on general administrative procedure and the law on civil servants and state employees and the strengthening of the Human Resources Management Authority and the State Audit Institution, with a view to enhancing professionalism and de-politicisation of public administration and to strengthening a transparent, merit-based approach to appointments and promotions.

- Strengthen rule of law, in particular through de-politicised and merit-based appointments of members of the judicial and prosecutorial councils and of state prosecutors as well as through reinforcement of the independence, autonomy, efficiency and accountability of judges and prosecutors.

- Improve the anti-corruption legal framework and implement the government's anti-corruption strategy and action plan; establish a solid track record of proactive investigations, prosecutions and convictions in corruption cases at all levels.

- Strengthen the fight against organised crime based on threat assessment and proactive investigations, increased cooperation with regional and EU partners, efficient processing of criminal intelligence and enhanced law enforcement capacities and coordination. Develop a solid track-record in this area.

- Enhance media freedom notably by aligning with the case-law of the European Court for Human Rights on defamation and strengthen cooperation with civil society.

- Implement the legal and policy framework on anti-discrimination in line with European and international standards; guarantee the legal status of displaced persons, in particular Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians, and ensure respect for their rights. This will include the adoption and implementation of a sustainable strategy for the closure of the Konik camp.

Montenegro is encouraged to continue its constructive engagement in regional cooperation and in strengthening bilateral relations with neighbouring countries. Outstanding bilateral issues need to be addressed. The SAA needs to continue to be implemented smoothly; in this context, due attention to addressing identified gaps in areas such state aids and transit traffic is required. In addition, the country is strongly encouraged to continue enhancing its administrative capacity across the board. Particular efforts are required as regards the effectiveness and impartiality of the state administration in sensitive areas such as environmental protection. Cases of violence and intimidation against journalists and NGO activists need to be properly prosecuted. The issues of domestic violence, ill-treatment and sub-standard prison conditions need to be addressed.

In the light of the progress made so far, the Commission recommends that the Council should grant Montenegro the status of candidate country.

The Commission will monitor progress of the necessary reforms within the institutional framework of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and continue to support efforts through the IPA financial instrument. The Commission will present a report on Montenegro's progress in the 2011 enlargement package. This report will focus in particular on the implementation of the key priorities which need to be addressed with a view to the opening of accession negotiations.

Albania

Albania has made progress towards fulfilling the criteria related to the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities, set by the Copenhagen European Council in 1993, as well as the conditions of the Stabilisation and Association Process. Nonetheless, considerable further efforts are needed.

As regards the economic criteria, Albania has achieved a certain degree of macroeconomic stability. However, to become a functioning market economy, as set out by the 1993 Copenhagen European Council, Albania needs to further strengthen governance, improve the performance of the labour market, ensure the recognition of property rights and strengthen the rule of law. In order to enable it to cope over the medium term with competitive pressure and market forces within the Union, Albania needs to strengthen its physical infrastructure and human capital and pursue further structural reforms.

Albania's track record in implementing its obligations under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement is positive overall.

Albania would be in a position to take on the obligations of membership in the medium term in most of the acquis fields, provided that the alignment process continues and that considerable and sustained further efforts are made to ensure the implementation and enforcement of legislation. Particular attention should be paid to the areas of free movement of goods, intellectual property law, information society and media, agriculture and rural development, food safety, veterinary and phyto-sanitary policy, fisheries, transport policy, social policy and employment, regional policy and coordination of structural instruments, judiciary and fundamental rights, justice, freedom and security and financial control. Full compliance with the acquis in the field of the environment could be achieved only in the long term and would require substantial levels of investment; efforts in this area should be accelerated.

Albania's accession would have a limited overall impact on European Union policies and would not affect the Union's capacity to maintain and deepen its own development.

The Commission considers that negotiations for accession to the European Union should be opened with Albania once the country has achieved the necessary degree of compliance with the membership criteria and in particular the Copenhagen political criteria requiring the stability of institutions guaranteeing notably democracy and the rule of law. In this regard, Albania needs in particular to meet the following key priorities:

- Ensure the proper functioning of Parliament on the basis of a constructive and sustained political dialogue among all political parties.

- Adopt pending laws requiring a reinforced majority in Parliament.

- Appoint the Ombudsman, and ensure an orderly hearing and voting process in Parliament for constitutional and high court appointments.

- Modify the legislative framework for elections in line with OSCE-ODIHR recommendations.

- Ensure elections are conducted in line with European and international standards.

- Complete essential steps in public administration reform including amendments to the civil service law and strengthening of the Department of Public Administration, with a view to enhancing professionalism and de-politicisation of public administration and to strengthening a transparent, merit-based approach to appointments and promotions.

- Strengthen rule of law through adoption and implementation of a reform strategy for the judiciary, ensuring the independence, efficiency and accountability of judicial institutions.

- Effectively implement the government's anti-corruption strategy and action plan, remove obstacles to investigations, in particular of judges, ministers and Member of Parliaments; develop a solid track record of proactive investigations, prosecutions and convictions in corruption cases at all levels.

- Strengthen the fight against organised crime, based on threat assessment and proactive investigation, increased cooperation with regional and EU partners and better coordination of law enforcement agencies. Develop a solid track record in this area.

- Prepare, adopt and implement a national strategy and action plan on property rights following broad stakeholder consultation and taking ECtHR case law into account; this should cover restitution, compensation and legalisation processes.

- Take concrete steps to reinforce the protection of human rights, notably for women, children and Roma, and to effectively implement anti-discrimination policies.

- Take additional measures to improve treatment of detainees in police stations, pre-trial detention and prisons. Strengthen the judicial follow-up of cases of ill-treatment and improve the application of recommendations of the Ombudsman in this field.

Albania is encouraged to continue its constructive engagement in regional cooperation and in strengthening bilateral relations with neighbouring countries. The SAA needs to continue to be implemented smoothly; in this context, due attention to the respect of deadlines for its commitments is required. In addition, the country is strongly encouraged to continue strengthening its administrative capacity across the board. Cooperation with civil society needs to be upgraded. Albania needs to allocate appropriate resources to guarantee effective functioning of its human rights institutions and upgrade its efforts in the field of protection of minorities. Strengthening media freedom and its independence, and addressing the prevalence of political influences is required.

The Commission will monitor progress of necessary reforms within the institutional framework of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and continue to support efforts through the IPA financial instrument. The Commission will present a report on Albania's progress in the 2011 enlargement package. This report will focus in particular on the implementation of the key priorities that need to be addressed for the opening of accession negotiations.

ANNEX 2

Conclusions of the Progress Reports on Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Turkey and Iceland

Croatia

Croatia continues to meet the political criteria . Progress has been made in many areas, including in the field of rule of law. However, efforts must continue and further intensify in particular in the field of judicial and administrative reform, the fight against corruption and organised crime, respect for and protection of minorities and refugee return.

Democracy and the rule of law have been further strengthened. The government and the parliament have continued to function effectively. However, the capacity of the parliament to scrutinise the legislative process needs enhancing. Judicial reform has continued but significant challenges remain, especially relating to judicial efficiency, independence and accountability.

There has been limited progress in the area of public administration reform. The law on general administrative procedures entered into force and a human resources development strategy and action plan for the civil service was adopted. However, the public administration continues to suffer from shortcomings, including complex administrative procedures, politicisation and weak human resources management. In order to achieve tangible results, stronger political commitment and improved co-ordination between the key stakeholders at central, regional and local levels are required.

Judicial reform has continued. Case backlogs were reduced in the courts and judicial independence was strengthened through constitutional amendments. However, the main expected results of the reform process are yet to be seen. Challenges remain in particular with regard to the application of transparent criteria for the appointment of judges and prosecutors, the further reduction of the backlog of cases, the length of proceedings and the enforcement of decisions. Some progress was made with the handling of war crimes cases, including the review of questionable verdicts from the 1990s. However, the problem of impunity remains, especially for crimes committed against ethnic Serbs, many of which have not been properly investigated.

There has been good progress in the fight against corruption. Implementation and overall coordination of anti-corruption efforts has improved. The office for the fight against corruption and organised crime continued to be active and issued indictments in some important cases. The number of court verdicts has increased. A right of access to information from public bodies has been included in the constitution. However, corruption remains prevalent in many areas. The recently upgraded legal and administrative structures have yet to be fully tested in practice, particularly the courts’ ability to handle the increasing number and complexity of cases. A track record of effective investigation, prosecution and court rulings remains to be established, especially for high level corruption. There has been little progress in preventing conflicts of interest. There has been limited improvement in the application of access to information legislation. Shortcomings remain with regard to the financing of political parties and election campaigns.

Some progress has been made in the area of human rights and the protection of minorities . Human rights protection is ensured overall but certain important challenges remain in terms of implementation. As for access to justice , substantial reform of the system of administrative justice has begun. State funded free legal aid is now being provided. However, procedures are complicated and the overall level of aid provided is low. With regard to the prison system , legislative measures have been taken to improve prison conditions through the foreseen introduction of a probation system. Prisons remain overcrowded and provide inadequate health protection. As regards ill treatment , the Ombudsman continued to receive complaints regarding the excessive use of force by the police.

Freedom of expression , including freedom and pluralism of the media, is provided for by law and is generally respected. However, editors and journalists continue to report on political pressure. Problems with the independence of local media remain.

There has been limited progress with regard to women's rights and gender equality. The position of women in the labour market has not significantly changed and the level of female unemployment remains high. The Ombudsman for Children has become more active in promoting and protecting children rights . However, this body lacks appropriate resources to carry out fully its mandate.

There has been some progress as regards the socially vulnerable and persons with disabilities . The capacity of the Office of the Ombudsman for Persons with Disabilities is being strengthened, notably in view of extending representation in the regions. There is, however, a lack of information on rights and entitlements in the area of social welfare, health care and pensions. Criteria for the establishment of entitlements are not consistently applied and legislative provisions regulating specific rights are fragmented. The transition from institutional care to community-based care services has progressed slowly.

Some steps have been taken to raise awareness of the new anti-discrimination law. However, knowledge of its scope among the authorities and citizens is limited and only a small number of discrimination complaints reach the courts. There has been some progress as regards hate crime legislation, though implementation is at an early stage.

There has been some progress with regard to respect for and protection of minorities and cultural rights . Greater focus on minority issues can be reported in a context of improved relations in the region, particularly between Croatia and Serbia. Constitutional provisions on minorities were strengthened. The Roma minority has continued to receive attention, with improvements particularly in pre-school education. The level of funding available for minority organisations has only been marginally reduced, despite the financial austerity measures. However, many problems remain for minorities. Croatia needs to continue to foster a spirit of tolerance towards the Serb minority. Croatia also needs to take appropriate measures to protect those who may still be subject to threats or acts of discrimination, hostility or violence. The Roma minority faces particularly difficult living conditions and challenges remain in the areas of education, social protection, health care, employment and access to personal documents. Minorities continue to face difficulties in the area of employment, both in terms of under-representation in state administration, the judiciary and the police as well as in the wider public sector.

There has been some progress regarding refugees . Refugees continued to return to Croatia. Provision of housing care to former occupancy and tenancy rights holders has continued. A revised action plan has been adopted for accelerated implementation of the government's delayed 2009 housing care plans, with the aim of full implementation in 2011. Some progress was made with the reconstruction of damaged houses. The substantial backlog of appeals against rejected applications for reconstruction assistance was reduced. Implementation of the decision on validating pension rights has continued. However, progress towards meeting the 2009 housing targets has been slow. Several thousand applications for housing care remain to be fully processed and housing units made available to returning refugees. A high number of appeals for housing reconstruction remain pending. Efforts to create the necessary conditions for the permanent return of refugees need to be made.

As regards regional issues and international obligations, Croatia continues to cooperate with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The special task force set up by the government needs to continue its work to locate or determine the fate of missing artillery documents requested by the Office of the ICTY Prosecutor. Fresh impetus was given to the Sarajevo declaration process following the Ministerial meeting held in Belgrade in March 2010. This brought together Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia which agreed to work together to clarify refugee statistics. The countries also committed themselves to work towards solutions to a number of outstanding issues by the end of the year.

Croatia continued to participate actively in regional initiatives, including the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). The Croatian President has assumed a pro-active approach regarding regional cooperation. Bilateral relations with other enlargement countries and neighbouring EU Member States continue to develop, including with Serbia. Relations with Slovenia have improved with the signing of the Agreement on international Arbitration of the Border.

The economy of Croatia has been severely affected by the global economic and financial crisis. The country fell into recession in the first quarter of 2009 and there were no clear signs of a recovery by mid-2010. Unemployment, public deficit and debt have increased significantly. External indebtedness rose further and remains a key vulnerability of the economy. Monetary stability was preserved by the policies of the central bank and the financial sector weathered the crisis relatively well.

As regards the economic criteria , Croatia is a functioning market economy. Croatia should be able to cope with competitive pressures and market forces within the Union, provided that it implements its comprehensive reform programme with determination in order to reduce structural weaknesses.

Broad political consensus on the fundamentals of a market economy was maintained. The Economic Recovery Programme has given economic policy a medium-term orientation. The programme's benefit for growth and international competitiveness depends on its effective implementation. Given the existing constraints, macroeconomic policy has, by and large, been appropriate to address the consequences of the global economic and financial crisis. Monetary policy succeeded to preserve exchange rate and financial stability while alleviating liquidity pressures. The current account deficit narrowed as a consequence of the recession and inflationary pressures subsided further. The banking sector remained resilient to shocks.

However, structural reforms generally advanced at a very slow pace, not least with respect to privatisation and the restructuring of loss-making enterprises. The labour market remained highly rigid, with low employment and participation rates which declined further during the recession. In the fiscal area, the authorities made limited efforts to contain the rising deficit and to increase the efficiency of public spending. Social transfer payments remained high and not well-targeted and a large number of state-owned enterprises continued to receive State support through direct and indirect subsidies and guarantees. For achieving medium-term fiscal sustainability, it remains a key challenge to improve the budgetary process and discipline and to enhance the efficiency of public spending. The investment climate continued to suffer from a heavy regulatory burden and numerous para-fiscal taxes.

Croatia has improved its ability to take on the obligations of membership . Preparations for meeting EU requirements have continued to progress well and there is a good degree of alignment with EU rules in most sectors. In most areas there has been further progress including in those chapters where the level of alignment is already high. Additional efforts are needed in certain areas to strengthen the administrative capacity necessary for proper implementation of the acquis .

Good progress has been made in the field of free movement of goods and alignment with the acquis in this chapter is well advanced. However, further efforts are necessary, particularly on conformity assessment, metrology and market surveillance. Croatia needs to complete alignment with the acquis and to strengthen implementation capacity. Good progress can be reported in the area of free movement of workers , and a satisfactory level of legal alignment has been achieved. Additional efforts are needed to strengthen, in particular, the coordination of social security systems.

Progress has been made in the field of right of establishment and freedom to provide services , in part