EN    EN EN 
 
EN    EN  COMMISSION OF THE E UROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 2.7.2008 
SEC(2008) 2049 
  
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 
Annex to the 
* 
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSI ON TO THE CO UNCIL AND THE 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 
General overview of instruments and deadlin es provided for in the Hague Programme 
and Action Plan in the fields of ju stice, freedom and security for 2007 
(Institutional Scoreboard) 
 
Report on the implementation of The Hague programme for 2007 
 
(Institutional Scoreboard – Table 1) 
  
{COM(2008) 373 final} 
{SEC(2008) 2048}  
 
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1. GENERAL  ORIENTATIONS 
1.3. EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE 
1.3. (a)  Proposal on means to 
enable the European 
Court of Justice to 
handle requests for 
preliminary rulings 
concerning the area 
of freedom, security 
and justice  Commission 2006 9Achieved 
On 1 March 2008, the Court of Justice of the European Communi ties adopted a new procedure to 
enable it to deal more quickly with very urgent questions referred for a preliminary ruling.  
1.4. EUROPEAN STRATEGY ON DRUGS 
– EU Action Plans on drugs 2005 to 2008 
1.4. (a) Continuous evaluation 
of the EU Action Plan 
on Drugs 2005 to 
2008 Commission Annual 9Achieved 
On 10 December the Commission adopted Communica tion from the Commission on the 2007 Progress 
Review of the implementation of t he EU Action Plan on Drugs (2005-2008)2 and sent it to the EP and 
the Council. Final evaluation and proposal for new Action Plan to be submitted in 2008.  
1.4. (c) Report on the 
implementation and 
functioning of the 
Framework Decision 
on drugs trafficking  Commission 2007 • Delayed 
The evaluation report will be submitted by the Commi ssion by 12 May 2009 at the latest, as it is 
stipulated in the Framework Decision. Only 11 Member  States sent their report on transposition by the 
deadline 12 May 2006.  
                                                 
1 Reference is made to the Council and Commission Action Plan implementing the Hague Programme on strengthening freedom, securit y and justice in the European Union, 
OJ C 198, 12.8.2005, p. 1. 
2 COM (2007) 781 final. 
 
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2. STRENGTHENING  FREEDOM 
2.1 CITIZENSHIP OF THE UNION 
2.1. 
(a) Report on the 
application of 
Directives 
90/364/EEC, 
90/365/EEC and 
93/96/EEC on the 
right of residence of 
pensioners, students 
and inactive persons Commission  Two Commission reports were adopted on 17.3.19993 (period 1992-1999) and 5.3.20034 (period 1999-
2002). A third and last report was adopt ed by the Commission on 5.4.20065 (period 2003-2005).  
2.1. (d) Proposal on 
provisions and 
conditions required for 
a European citizens' 
initiative Commission 2007 • Delayed 
There is no legal basis for putting forward such an initiative under the current Treaties. 
2.2. ASYLUM, MIGRATION AND BORDER POLICY  
2.2 (a) Annual reports on 
migration and asylum 
statistics   Ongoing This forms part of the European Mi gration Network's annual work programme. 
                                                 
3 Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on the implementation of Directives 90/364, 90/365 and 9 3/96 (right of residence): COM(1999) 
127. 
4 Second Commission report to the Council and Parliament on the implementation of Directives 90/364, 90/365 and 93/96 (right of residence) - COM(2003) 101. 
5 Third Commission report to the Council and Parliament on the application of Directives 93/96, 90/364, 90/365 on the right of r esidence for students, economically inactive 
and retired Union citizens – COM(2006) 156 final. 
 
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2.2. (c) Green Paper on the 
future of the 
European Migration 
Network, possibly 
followed by a 
proposal establishing 
a European Migration 
Monitoring Centre Commission 2005/ 2006 9Achieved 
The European Migration Network legal base proposal6 was finally adopted and put forward by the 
Commission on 10 August 2007. The JHA Council reached a general approach on this proposal on 6 
December 2007. Formal adoption is expected during the first semester of 2008.  
2.3 COMMON EUROPEAN ASYLUM SYSTEM 
– Evaluation of the first phase legal instruments 
2.3. (c) Monitoring the 
transposition and 
implementation of first 
phase instruments Commission ongoing A study on the conformity checking of measures  of Member States to transpos e directives in the sector 
of asylum and immigration was carried out in 2007. The final results will be available and assessed in 
2008. Moreover, in relation to asylum policy, a report on the evaluation of the Dublin system7 and of the 
Directive on reception conditions8 was published in 2007. 
– Studies on the implications, appropr iateness and feasibility of joint processing of asylum applications 
2.3. (f) Study on the joint 
processing of asylum 
applications within the 
Union  Commission 2006 • Delayed 
Following the replies to the Green Pa per on the future of the CEAS, it was decided that the study is to 
be carried out at a later stage.  
                                                 
6 (COM(2007) 466) 
7 COM (2007)299 final. 
8 COM (2007)754 final. 
 
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2.3. (g) Study, to be 
conducted in close 
consultation with the 
United Nations High 
Commissioner for 
Refugees (UNHCR), 
on joint processing of 
asylum applications 
outside EU territory Commission 2006 • Delayed 
The study is to be carried out in 2008 as a follow-up to the Policy Plan on Asylum.  
– Cooperation between Member States  relating to the common European asylum system , after the establishment of a common asylum pro cedure 
2.3. (i) Establishment of a 
European support 
office in charge of all 
forms of cooperation 
concerning a common 
asylum system on the 
basis of an 
evaluation. Commission No date A feasibility study has been launched at the end of 2007 and its results will be presented in July 2008. 
On the basis of the conclusions of the study and the reactions from Member States and the EP, the 
Commission will decide whether to propose any initiative in this respect. 
2.4. LEGAL MIGRATION 
– Developing policy on legal migration 
2.4. 
(a) Assessment and 
monitoring of the transposition and 
implementation of first 
phase Directives on 
legal migration Commission Ongoing This is covered by the action under point 2.3(c). 
 
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2.5. INTEGRATION OF THIRD-COUNTRY NATIONALS  
– Promotion of the structural exchange of experience and information integration 
2.5. (c) Annual reports on 
immigration and 
integration Commission 2005 -
ongoing The Third Annual Report on Mi gration and Integration9, 11 September 2007. There is no annual report 
foreseen in 2008. The integration communication in September 2008 will make suggestions on how to 
improve the way annual reports are being produced.  
2.5. (e) Development of a 
website on integration Commission 2006 • Delayed 
The website is currently being developed and wi ll be launched during the fourth quarter of 2008. 
2.6. FIGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION 
2.6. (a) Contribution to 
management of 
immigration liaison 
networks in relevant 
third countries Council/ 
Commission ongoing The Commission presented in October 2006 a di scussion paper on further development of Immigration 
Liaison Officers (ILO) networks in th ird-countries presented in the St rategic Committee for Immigration, 
Frontiers and Asylum (SCIFA). Building upon MS' replies to a Presidency questionnaire, further 
discussions took place in the first half of 2007, focussing on the possibility of greater FRONTEX 
involvement in the further development of liaison office r networks. It was agreed to consider this further 
in the course of an evaluation of FRONTEX to be carried out by the end of 2007.  
2.6. (b) Annual report on the 
common policy on 
illegal migration Commission ongoing The 2nd annual report on the development of a common policy on illegal immigration, smuggling and 
trafficking of human beings, external border controls, and the return of illegal residents of 19 July 2006 
was annexed to the Commission Communication on policy priorities in the fight against illegal 
immigration of third-country nationals, adopted on 19 July 2006. The third annual report, covering the 
second half of 2006 and all of 2007, will be soon sent to the Cabinet for the green light to launch the 
ISC; it is due to be presented in June this year.  
                                                 
9 COM/2007/ 512 
 
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2.6. (j) Conclusion of 
Community 
readmission 
agreements and 
management of 
existing agreements  Commission timely EC readmission agreements are in force wi th Hong Kong, Macao, Sri Lanka, Albania. Furthermore, the 
Community readmission agreement with Russia entered into force on 1 June 2007. The negotiations 
and conclusion of (6) agreements with Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro were accomplished by the end of 2007. All those 
agreements entered into force on 1 January 2008.  
Two Joint readmission committees (July and November) were convened with Russia to monitor 
implementation of Russia – EC readmission agreemen t. Further committees with Russia and other third 
countries with whom readmission agreements are in force will be organised in 2008.  
2.8. BORDER MANAGEMENT, BIOMETRICS , INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND VISA POLICY  
– Abolition of controls on persons at the internal borders 
2.8. (c) Evaluation of SIS II 
related acquis  in the 
new Member States  Commission 2007 9Achieved 
Schengen evaluations of the SIS have been carried out in September 2007 in accordance with the 
relevant Schengen evaluation procedures. 
2.8. (d) Adoption of a Council 
Decision on the lifting 
of controls at the 
borders with and 
between the new 
Member States, when 
all requirements 
regarding application 
of the Schengen 
acquis have been met 
and once the 
Schengen Information 
System (SIS II) has 
become operational Council 2007 9Achieved 
Council Decision 2007/801/EC was adopted on 6 December 200710  
The Schengen Member States continue to rely on  SIS 1+; SIS II shall become operational after all 
relevant tests have been completed in accordance with the provisions of Council Decision 
2007/533/JHA and Regulation (EC) No 1987/2006 of  the European Parliament  and of the Council. 
                                                 
10 OJ L 323/34. 
 
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2.8. (e) Proposal for 
supplementing the 
existing Schengen 
evaluation mechanism 
with a supervisory Commission 2007 • Postponed to 2008 
Commission will present such a propos al in the second semester 2008. 
– Establishment of an integrated management system for external borders 
2.8. (f) Proposal on the 
setting up, the powers 
and the financing of 
teams of national 
experts to provide 
technical and 
operational assistance 
to Member States in 
the control and 
surveillance of 
external borders within 
the framework of the 
Border Management 
Agency Commission 2007 9Achieved 
The proposal tabled by the Commission already in 200611 was adopted by the Council and European 
Parliament in 200712.  
                                                 
11 COM(2006) 401 Final 
12 Regulation (EC) No 863/2007, OJ L 199/30 
 
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2.8. (h)  Evaluation report on 
the External Border 
Agency, including a 
review of the tasks of 
the Agency and an 
assessment of 
whether it should 
concern itself with 
other aspects of 
border management 
(including the 
evaluation of the 
functioning of the 
teams of national 
experts and the 
feasibility of a system 
of European border 
guards) Commission 2007 9Achieved 
The Commission submitted its report on 13 February 200813 as part of the "border package" (which also 
includes a communication on entry-exit system and on a European border surveillance system).  
– Partial application of the Schengen acquis  
2.8. (i) Adoption of a Council 
Decision on the partial 
implementation of the 
Schengen acquis by 
Ireland Council 2006 • Delayed 
The adoption of the Decision is dependant on the overall development of SIS II.  
                                                 
13 COM (20080 67 Final 
 
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2.8. (j) Adoption of a Council 
Decision on the partial 
implementation of the 
Schengen acquis 
(SIS) by the United 
Kingdom Council 2005 • Delayed 
The adoption of the Decision is dependant on the overall development of SIS II.  
2.8 (n) Widespread use of 
biometric 
identifiers concerning 
travel 
documents, visas, 
residence 
permits, EU citizens' 
passports and 
information 
systems Commission 2006 
onwards A political agreement has been reached on the Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) 
1030/2002 laying down a uniform format for residence permits for third-country nationals. Formal 
adoption of the decision took  place on 18 April 2008.  
 
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2.9. VISA POLICY, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPME NT OF THE VISA INFORMATION SYSTEM (VIS) 
2.9. (a) Meetings with third 
countries of the 
positive visa list in 
order to ensure visa-
free travel for citizens 
of the Member States 
to all those third 
countries in the 
context of the new 
reciprocity 
mechanism soon to 
be adopted (to be 
combined with the 
review of the visa list) Commission Ongoing – to 
be combined 
with the 
review of the 
visa list The third visa reciprocity report was presented by the Commission on 13 September 200714. The fourth 
report is expected at the end of the first semester of 2008.  
In order to restore reciprocity with Brazil, the European Commission has presented on 9 September 
2007 a Recommendation to the Council to open negotiations on a visa waiver agreement between the 
European Community and Brazil. 
2.9. (h) Recommendation for 
negotiating directives 
for visa waiver 
agreements between 
the EC and third 
countries on the 
conditions to move 
freely within the Union 
for a period between 
three and six months Commission ongoing There is no legal basis for putting forward such an initiative under the current Treaties. 
2.9. (k) Kaliningrad Facility15 Commission/ 
Lithuania Ongoing Closure for final payments is planned in 2008. 
                                                 
14 COM(2007)533 final. 
15 The Kaliningrad Facility was replaced by specific provisions within the proposed External Border Fund for the period 2007 to 2 013 as part of the framework programme 
'Solidarity and management of migration flows'. 
 
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2.9. (m) Specific 
recommendations for 
negotiating directives 
on visa facilitation on 
a case by case basis 
with third countries in 
the context of the EC 
readmission policy, 
where possible and 
on the basis of 
reciprocity, with a 
view to developing a 
real partnership on 
migration 
management issues Commission 2005 to 2009 The visa facilitation agreement with Russia entered into force on 1 June 2007. The visa facilitation 
agreements with the Ukraine, FYROM, Serbia, Mont enegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania and Moldova 
were negotiated and signed in 2007 (entered into force on 1 January 2008). In addition, visa dialogue 
with Russia towards visa liberalisation started in September 2006. 
2.9. (o) Technical 
implementation of the 
VIS, starting with the 
functionalities for 
processing 
alphanumeric data and photographs 
(2006) and adding the 
functionalities for 
biometric data (2006) Commission 2006 • Delayed 
The Visa Information System (VIS) will go-live with bi ometric functionalities from the very beginning of 
its implementation. Following the political agreem ent of the VIS legal pa ckage in June 2007, a new 
project schedule has been drawn up, taking account of biometrics and the finalised legal requirements, 
and foresees the central VIS as "available for operati ons" at the end of May 2009.  The date for the start 
of operations will depend upon the readiness of the Member States. 
2.9. (p) Proposal on the 
creation of common 
visa offices  Commission 2007 • Delayed  
The Hague programme invited the Commission to su bmit a proposal on the establishment of common 
application centres. An amendment to  the Common Consular instructions16 envisaging such a 
possibility was submitted by the Commission in 2006 and is currently under negotiations. 
                                                 
16 COM (2006) 269 final  
 
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3. STRENGTHENING  SECURITY 
3.1. SHARING OF INFORMATION AMONG LAW ENFORCEMENT AND JUDICIAL AUTHORITIES WHILE STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE 
BETWEEN PRIVACY AND SECURITY  
– Availability principle and pr otection of personal data 
3.1. (g) Development of links 
between the SIS II 
and the Europol 
information system   2007 • Delayed  
Europol is in the process of doing the basic tests for connection to the SIS II network. All users will be 
required to test the compliance of their syst ems with the central system by June 2008. 
3.1. (h)  Implementation of the 
principle of 
availability, 
concerning the 
following areas: 
- DNA(2005) 
- fingerprints  
- ballistics  
- telephone numbers  
- vehicle registrations  
- civil registers (2006) Commission 2006 • Delayed  
The Commission presented legislation for a Framework De cision on the implementation of the Principle 
of Availability and one for the prot ection of data that are exchanged under this principle in October 
2005. 
This legislation has not been discussed. It coincided with  an initiative of seven Member States that led 
to the signature of the Prüm Treaty on 27 May 2005, and the adoption of a Framework Decision on 
simplifying the exchange of information and intelligence17 on 18 December 2006. 
The 2007 German initiative for a Decision to transpose most of the non-Schengen related third pillar 
part of the Treaty of Prüm into t he institutional mechanism of the Euro pean Union, including fingerprints, 
DNA, and vehicle registration data (political agree ment reached on 13 June 2007), could be considered 
as partial implementation of  the principle of availability. Further  implementing legislation was presented 
in October 200718. 
                                                 
17 2006/930/JHA  
18 CS 9956/1/07 - Draft Council Decision on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particul arly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime,  
CS16329/07 - Draft Council Decision on the implementation of Decision 008/…/JHA on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation,  particularly in combating terrorism and cross-
border crime 
 
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– Exchange of data on PNR  
3.1. (l) Proposal concerning 
a common EU 
approach to the use 
of passenger data for 
border and aviation 
security and other law 
enforcement 
purposes Commission 2005 9Achieved 
The Commission adopted a proposal on an EU PNR syst em on 6 November 2007 as part of its Counter 
Terrorism Package19 . 
3.2. TERRORISM 
– Further development of an overall approach to combat terrorism  
3.2. (a) Further 
implementation of the 
EU Action Plan on 
Combating Terrorism Commission/ 
Council/ 
Parliament No date  The implementation of the action plan is ongo ing, and takes on board topical challenges. The reporting 
on the implementation of  the action plan needs to take account of its multifaceted nature. It is structured 
along the headings, Prevent, Protect, Prosecute and Respond.  
3.2. (d) Examination of the 
necessity and 
feasibility of the 
setting up of a 
European law 
enforcement network 
(LEN) for the fight against terrorism 
(2005) and if 
necessary proposal 
for its setting up 
(2006) 
 Commission/ 
Council 2006 9Achieved 
Cross Border Crisis Network Study report delivered to EU MS January 2008. As to the proposals: on 
the basis of the information collected, the Commi ssion eventually decided not to pursue the action. 
                                                 
19 COM (2007) 650 
 
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3.2. (h) Communication on 
results of the peer 
evaluation 
mechanism on 
terrorism in the 25 
Member States Council 
Secretariat 
General 2006/ 2007 9Achieved 
The report on the peer evaluation mechanis m was presented and discussed within the Council 
throughout 2007. In the light of the recommendations of the peer ev aluation of national anti-terrorism 
arrangements, actions are envisaged to strengthen national capabilities to combat terrorism. 
3.2. (i) Identification of need 
and scope for legal 
instruments to ensure 
that all Member 
States can freeze 
assets of designated 
persons on a 
preventive basis in 
accordance with 
Special 
Recommendations of 
the Financial Action 
Task Force  2007 • Postponed to 2008 
A comparative study to evaluate the need for instrument s to combat organised crime activities related to 
identity theft in the EU Member States20 was commissioned in 2007 (results expected in 2008).  
3.2. (j) Contribution to the 
ongoing work on 
thwarting the 
production and 
spread of chemical, 
nuclear and biological 
arms Commission  2007 9Achieved 
Policy measures on these issues have been in pr eparation since 2006. A Green Paper on detection 
technologies in the work of law en forcement, customs & other authorities21 was adopted on 1 
September 2006, as well as a Green Paper on bio-preparedness22 was adopted on 11 July 2007. 
Currently work is on-going to prepare a compreh ensive package of measures on these topics by the 
summer of 2009.  
                                                 
20 JLS/D2/2007/05 
21 COM (2006)474 
22 COM(2007)399  
 
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3.2. (k) Development of the 
ATLAS cooperation 
and its legal 
framework Council 2006 • Delayed 
Draft Council Decision (on the basis of an Austrian legi slative initiative proposing to develop the ATLAS 
cooperation and its legal framework) was adopted  at the level of CATS on 6 March 2008. Rapid 
adoption by Council is expected. EP has been consulted and issued its report.  
3.2. (m) 
 Develop public/private 
partnerships to 
improve the 
prevention and the 
fight against terrorism  
 Commission No date A sector-specific public/private partnership wa s launched by a conference held on 28 and 29 November 
2005 on detection and associated technologies. Cooperat ion in the form of public/private partnership is 
also continuing as part of the wo rk on protection of critical infrastr ucture and intensive cooperation is 
expected in the second half of 2006. The conference on security of explosives scheduled for the first half 
of 2006 will also be a sector-specific initiative as part  of a general policy being developed in the field of 
Public/Private Security Dialogue (PPSD). 
– Review and adaptation of EU legislatio n in parallel with measures to be adopt ed in order to combat terrorism  
3.2. (n) Second report based 
on Article 11 of the 
Council Framework 
Decision of 13.6.2002 
on combating 
terrorism (2005) and 
evaluation (2006) Commission 2006 9Achieved 
Adopted as part of the Counter-Terrorism Package on 6 November 200723. The report evaluated the 
implementation of EU 25 and not ed that, although most Member States had implemented the main 
provisions correctly there were some important defici encies to correct in certain national legal systems. 
3.3. PREVENTION OF AND FI GHT AGAINST ORGANISED CRIME  
– Improve the knowledge of organised and serious crime and strengthen the gathering and analysis of information 
3.3. (c) Commission working 
paper on criminal 
intelligence-led law 
enforcement Commission 2005 • Not relevant anymore 
Following examination of the matter, the Commission ev entually considered that this action is no longer 
to be pursued as this is an issue for Member States' action. 
                                                 
23 COM (2007) 650 
 
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3.3. (d) Recommendation for 
a standard 
methodology for 
vulnerability in crime 
proofing  Commission 2007 • Not relevant anymore 
Following examination of the matter, the Commission c onsidered that it is not feasible to identify 
standards in this area applicable across all sectors.  
3.3 (e) Presentation of a 
European crime 
report  2007 • Delayed 
The production of a European Crime Report is consid ered subject to the conclusion of the 2006-2010 
Commission Action Plan to develop an EU Strategy to measure crime and criminal justice24. Essential 
pre-requisites to preparing a crime report are bein g addressed within the context of the work to 
implement the Commission Action Plan. In this light the feasibility of producing a 'credible' EU crime 
report is a priority consideration when the Action Pl an final implementation report is produced in 2010. 
3.3 (f) Organised Crime 
Threat Analysis 
(OCTA) by Europol  Europol As of 2006 9Achieved 
The 2007 OCTA was issued in June 2007. 
– Strengthen prevention of organised crime 
3.3. (g) Crime-proofing of 
legislation and the 
design of crime 
preventive measures 
into products and 
services Commission 2005 • Not relevant anymore 
On the basis of the results of t he 2006 study, the Commission conclud ed that this action was not worth 
being pursued.  
                                                 
24 COM(2006)437 
 
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3.3. (h) Report on the results 
of a study further to 
the Council resolution 
of 2001 on the 
contribution of civil 
society in finding 
missing or sexually 
exploited children Commission 2005 • Not relevant anymore 
This initiative has been overtaken by Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA on sexual exploitation of 
children, Commission Draft Guidelines on child alert system and Communication "Towards an EU 
Strategy on the rights of the child".  
3.3. (i) Action Plan on 
private/public 
partnerships to 
protect public 
organisations and 
private companies 
from organised crime  2006 • Not relevant anymore 
The Action plan has never been approved and after reformulation of the objectives, the European 
Security Research Innovation Forum has been set up.  
3.3. (j) Improving European 
coordination and 
cooperation between 
high-tech crime units 
in Member States, 
and with the private 
sector (cyber crime 
intelligence network) 
including the 
development of a 
European cyber crime 
manual Commission 2006 •  Delayed 
One of the first major steps to follow up on the 2007 Communication on cybercrime was the 
organisation of an expert meeting with representatives  of Member States, Inte rnational organisations 
and private sector in November 2007. An ad hoc gr oup of public and private experts will convene and 
assist the Commission in drafting recommen dations for further cooperation in 2008. 
 
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– Anti-corruption measures 
3.3. (l) Examination of the 
need for codes of 
conduct on ethics and 
integrity for public 
officials  2007 9Achieved 
The issue has been examined by the Commission, which put forward a Communication25 on 5 March 
2008 on Enhancing the environment for professional ethics.  
– Strengthen tools to address financial aspects of organised crime 
3.3. (n) Initiatives to promote 
use of financial 
investigation as a law 
enforcement 
technique and to 
establish common 
minimum training 
standards Commission 2005 to 2007 9Achieved 
A Financial Investigation Steering Group was created on  the initiative of the Commission and Europol to 
implement a European training programme dedicated  to financial investigations. This group meets 
regularly and will have its next meeting in J anuary 2008. A conference was held on 23 March 2006. 
Two series of questionnaires which were sent to the Member States and a study carried out in end of 
2006 were forwarded at the group's meetings. 
3.3. (o) Common set of 
training standards in 
financial investigation 
skills Commission 2005 •  Delayed 
Training standards will be developed by external project partners in 2008, with financial support from 
the Commission. The publication of two handbooks on fi nancial investigation skills is foreseen for 2009. 
3.3. (p) Recommendation for 
a Memorandum of 
Understanding 
regarding feedback 
from financial 
intelligence units to 
reporting bodies on 
suspicious transaction 
reports Commission 2006 •  Delayed 
A preparatory study is being prepared.  The final report is expected in autumn 2008 and is going to be 
presented to the informal EU Financial Intelligence Un its Platform by end 2008 in view of formulating a 
Recommendation 
 
                                                 
25 SEC(2008)301   
 
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3.3. (q) Recommendation 
and/or proposal to 
enhance transparency 
of legal entities to 
reduce vulnerability to 
infiltration by 
organised crime Commission 2006 • Not relevant anymore 
Following careful analysis, the Commission decided that  it was no longer feasible to purse this action. 
3.3. (r) Promotion of the 
establishment of 
criminal asset 
intelligence units in 
EU Member States Commission/ 
Council Continuous The Commission is continuous ly promoting the establishment of such a unit, via the organisation of 
expert meetings. The Commission plans the adoption of  a Communication on criminal assets in 2008. 
– Improve legislation and review existi ng legal instruments where needed  
3.3. (a) Adoption of a 
framework decision 
on participation in a 
criminal organisation  2006 • Delayed 
A political agreement was reached in April 2006, but due to a parliamentary reservation formal adoption 
has not yet taken place 
 
3.3. (d) Review and, where 
appropriate further 
development of 
present legislation on 
trafficking in human 
beings, for example in 
order to facilitate 
public-private 
cooperation, EU-wide 
coordination and the 
involvement of 
Europol Commission 2006 9Achieved 
On 2 May 2006, the Commission adopted the Impl ementation Report concerning the Council 
Framework Decision on combating trafficking in human beings26. A Commission deci sion regarding 
setting up a new Group of Experts on trafficking human beings was adopted on 17 October 200727. The 
deadline for the call for applications for the group is 15 February 2008 and the group is expected to be 
operational by the 2nd quarter of 2008.  
Legislation activities in the area of trafficking in human beings will be considered in due time 
 
                                                 
26 COM (2006) 187 final. 
 
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3.3. (e) Review and, if 
necessary, further 
development of the 
legal framework 
preventing and 
combating trafficking 
in human organs, 
tissues and cells Commission 2006 9Achieved 
In the Communication on organ donation28, the Commission took the commitment to monitor the 
situation of organ trafficking. For this purpose, a study on the assessment of different types of 
trafficking, including organ trafficking has been commissioned and the final report will be available early 
2009. The Implementation Report of the EU Action plan on trafficking in human beings will be issued by 
the Commission during 2008, and will look into new proposals for the updating of the Action Plan. The 
Commission is also considering the possibility to revise EU legislation on trafficking 
 
3.3. (h) On the basis of the 
study, proposal for 
legislation in criminal 
matters, in the field of 
organised crime 
related to fiscal fraud 
or on standards and 
best practices for the 
purpose of improving 
law enforcement 
cooperation Commission 2007 • Not relevant anymore 
Two public procurement calls for comparative st udies were launched in 2005 and 2007. In both 
occasions all tenders did not reach the minimum sco re and COM decided not to award the contract.  
3.3. (i) Proposal on identity 
theft and identity 
management 
measures Commission 2007 • Delayed 
A comparative study to evaluate the need for instrument s to combat organised crime activities related to 
identity theft in the EU Member States29 was commissioned in 2007. The results are expected in 2008.  
3.3. (j) Examination of the 
initiative on combating 
fraud in public tenders Commission 2006 • Not relevant anymore 
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
27 (OJ L 277, 20.10.2007, p. 29) 
28 COM(2007)275 
29 JLS/D2/2007/05 
 
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– Improving monitoring and evaluation 
3.3. (p) Report on the 
implementation of the 
framework Decision 
on Confiscation of 
Crime-Related 
Proceeds, 
Instrumentalities and 
Properties  Commission 2007 9Achieved 
The first Report, according to Article 6 of Framework Decision 2005/212/JHA was published on 17 
December 200730. (Almost) full implementation has bee n confirmed for 10 Member States.  
3.3. (q) Evaluation regarding 
Member States' 
implementation of 
customs cooperation 
(Naples II 
Convention) including 
the ratification status Council 2007 • Postponed 2008 
Ongoing work is based on a project group establis hed by the Customs Cooperation Working Party 
(ISEC funding).  
3.4. POLICE AND CUSTOMS COOPERATION 
3.4. (a) Implementation and 
evaluation of the work 
programme 
concerning customs 
cooperation approved 
by the JHA Council on 
30 March 2004 
following the Council 
Resolution of 2 
October 2003 on a 
strategy for customs 
coop Council 2004 to 2006 9Achieved 
The report on 2004/200631 was presented in 2007. 
                                                 
30 (COM(2007) 805 final)  
31 5674/07 ENFOCUSTOM 13 
 
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3.4 (b) Communication on 
the fight against illicit 
cross-border 
trafficking in restricted 
or prohibited goods  Commission 2007 •  Not relevant anymore 
Following careful analysis, the Commission decided that  it was no longer feasible to purse this action. 
– Improvement of law enforcement cooperation and development of the Schengen acquis in respect of cross-border operational law en forcement cooperation 
3.4. (e) Communication and 
proposal for a 
Directive on improved 
transport safety and increased security 
through the creation 
of an area of police 
and judicial 
cooperation on the 
trans-European 
transport networks  Commission 2005 • Not relevant anymore 
Please refer to 4.2 (d).  
– Systematic exchange programmes for law enforcement officers' authorities 
3.4. (j ) Evaluation of CEPOL 
(2006) and, if 
appropriate, further development  Commission 2006 • Delayed 
An evaluation within the framework of the new general evaluation mechanism may be considered. 
Council Decision 2005/681/JHA establishes that an independent evaluation will take place within 5 
years of the taking effect  of that decision.  
–  Improvement of operational cooperation  
3.4. (k) Development of a 
common methodology 
and setting up of 
short-duration joint 
customs and police 
operations and/or 
multidisciplinary joint 
teams Commission Ongoing Discussions on possible actions in this field have been discussed in 2006 and 2007 within the Council 
Customs Cooperation working group and the Police Cooperation working group. 
 
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3.4. (l) Elaboration of 
minimum standards 
for the cross-border 
use of investigation 
techniques Commission 2006 • Delayed 
An expert meeting to examine this question was organised in November 2005. The Commission has 
supported a German initiative regarding cross-border  investigations. Discussions in Council working 
groups have taken place with a view to making investigation techniques  the subject of the 5th round of 
mutual evaluations. 
3.4 (n) Improvement of 
European cooperation 
between anti-
corruption authorities 
and examination of 
the setting up of a 
network between anti-
corruption authorities 
(including police, 
judicial, prosecutorial 
and customs)   2007 • Postponed to 2008 
The German initiative has been debated in the Euro pean Parliament (LIBE) since October 2007. The 
Commission has been asked to provide comments. Adoption by Council on a German initiative for a 
European anti-corruption network is expected in 2008. 
3.4. (p) Definition of the role 
of the security committee (COSI) Council 2006 • Delayed 
There is no legal basis under the current  Treaties related to this action. 
3.4. (q) Review and, where 
appropriate, further 
development of the 
customs IT systems Council Ongoing Preparatory work is ongoing. The Commission will launch a pilot phase in 2008 concerning the FIDE 
(Fichier d'identification des dossiers des enquêtes douanières ) system. 
3.4. (r) Implement the 
conclusions of the 
Council of 19 
November 2004 
related to the fight 
against organised crime in the Western 
Balkans Council Ongoing The work to strengthen law enforcement cooper ation in Western Balkans, with SECI as an important 
tool, is continuing. The new SECI Convention, which will enable to SECI to cooperate closer with 
Europol, is being finalised, and is foreseen for adopt ion under by June 2008. SECI is also meant to 
perform an Organised Crime Threat Assessment for Western Balkans. 
 
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3.5. MANAGEMENT OF CRISIS WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION 
3.5 (c) Council Decision 
creating a critical 
infrastructure warning 
information network 
(CIWIN)  Council 2005 • Delayed  
The adoption of such a Decision is expected in t he third quarter of 2008. A prototype system was 
delivered in January 2008 and presented to Member States. 
3.6. GENERAL CRIME PREVENTION 
3.6 (b) Establishment of 
European instruments 
for collecting, 
analysing and 
comparing information 
on crime and 
victimisation and their 
respective trends in 
MSs, using national 
statistics and other 
sources of information 
as agreed indicators Commission No date The Expert group on policy needs of data on cr ime and criminal justice, set up in 2006, met twice in 
2007. Two sub-groups examined the areas of Hum an Trafficking and Money-Laundering and produced 
Working papers. Funding has been sub-delegated to Eu rostat to fund the pilot phase of the EU Crime 
Victimisation Survey (15 Member States' applications to participat e received). A 2007 procurement 
contract has been awarded to develop an EU system  for the classification of crimes and criminal 
offences. 
4. STRENGTHENING  JUSTICE 
4.1. CONFIDENCE-BUILDING AND MUTUAL TRUST 
4.1. (a) Systematic, objective 
and impartial 
evaluation of the 
implementation of the 
EU policies in the field 
of justice with a view 
to reinforc ing mutual 
trust while fully 
respecting the 
independence of the 
judiciary  Commission 2006 • Delayed  
A systematic evaluation of the implement ation of the EU policies in the fiel d of justice is still not in place; 
however, several sectoral evaluations have already been carried out. Moreover, a Commission 
Communication on the creation of a Forum for discuss ing EU justice policies and practice has 
been adopted  on 4 February 2008. The Forum will gather together practitioners, academics and 
representatives of justic e administrations to provide the Commission with feedback and input for the 
evaluation mechanism. 
 
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4.1. (c) Creation, from the 
existing structures, of 
an effective European 
training network for 
judicial authorities for 
both civil and criminal 
matters   2007 9Achieved 
The European Judicial Training Network (EJTN) was set up in 2002 on the basis of an existing informal 
agreement and was in 2006 formally established in accordance with Belgian law.  
4.1. (d) EU workshops to 
promote cooperation 
between members of 
the legal professions 
with a view to 
establishing best 
practices  2006 9Achieved 
The workshops are provided on a regular basis by ERA and the EJTN 
4.2. JUDICIAL COOPERATION IN CRIMINAL MATTERS  
– Pursuing the implementation of the mutual recognition principle 
4.2. (e) Communication on 
the creation of an 
index of non-EU 
nationals convicted in 
an EU Member State 
(2005) and legislative 
proposal (2006)  Commission 2005 • Delayed 
On 4 July 2006, the Commission adopted a Working Do cument on the feasibility of an index of third-
country nationals convicted in the European Union. Following an orientation debate held in March 2008 
at the Council, the Commission will further examine t he practical aspects of such an index, including the 
types of data it should contain and the related co st implications, before presenting a legislative 
proposal.  
 
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4.2. (i) Reports on the 
implementation of the 
Framework Decision 
on the European 
arrest warrant and the 
surrender procedures 
between Member 
States32 Commission/ 
Council 2005/ 2006 9Achieved 
The second report on the implementation of the Fr amework Decision was adopted on 11 July 2007. 
4.2. (k) Proposal on driving 
disqualifications Commission 2006 • Delayed 
The need for this measure is under review. 
4.2. (l) Report on the 
implementation of the 
framework decision of 
22 July 2003 on the 
execution in the EU of 
orders freezing 
property or evidence33 Commission 2006  • Postponed to 2008 
As of January 2008, only 18 Member States ha ve sent their national implementing laws to the 
Commission and Council. The report will be adopted la ter in 2008 once all Member States will have 
provided their input.  
                                                 
32 Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA of 13 June 2002 on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between Me mber States - Statements made by 
certain Member States on the ad option of the Framework Decision,  OJ L 190, 18.07.2002, p. 1. 
33 Council Framework Decision  2003/577/JHA of 22 Ju ly 2003 on the execution in the European  Union of orders freezing property or evidence, Official Journal L 196, 
02/08/2003 P. 0045 – 0055. 
 
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4.2. (m) Report on the 
implementation of the 
framework decision 
on the application of 
the principle of mutual 
recognition to 
financial penalties  2007 • Delayed 
As of January 2008, only 5 Member States have sent their national implementation laws to the 
Commission and Council. The report will be adopted onc e all Member States will have provided their 
input  
4.2. (n) Proposal on 
recognition and 
execution of 
alternative sanctions 
and on suspended 
sentences  2007 9Achieved 
The proposal34 was put forward on 12 January 2007 A political agreement on the Framework Decision 
on the recognition of judgments and probation decisio ns with a view to the supervision of probation 
measures and alternative sanctions was reached at the December 2007 JHA Council. Formal adoption 
is still pending.  
4.2. (o) Proposal completing 
the European 
Evidence Warrant  2007 • Delayed 
The need for this measure is under review.  
– Approximation 
4.2. (c) Second report on the 
implementation of the 
framework decision of 
15 March 2001 on the standing of victims in 
criminal proceedings Commission 2005 • Postponed to 2008 
The second and third reports will be amalgamated in to a consolidated report to be adopted in 2008. 
4.2. (d) Third report on the 
framework decision of 
15 March 2001 on the 
standing of victims in 
criminal proceedings Commission 2006 • Delayed 
Refer to 4.2 (c) above. 
                                                 
34 Initiative of the Federal Republic of Germany and of the French  Republic with a view to adop ting a Council Framework Decision on the recognition and supervision of 
suspended sentences, alternative sanctions and conditional sentences (5325/07 COPEN 7)  
 
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4.2. (e) Proposal on conflicts 
of jurisdiction and the 
ne bis in idem 
principle Commission 2006 • Delayed 
The need for this measure is under review. 
4.2. (f) Green Paper on 
handling of evidence Commission 2006 • Delayed  
The need for this measure is under review. 
4.2. (g) Green Paper on 
default (in absentia) 
judgments Commission 2006 • Not relevant anymore 
This measure has been superseded by a proposal for a Framework Decision on the subject presented 
by the Slovenian Presidency beginning 2008. 
4.2. (h) Proposal on minimum 
standards relating to 
the taking of evidence 
with a view to mutual admissibility Commission  2007 • Delayed 
The need for this measure is under review.  
4.2. (i) Proposal on default 
(in absentia) 
judgments Commission  2007 • Not relevant anymore 
Refer to 4.2 (g) above.  
4.2. (k) Analysis of minimum 
standards in pre-trial 
detention procedures 
and the routines for 
regular review of the 
grounds for detention Commission 2007 • Postponed 2008 
A study has been launched on the matter; results will be ready end 2008. 
– Other instruments in the field of judicial cooperation in criminal matters 
4.2. (a) Recommendation on 
minimum standards 
for capturing and 
exchanging electronic 
evidence  Commission 2006 • Delayed   
The need for this measure is under review. 
 
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4.2. (b) Proposal on the wilful 
destruction of 
documentary 
evidence  2007 • Delayed 
The need for this measure is under review.  
4.2. (c) Proposal on the 
protection of 
witnesses and 
collaborators with 
justice  2007 • Not relevant anymore 
In the light of the Impact Assessment  procedure in 2007, the conclusion was reached that at present it 
is not advisable to proceed with legislation at EU level. The 'Commission Working Document on the 
feasibility of EU legislation in t he area of protection of witnesses and collaborators with justice' 35of 13 
November 2007 sets out the state of play on legislat ion and general practice at national, European and 
international level. This is followed by an analysis  of problems, objectives and possible policy options. It 
also outlines the key issues which need to be discu ssed in more depth before possibly leading to a 
harmonised European system for the protection of witnesses.  
4.2. (d) Initiative to facilitate 
the prosecution of 
road traffic offences Commission/ 
Member States 2005 9Achieved 
On 19 March 2008 the Commission adopted a proposal36 for a Directive aimed at facilitating the cross-
border enforcement of traffic offences through techni cal measures which will enable EU drivers to be 
identified and thus sanctioned for offences committ ed in a Member State other  than the one where the 
vehicle is registered. The proposal seeks to make it easier within the EU to deal with cross-border 
offences by setting up a European network for the electronic exchange of data.   
4.2. (f) Further development 
of the European 
Judicial Network in 
criminal matters  Commission Ongoing In January 2008, 14 Member States issued an initiative for a Council Decision on the European Judicial 
Network. This initiative is currently being discussed in Council.  
 
                                                 
35 (COM(2007)693 final  
36 COM(2008)151  
 
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– Eurojust 
4.2. (g) Second report on the 
legal transposition of 
the Council Decision 
of 28 February 2002 
setting up Eurojust Commission 2005 9Achieved 
The Commission report was included in the Communication37 on the future of Eurojust adopted on 23 
October 2007. 
– International Legal Order 
4.2. (j) Active involvement of 
the activities of the 
Council of 
Europe and other 
international 
organisations 
and forums (G8, UN, 
OECD, OSCE, FATF) 
in criminal matters Council/ 
Commission 2005 to 
2009 Commission and Council representatives regularly attend meetings organised by international bodies in 
this area. 
4.2. (k) Examination of the 
case for agreements 
between the EU and 
third countries on 
mutual legal assistance Council/ 
Commission 2005 to 2009 An agreement is being discussed with Liechtenstein 
                                                 
37 (COM(2007) 644) 
 
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4.2. (l) Proposal on the 
conclusion and on the 
signature of the 
Council of Europe 
Convention against 
money laundering and 
terrorist financing 
(Warsaw Convention) 
on behalf of the EC Commission/ 
Council 2005/ 2006 • Delayed 
The proposal is not progressing in Council owi ng to disagreements between Member States. 
4.2. (o) Proposal on 
conclusion of the 
United Nations 
Protocol against the 
illicit manufacturing of 
the trafficking in 
firearms, their parts 
and components, and 
ammunition on behalf 
of the EC  2007 • Delayed 
This action needs to await the implementation of rele vant EC legislation, notably the Directive 91/577 
and the Regulation on an export/import licensing system.  
4.3. JUDICIAL COOPERATION IN CIVIL MATTERS 
– Mutual recognition of decisions and elimination of  obstacles to the proper functioning of proceedings 
4.3. (f) Adoption of the Rome 
II proposal on 
conflicts of laws 
regarding non-
contractual 
obligations Council/ 
European 
Parliament 2006 9Achieved 
Regulation (EC) N° 864/2007 of the European Pa rliament and of the Council on the law applicable to 
non-contractual obligations (Rome II) was adopted on 11 July 2007. 
 
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4.3. (h) Adoption of a directive 
on certain aspects of 
mediation in civil and 
commercial matters  Council/ 
European 
Parliament 2006 9Achieved 
On 8-9 November 2007, the JHA Council reached a pol itical agreement on the dra ft mediation directive. 
The Council has adopted a common position at the JHA Council of 28 February 2008. The Commission 
is due to adopt its Communication on the Common Posi tion by the beginning of March 2008. Following 
its adoption by the JHA Council, the text will be transmitted to the European Parliament for second 
reading. Due to the compromise reached between the in stitutions in October 2007, it is expected that 
the European Parliament will not vote any second  reading amendments. Accordingly, the Mediation 
Directive will most likely be adopted before end June 2008. 
4.3 (j) Green Paper(s) on 
the effective 
enforcement of 
judicial decisions Commission 2006 to 2007 9Achieved 
On 24 October 2006, the Commission adopted a Gree n Paper on Improving the efficiency of the 
enforcement of judgements in the European  Union: the attachment of bank accounts38. The second 
Green Paper on the effective enforcement of judgmen ts in the European Union: the transparency of 
debtors' assets, already foreseen in December 2007,  has been adopted on the 6th March 200839. 
Comments of stakeholders are ex pected until 30 September 2008. 
4.3. (l) Evaluation of the 
possibility of 
completing the 
abolition of exequatur 
(2006 to 2010), and 
legislative proposals if 
appropriate  Commission 2006 to 2010 After the adoption of the report on the applic ation of the Brussels I Regulation, foreseen in 2007, the  
adoption of a legislative proposal on the modificati on of the Brussels I Regulation aiming at the 
complete abolition of exequatur is foreseen end 2009.  
                                                 
38 (COM (2006) 618 final) 
39 COM (2008) 128 final 
 
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– Enhancing cooperation  
4.3. (n) Report on the 
functioning of the 
European Judicial 
Network (EJN) in civil 
and commercial 
matters (2005) and 
amendment proposal, 
if appropriate Commission 2005/ 2006 9Achieved 
The report on the functioning of  the EJN was adopted on 16/05/0640. Based on this report, an amended 
proposal is planned for the second quarter of 2008. 
4.3. (o) Continued 
development of the 
European Judicial 
Network in civil 
matters and of the 
databases on case-
law relating to 
European instruments  Continuous The annual general meeting 2007 was held on January 2008. Because of the late adoption of the 
financial Programme "Civil Justice" and the consequent lack of financial means in 2007 only one 
meeting of the contact points was organised five meetings of the contact points and 1 annual meeting 
are scheduled in 2008. The Internet site is upd ated continuously. A database on the Brussels I and 
Brussels II Regulations has been put on line in February 2008. 
4.3. (p) 
 Constant updating 
and improvement of 
the European Judicial 
Atlas  Continuous New contract for maintena nce of the Atlas was signed in 2007. 
4.3. (q) EU support for 
networks of judicial 
organisations and 
institutions  Continuous Contacts and collaboration are being maintain ed with different networks (European Training Network, 
Network of Presidents of the Supreme Courts, Inte rnational Conference of Civ il Status, European Union 
of Rechtspfleger). 
                                                 
40 (COM (2006) 203 final) 
 
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4.3. (s) Annual European day 
of civil justice  Continuous In 2003 the European Commission and the Council of Europe launched the “European Civil Justice 
Day”, held on 25 October each year, to bring civil justic e truly within the reach of European citizens. It is 
an opportunity for citizens to familiarise themselves  with civil justice, thereby affording them easier 
access to it. The Commission participates in different events all over Europe. The “Crystal Scales of 
Justice” prize is organized on a biennial basis.  The call for application for 2008 has been launched on 
22 February 2008. Deadline for applications is 1st June 2008. 
4.3. (r) EU workshops to 
promote cooperation 
between members of 
the legal professions 
with a view to 
identifying best 
practice Commission 2006 • Delayed 
The late adoption of the fin ancial programme Civil Justice41 and of the relevant Work Programme has 
prevented the Commission from organizing these workshops. 
– Follow up of implementation of acts adopted 
4.3 (t) Report on he 
functioning of 
regulation (EC) No 
1206/2001 on the 
taking of evidence 
and amendment 
proposal, if 
appropriate  Commission 2007 9Achieved 
The report of the Commission has been adopted on 5 December 200742 final (see also point 4.3. mutual 
recognition scoreboard table 2) 
4.3. (u) Report on the 
functioning of the 
Brussels I Regulation 
(2007) and 
amendment proposal, 
if appropriate  Commission 2007 9Achieved 
The report will evaluate the application of Regulation Brussels I in order to highlight problems in the 
application and ways in which the op eration of the Regulation may be improved. Its adoption is foreseen 
2nd quarter 2008. 
                                                 
41 Decision N° 1149/2007/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 September 2007 
42 COM(2007) 769  
 
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– Ensuring consistency 
4.3. (w) Final research report 
including a draft 
common frame of 
reference in the field 
of European contract 
law Commission 2007 9Achieved 
The Common Frame of Reference (CFR) work on consum er contract law issues has - together with the 
results of other preparatory work - served as a starting point for the Green Paper on the acquis review 
that the Commission adopted on 7 February 2007.  
In December 2007, the Draft (CFR) prepared by the Study Group on a European Civil Code and the 
Research Group on EC Private Law (Acquis Group) was delivered to the Commission. On 21 January 
2008, it was presented in the European Parliament. 
– International legal order  
4.3. (e) Conclusion of 
negotiations on the 
Convention on 
maintenance 
obligations Commission 2007 9Achieved 
The XXI Plenary (Diplomatic) Session of the Hague Conference on Private International Law met from 
the 5-22 November 2007. The main agenda points of the Conference were the finalization of the 
negotiations of two intern ational instruments, the Convention on the International Recovery of Child 
Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenanc e and the Protocol on the Law Applicable to 
Maintenance Obligations . The compromise worked out in the negotiations on both texts can be 
assessed as reasonable and consequently the Commu nity can be satisfied with the results. The 
European Community was participating at this Diplomatic session for the first time in its capacity as a 
Member of the Conference . 
4.3. (f) Ratification of the 
1996 Hague 
Convention on Jurisdiction, 
Applicable Law, 
Recognition, 
Enforcement and 
Cooperation in 
respect of Parental 
Responsibility and 
Measures for the 
Protection of Children Commission 2007 9Achieved 
Refer to point 4.3 (e) above. 
 
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4.3. (g) Continuation of 
negotiations and 
conclusion of 
international 
agreements relating 
to judicial cooperation 
in civil matters. Commission 2007/2008 9Achieved  
Various actions have been accomplished - 1) Proposal for a Decision of the Council concerning the 
signature, on behalf of the Comm unity, of the Convention on Choice of Court Agreements of 30 June 
2005 to be adopted by the Commission in June 2008;  2) The new Lugano Convention on jurisdiction, 
recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters concluded by the Community 
and Norway, Iceland and Switzerland was signed on 30 October 2007. The Commission's proposal on 
the ratification of the Convention by the Community has been adopted on 29 February 2008; 3)A 
mechanism to allow MS to conclude bilateral agreements with third States where exclusive external 
competence of the Community exists will be proposed by the Commission during 2008.