The Commission's work programme for 1999 - The policy priorities
Date: 1998-10-28
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU activity, EU policy, European Commission, European Union, European integration

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I

(Information)

COMMISSION

THE  COMMISSION’S  WORK  PROGRAMME  FOR  1999

THE  POLICY  PRIORITIES

COM(1998)  604  final

(98/C  366/01)

1.  PUTTING  AGENDA  2000  INTO  EFFECT  IN  1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reforming  the  structural  policies  and  the  CAP.  Defining  the  new  financial  framework  for  2000
to  2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Preparing  for  enlargement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.  IMPLEMENTING  THE  TREATY  OF  AMSTERDAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A  new  integrated  strategy  for  employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

An  area  of  freedom,  security  and  justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Environmental  protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Health  and  consumer  protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A  new  stage  in  institutional  reform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.  ENSURING  THAT  EMU  IS  A  SUCCESS  AND  CREATING  THE  PRECONDITIONS  FOR
SUSTAINABLE  GROWTH  AND  EMPLOYMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Changeover  to  the  euro  and  the  macroeconomic  environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Operation  of  the  single  market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Competition  policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Trans-European  networks  and  transport  policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Research,  innovation  and  the  information  society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Small  and  medium-sized  enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fisheries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.  A  STRONG  EUROPE,  OPEN  TO  THE  WORLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.  THE  COMMISSION:  A  MODERN,  EFFICIENT  INSTITUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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The  objectives  of  this  Commission

Continuing  the  line  of  previous  programmes,  the  Commission’s  work  programme  for  1999
should  be  an  opportunity  both  to  pursue  the  consolidation  of  recent  progress  in  European
integration  and  the  preparations  for  the  21st  century.  This  work  programme  is  wholly
consistent  with  the  European  Union’s  political  objectives  that  the  Commission  has  been
constantly  striving  to  attain  since  the  start  of  its  term  of  office:

—  a  strong  economy  capable  of  creating  more  jobs,

—  a  stable  economic  and  monetary  union,

—  increased  economic,  social  and  regional  solidarity,

—  greater  security  within  the  European  Union,

—  transparent,  efficient  management  of  European  affairs  at  the  service  of  its  citizens,  and

—  being  a  strong  and  reliable  partner  in  the  international  arena.

This  Commission’s  term  of  office  has  already  seen  advances  in  all  these  fields  in  order  to
prepare  for  the  future  with  the  necessary  confidence  and  assets.  1999  will  see  these  efforts,
which  the  Commission  has  been  pursuing  ever  since  taking  office  in  1995,  brought  to
fruition.

The  fundamental  challenges

These  objectives,  both  long-  and  short-term,  were  set  against  the  backdrop  of  the  fundamental
challenges  confronting  the  European  Union  in  a  changing  world.

One  of  these  challenges  is  that  of  globalisation,  bringing  growing  interdependence,  global
circulation of information and the emergence of a worldwide market for trade and production.
The speed of these changes and their far-reaching impact offer enormous potential but also raise
social  and  economic  problems  which  particularly  affect  the  weakest  and  least  mobile  groups.
Concerted  regulatory  efforts  will  have  to  be  made  in  order  to  limit  the  negative  effects  of  this
phenomenon.

Another  challenge  is  that  of  international  instability,  typified  by  financial  crises  with  serious
political and social repercussions, the persistence of ethnic and territorial conflicts and violations
of  democracy  and  human  rights.  The  growth 
international
drug-smuggling  rings  is  also  contributing  to  this  instability.

in  organised  crime  and 

Technological and demographic changes are two other major challenges. Technological progress
is  an  essential  factor  for  competitiveness  and  employment,  but  must  nevertheless  be
accompanied  by  action  on  training  and  work  organisation.  Demography  brings  both  internal
and  external  challenges:  at  European  level,  the  ageing  of  the  population  is  already  affecting
welfare  systems  and,  globally,  the  combination  of  population  growth  and  developmental
difficulties  is  creating  greater  migratory  pressures.

The  increase  in  needs  that  must  be  satisfied,  growing  industrialisation,  food  hazards  and  the
rapid  degradation  of  the  natural  environment  require  a  strategy  of  sustainable  development,
involving  balanced  resource  management,  to  be  defined  and  implemented.

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Citizens  expect  effective  responses  that  will  tackle  these  issues  haead  on,  mobilising  all  the
players  at  the  appropriate  level,  i.e.  European,  national,  regional  and  local.  This  ambitious
undertaking  cannot  achieve  the  desired  results  without  grass-roots  participation  and  public
confidence  in  the  democratic  model.  It  is  the  task  of  the  institutions  to  improve  the  dialogue
with  the  general  public  on  what  European  integration  is  about,  in  the  spirit  of  the  Cardiff
European  Council.

The  Commission  will  continue  to  play  its  full  role  in  1999  to  help  address  these  fundamental
challenges. It will do so while fully respecting the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality,
which  require  collective  discipline  on  the  part  of  all  the  institutions  and  the  Member  States.

The  main  priorities  for  1999

The  Commission’s  main  priorities  for  1999  fall  within  this  framework  of  consolidation  of  the
present  and  preparation  for  the  future.

—  For more than 10 years, the Commission has been using a new method to give the necessary
impetus  to  European  integration.  The  pace  has  been  set  by  general  decisions  covering  all
Community  policies  which  have  then  actually  been  implemented  over  the  course  of  several
years. This method was used with Agenda 2000. The Commission considers it essential that
all  the  measures  of  Agenda  2000  should  be  adopted  in  spring  1999.  The  measures  are
interdependent  and  form  an  indivisible  whole;  they  are  concerned  with  reforming  the  EU’s
policies,  defining  the  future  financial  framework  and  preparing  for  enlargement.  Without
them  it  will  be  difficult  to  respond  effectively  to  the  challenges  of  enlargement,

—  The  Treaty  of  Amsterdam  represents  a  new  stage  in  European  integration.  It  should  be
implemented  in  1999  as  soon  as  it  is  ratified.  New  possibilities  will  thus  be  opened  up  in
fields  where  EU  action  can  provide  real  added-value,  in  particular  the  areas  of  freedom,
security and justice, sustainable development, employment and social policy, health, and the
common  foreign  and  security  policy.

However,  as  it  said  when  it  presented  Agenda  2000,  the  Commission  believes  that  the
debate  on  institutional  reform  must  be  carried  forward  in  1999,  particularly  as  regards  the
composition  of  the  Commission,  the  re-weighting  of  votes  in  the  Council  and  a  new
extension  of  qualified-majority  voting,  reforms  which  must  be  in  place  in  time  for  the  next
enlargement. The Commission will contribute to this debate in 1999 with a communication
on the guidelines for institutional reform. However, if the institutions are to serve the Union
and  its  citizens  better,  it  is  important  not  to  ignore  other  measures  which  can  be  taken
without  any  amendment  of  the  Treaty,

—  In 1999, the introduction of the euro will increase the impact that the single market and the

other  policies  can  have  on  sustainable,  job-creating  growth.

The  success  of  economic  and  monetary  union  will  involve  further  European  integration  as
well  as  increased  convergence  of  economic  and  employment  policies  backed  by  better
coordination  of  tax policies. With increasing globalisation, the euro will give Europe a new
place  in  international  relations,  bringing  with  it  the  need  for  greater  coherence  in  the

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Union’s  foreign  policy.  This  need  for  coherence  has  already  been  partially  met  in  the
provisions  of  the  Treaty  of  Amsterdam  on  the  common  foreign  and  security  policy,  which
should  be  rapidly  implemented,

—  The Commission will seek to promote the Union’s capacity to act as a more visible, unified

and  coherent,  and  hence  stronger,  entity  on  the  international  scene.

The  Commission  will  continue  to  deepen  the  Union’s  relations  with  its  partners.  It  will
ensure  in  particular  that  support  for  developing  countries  and  countries  in  transition,  and
for  regional  integration  processes,  is  continued.  Furthermore,  the  Commission  will  seek  to
promote  the  Union’s  trade  interests,  particularly  in  the  new  round  of  WTO  negotiations,

—  The  Commission  must  modernise,  adapt  its  structures,  rethink  its  working  methods,
its
decentralise,  assign  responsibilities,  control  matters  more  closely  and  simplify 
management,  so  that  it  can  play  an  effective  role  in  achieving  the  EU’s  political  goals,  in
particular  by  identifying  where  the  general  Community  interest  lies  and  exercising  its  right
of initiative. Its means of action must not lag behind its ambitions, otherwise it runs the risk
of  failing  to  deliver  on  the  public’s  expectations.  Much  is  also  expected  in  terms  of  the
policy  management  role  it  has  been  given  and  to  which  it  devotes  a  substantial  part  of  its
attention.  The  Commission  is  committed  to  taking  the  first  practical  steps  in  this  matter  in
1999,  but  it  would  also  stress  the  need  for  the  other  institutions  to  undertake  internal
reforms  at  the  same  time,  so  as  to  guarantee  the  coherence  and  efficiency  of  the  whole.

As regards the budget, 1999 will have particular importance because it will mark the end of the
financial  perspective  agreed  in  Edinburgh  in  1992  and  will  lay  the  foundations  for  the  new
funding  period.  The  1999  preliminary  draft  budget  approved  by  the  Commission  is  again
characterised by the austerity prevailing in the Member States. The compatibility of the political
and  budget  priorities  will  be  the  yardstick  for  evaluating  the  coherence  of  the  Commission’s
activities  in  1999.

1.  PUTTING  AGENDA  2000  INTO  EFFECT  IN  1999

Reforming  the  structural  policies  and  the  CAP.  Defining
the  new  financial  framework  for  2000  to  2006

Structural  action  is  an  important  tool  for  stimulating
growth  and  employment  and  contributing 
the
fundamental  objective  of  economic  and  social  cohesion
within the European Union. The budget priority given to
structural  action  in  1999  will  respect  the  multiannual
budget  set  at  the  Edinburgh  European  Council.

to 

the  conclusion  of  a  new 

The  adoption  of  proposals  for  reform  of  the  Structural
interinstitutional
Funds, 
agreement  and 
financial
perspective  for  2000  to  2006  will  open  the  way  to  the
new  programming  period  for  the  Union’s  structural
action. These stages must be completed in the first half of

the  establishment  of 

the 

1999  so  that  the  next  intervention  period  can  commence
and  the  cohesion  effort  can  continue  smoothly.  In  the
spring  of  1999  the  Commission  will  accordingly  set  its
priorities  for  intervention  under  the  various  objectives  of
the  structural  policies.  The  Commission’s  report  on  the
functioning  of  the  system  of  own  resources  to  be
presented  in  October  1998  will  contribute  to  the  debate
financial
to 
leading 
framework.

the  definition  of 

the  new 

In  the  CAP,  priority  objectives  for  future  action  have
been  proposed  under  Agenda  2000,  with  the  particular
goal  of 
internal  and
external markets while pursuing the fundamental aims of
this  common  policy.

improving  competitiveness 

in 

1999  will  be  a  transitional  year  between  the  current
agricultural  policy  and  the  introduction  of  the  planned

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reforms.  As  far  as  the  budget  is  concerned,  agricultural
expenditure in 1999 will be maintained at the 1998 level,
reflecting  the  stabilising  effects  of  the  1992  CAP  reform
and  the  improvement  of  the  procedures  and  methods  for
forecasting  actual  requirements.

The  Commission  will  also  pay  particular  attention  to
improving  and  intensifying  relations  with  Turkey.  It  is
important  that  the  European  strategy  for  Turkey  should
be put into effect, in accordance with the decisions of the
Cardiff  European  Council.

In 1999, the emphasis will be on improving the quality of
food products in response to consumer demands. A series
of initiatives in the veterinary and phytosanitary field are
also  planned  in  order  to  increase  the  level  of  protection
and  control,  and  to  simplify  the  existing  legislation.
Furthermore,  the  debate  on  the  Union’s  forestry  strategy
launched  at  the  end  of  1998  should  lead  to  practical
initiatives  in  1999.

The  Commission  will  also  prepare  for  the  international
agricultural  negotiations  in  the  next  WTO  round,  which
should  start  in  2000.  Once  the  Agenda  2000  measures
are  adopted,  they  will  form  a  solid  basis  for  the
Community  in  these  negotiations.

Preparing  for  enlargement

Continuing  to  strengthen 
links  with  the  associated
countries  and  preparing  for  accession  is  one  of  the
Commission’s  top  political  priorities  for  1999.

This  process  will  involve  ever  closer  cooperation  on  the
pre-accession  strategy,  not  just  by  providing  assistance
implementing  accession  partnerships  but  also
and 
through  association  of  the  applicant  countries  with
Community  programmes  and  the  work  of  certain
Community agencies and bodies, under arrangements still
to  be  determined.

Accession  negotiations  with  the  first  group  of  countries
(currently  five  Central  and  East  European  countries,
Slovenia,  the  Czech  Republic,  Poland,  Hungary  and
Estonia,  plus  Cyprus)  will  be  conducted  on  the  basis  of
the  detailed  assessment  of  the  acquis.  Account  will  also
be  taken  of  the  conclusions  of  the  Vienna  European
Council. At the same time, efforts must be made to find a
comprehensive  political  solution  to  Cyprus’s  problem.

Regarding Malta, the Council will decide on the response
to  be  given  to  that  country’s  decision  to  reactivate  its
application  on  the  basis  of  an  updated  version  of  the
Commission’s  opinion  of  1993.

Cooperation  with  the  countries  of  Central  and  Eastern
Europe  through  the  PHARE  programme,  has  been
confirmed  as  one  of  the  two  main  budget  priorities  for
external  action  in  1999.

2.  IMPLEMENTING  THE  TREATY  OF  AMSTERDAM

A  new  integrated  strategy  for  employment

The  new  coordinated  employment  strategy  provided  for
by  the  Amsterdam  Treaty,  which  has  been  brought  into
effect by the Heads of State or Government in advance of
Treaty  ratification,  is  a  major  priority.  The  1999  joint
report  will  present  the  first  set  of  evaluation  results  and
will  underpin  the  proposals  for  employment  guidelines
for 2000. The Commission may also, in accordance with
the new Treaty priorities, submit recommendations to the
Member  States  in  the  light  of  the  analysis  contained  in
the  joint  report.

The  Commission  will  continue  its  efforts  to  develop
cooperation  between  the  Member  States  on  employment
and  combating  unemployment  in  order  to  intensify  the
exchange  of  good  practice  and  information  and  also  to
develop  observation,  analysis  and  research  work  on
employment.  Implementing  the  initiative  for  employment
will  be  the  top  budget  priority  in  internal  affairs  for
1999.

At  the  same  time  as  economic  integration,  the  Union’s
social  dimension  should  be  enhanced.  The  Commission
has  adopted  a  new  social  action  programme  for  1998  to
2000 which sets out the framework for developing social
policy  at  Union  level  along  three  major  lines  —  jobs,
qualifications  and  mobility;  changes  concerning  work;
and  a  society  based  on  the  integration  principle.

One  of  the  priorities  here  is  to  contribute  to  policies
designed  to  modernise  work  organisation,  promote
adaptability  and  anticipate  industrial  change.  The  work
on  strengthening  and  modernising  relations  between
employers  and  unions  will  be  continued  in  view  of  its
importance 
the  guidelines  on
employment.

following  up 

in 

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As  far  as  promoting  a  society  based  on  the  integration
principle  is  concerned,  the  focus  will  be  on  developing
policies  designed  to  modernise  and 
improve  social
protection,  promote 
inclusion  and  combat
social 
discrimination  and  inequality.

An  area  of  freedom,  security  and  justice

legislative 

In  1999  the  Commission  will  concentrate  its  efforts  on
playing  its  full  part  in  taking  forward  the  action  plan
requested  by  the  European  Council  on  how  best  to
implement  the  provisions  of  the  Amsterdam  Treaty.  This
will involve, in addition to fulfilling present commitments
initiatives,  beginning  the  process  of
and  any  new 
instruments
recasting  a  number  of  draft 
currently  under  negotiation  to  render  them  compatible
with  the 
institutional  and  other  provisions  of  the
Amsterdam Treaty. This will be particularly important in
areas  transferred  to  the  Community  ‘pillar’,  namely
measures  related  to  immigration,  asylum,  crossing  the
external 
cooperation.  The
Commission  will  also  present  a  new  action  plan  in  the
field  of  drugs  for  the  years  2000  to  2004.  To  deal  with
the  uncertainties  about  how  Schengen  will  be  integrated
into  the  Union,  the  Commission  may  also  present  the
proposals  required  to  supply  the  appropriate  legal  basis
in  the  EC  Treaty.  Action  concerning  visas  would  at  all
events  seem  necessary.

frontiers  and 

judicial 

interests 

into  account 

consumers’ 
in  defining  and
implementing  other  Community  policies.  This  same
concern  will  guide  Commission  action  in  international
forums,  in  particular  the  Codex  alimentarius  and  the
WTO.

important  objective  will  be 

the
One 
application  of  consumer 
increase
cooperation  and  dialogue  between  the  Commission,  the
Member  States,  consumer  associations  and  industry.

legislation  and  to 

improve 

to 

Food  product  safety  will  be  a  key  issue.  The  Food  and
Veterinary  Office  will  help  to  strengthen  controls  in  the
Member  States  and  non-member  countries  in  order  to
ensure  that  Community  law  is  adhered  to  and  the
appropriate  responses  to  food  hazards  made.

The  Treaty  of  Amsterdam  strengthens  the  Community’s
powers in the field of public health. The implications for
policy  action  of  these  new  provisions  is  under  active
consideration, and in 1999 the Commission will present a
new Community action programme aiming at a high level
of  human  health  protection.

Environmental  protection

A  new  stage  in  institutional  reform

The inclusion of sustainable development in the Treaty of
Amsterdam  and  the  conclusions  of  the  Cardiff  European
Council  on  the  strategy  for  incorporating  environmental
aspects into all Community policies provide a framework
for  tackling  environmental  challenges  more  effectively
and  improving  the  quality  of  life.  The  Commission
intends  to  facilitate  this  process  as  much  as  possible.

In  1999 
the  Commission  will  present  an  overall
evaluation of the implementation of the fifth environment
action programme. This evaluation will include guidelines
on  the  revision  of  environment  policy  objectives  and
priorities.  It  will  also  take  an  active  part  in  monitoring
the  conclusions  of  the  Kyoto  Conference  on  climate
change  in  order  to  maintain  Europe’s  influence  and
leadership  in  this  key  area.

Health  and  consumer  protection

The Treaty of Amsterdam gives new impetus to consumer
policy.  Particular  attention  will  be  given  to  taking

The Treaty of Amsterdam represents an important step in
the reform of the institutions. Once it is ratified in 1999,
the  Commission  will  ensure  that  the  extended  codecision
procedure  (free  movement  of  persons,  social  policy,
public  health,  employment,  fight  against  fraud,  customs
cooperation),  and  the  extended  use  of  qualified  majority
voting 
(employment/social  affairs,
transparency,  customs  cooperation,  fight  against  fraud,
RTD  framework  programme  and  the  CFSP)  are  applied
effectively.

the  Council 

in 

However, the Commission believes that this reform needs
to  go  further  in  order  to  deal  effectively  with  the
institutional  challenges  posed  by  enlargement.  Once  the
Union has enlarged beyond a certain point, it will not be
able  to  function  without  adapting  the  existing  rules  and
mechanisms. In particular, a new balance will have to be
found in the weighting of votes in the Council, the use of
qualified  majority  voting  will  have  to  be  extended  and
the  composition  of  the  Commission  will  have  to  be
therefore  support
reviewed.  The  Commission  will 
initiatives  presented 
for  a  new
intergovernmental  conference  to  be  convened.

in  1999  calling 

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3.  ENSURING  THAT  EMU 

IS  A  SUCCESS  AND
CREATING THE PRECONDITIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE
GROWTH  AND  EMPLOYMENT

the  fight  against  fraud  and  improving  the  flow  and
security  of  trade.

Changeover 
environment

to 

the  euro  and 

the  macroeconomic

Competition  policy

On 1 January 1999 the euro will be introduced in the 11
Member States of the first wave of EMU. Building on the
comprehensive convergence efforts of the Member States,
the Union’s single market will attain greater stability and
efficiency.  In  order  to  finalise  the  introduction  of  the
euro,  the  Commission  will  carry  out  the  remaining  steps
in the information campaigns on the euro. In the field of
coordination  of  economic  policy  and  promotion  of
economic  convergence,  the  provisions  of  the  Treaty  and
those of secondary legislation, including the Stability and
Growth  Pact,  will  be  put  into  practice  to  enhance  the
effects  of  the  economic  reforms  and  those  of  the  policies
on  sound  public  finances.  Following  on  from  the  Cardiff
European Council of  June 1998,  particular  attention will
be  paid  to  the  reform  of  the  product,  service  and  capital
markets  and  to  the  impact  of  structural  policies  on  the
implementation  of  the  broad  economic  policy  guidelines.

Externally,  EMU  will  create  a  centre  of  stability.  In  this
context, it will be important to ensure that the Union can
speak  as  one  in  international  forums.  After  presenting  a
proposal  on  this  matter  the  Commission  will  play  an
active role in implementing the Council’s decisions on the
external  representation  of  the  euro.

Operation  of  the  single  market

The  single  market  will  continue  to  be  the  driving  force
behind  the  concerted  effort  to  improve  growth  and
competitiveness and promote employment. New tasks are
planned for 1999 relating to all the strategic objectives of
the  action  plan  for  the  single  market.  The  action  will
focus  on  applying  Community  rules,  eliminating  any
remaining  distortions  and  adapting  the  rules  to  market
needs. The work on simplification will be continued, with
the  fourth  phase  of  the  SLIM  initiative  on  single  market
legislation being launched. Measures on financial services
will  be  required  to  safeguard  the  competitive  position  of
operators  and  to  improve  financial  stability,  with  a  view
to 
the
markets.

integration  and  globalisation  of 

increased 

The  coordination  of  tax  policy  is  a  key  element  of  the
single  market.  The  priorities  for  1999  will  concern  work
on  the  implementation  of  the  new  VAT  system.  In  the
customs  field  the  Commission  will  focus  its  attention  on

to  help 

The  Commission  aims 
the
competitiveness of European industry and ensure effective
competition  in  the  single  market  by  helping  markets  to
function  more  smoothly,  opening  closed  sectors  of  the
economy  and  helping  to  break  down  barriers  between
markets.

strengthen 

for 

liberalising 

The  priorities  in  1999  will  be  to  continue  the  efforts  to
lay  down  the  guidelines  for  State  aids,  adjust  the
framework 
telecommunications  and
the  process  of  modernising  procedural
continue 
legislation in order to make this policy simpler and more
transparent.  In  this  last  and  very  important  field,  the
Commission will adopt proposals in 1999 for regulations
exempting  certain  categories.

Trans-European  networks  and  transport  policy

in  the  strategy  to 

Setting  up  trans-European  networks  (TENs)  in  the  three
areas  of  transport,  telecommunications  and  energy  is  an
important  element 
improve  the
competitiveness  of  businesses,  increase  economic  and
social  cohesion,  create  jobs  and  develop  and  disseminate
the  new  technologies.  The  TENs  will  have  a  key  role  to
play  in  helping  the  new  Member  States  to  integrate
smoothly into an enlarged Union. The instruments put in
place  to  facilitate  the  creation  of  the  networks  will  be
evaluated  and  adapted  accordingly  for  the  new  period
2000  to  2006.  The  Commission  will  publish  a  White
Paper  in  1999  on  the  revision  of  the  Community
guidelines 
transport  networks.
Financing  them  is  one  of  the  main  budget  priorities  for
internal  policies  for  1999.

trans-European 

for 

As  far  as  transport  policy  is  concerned,  following  the
updating  of  the  1995  to  2000  action  programme,  the
Commission  will  devote  special  attention  in  1999  to
improving  security.  In  this  connection  it  will  present  a
proposal  on  the  loading  and  unloading  of  bulk  carriers
and communications on the priorities for road safety and
on quality maritime transport. Various initiatives planned
in  1999  for  informing  air  passengers  will  be  of  special
concern  to  the  general  public.  Finally  the  Commission
will  propose  a  European  strategy  on  the  satellite
navigation  system  (GNSS)  and  negotiations  will  begin

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26.11.98

with  non-member  countries  concerning 
GNSS.

the 

future

Fisheries

The  main  emphasis  in  energy  policy  in  1999  will  be  on
finally  establishing  the  internal  market  in  energy.  The
Commission  will  also  be  presenting  initiatives  on  energy
efficiency  and  on  security  of  supplies.

Research,  innovation  and  the  information  society

In  research,  which  is  another  of  the  main  budget
priorities,  1999  will  see  the  launch  of  the  fifth  RTD
framework programme (1998 to 2002), which will play a
vital  role  in  competitiveness  and  job  creation.  Another
important  subject  which  will  receive  particular  attention
is  the  international  competitivenes  of  hi-tech  industries.
The implementation of the action plan on innovation will
focus on the formation of innovatory firms, the financing
of  innovation  and  intellectual  property  issues.

The  development  of  the  information  society  and  the
opportunities  resulting  from  the  expansion  of  the  service
sector  and  electronic  commerce  will  also  be  given
particular  attention  in  1999.  The  job  opportunities  in
those  businesses  that  are  capable  of  rapid  growth
(particularly  small  and  medium-sized  enterprises)  cannot
be realised without appropriate promotion of training. In
the  field  of  telecommunications,  there  will  be  a  general
review  of  the  regulatory  framework  with  a  view  to
greater  simplification  and  coherence.  The  Commission
will continue its efforts to stimulate dialogue on the need
accompany
for 
globalisation,  in  particular  in  the  field  of  electronic
commerce.

coordination 

international 

to 

Small  and  medium-sized  enterprises

The  Commission  will  continue  in  1999  to  seek  to
promote  an  entrepreneurial  Europe  and  to  contribute  to
improving  the  business  environment  for  small  and
medium-sized  firms,  which  form  the  backbone  of  the
European  economy  in  terms  of  employment,  innovation
and  creativity.  The  Commission’s  updated  overall
approach will be presented in the proposal for the fourth
multiannual  programme  for  small  and  medium-sized
businesses. Electronic  commerce, the  development of risk
capital  and  the  preparations  for  the  introduction  of  the
euro  are  also  matters  that  the  Commission  will  address.

1999 will be an important year for the common fisheries
policy  in  that  the  reform  of  the  basic  regulation  on  the
common  organisation  of  the  market  in  fishery  and
aquaculture  products  and 
the
application  of  the  FIFG  will  be  presented,  and  an
in-depth  examination  of  fisheries  policy  in  general  after
2002  will  begin,  including  the  monitoring  and  control
system 
fishing  agreements  with  non-member
countries.

the  proposal 

for 

for 

4.  A  STRONG  EUROPE,  OPEN  TO  THE  WORLD

The  European  Union  must  be  capable  of  exercising
political  responsibilites  on  the  international  scene  to
match  its  economic  and  commercial  stature.  In  order  to
mobilise  its  full  potential,  the  Union  should  not  only
promote  an  approach  which 
integrates  the  various
aspects  of  its  external  action  to  a  greater  extent  but  also
exploit  the 
internal  and  external
policies.

links  between 

its 

The  Commission  will  seek  to  promote  cooperation  with
the  Mediterranean  countries  under  the  Barcelona  process
and  through  the  MEDA  programme,  which  is  one  of  the
top  two  budget  priorities  (the  other  being  PHARE)  for
in  1999.  Apart  from  the  planned
external  action 
economic 
the
Euro-Mediterranean  partnership,  support  for  the  Middle
East  peace  process  will  remain  a  prime  objective.

essential 

element 

area, 

an 

in 

As regards relations with Russia, Ukraine and all the new
independent  States,  the  trend  in  the  socioeconomic  and
political  situation  in  these  countries  means  that  priority
will  be  given  to  assistance  with  reforms  and  economic
recovery,  particularly 
the  partnership  and
through 
cooperation  agreements  and  by  mobilising  the  TACIS
programme.  More  must  also  be  done  to  strengthen
relations  with  the  countries  of  the  Caucasus  and  Central
Asia  and  to  support  regional  cooperation.  The  efforts
being  made  to  achieve  stability  in  the  Balkans  must  also
be  pursued,  both  in  the  former  Yugoslavia  and  in
Albania.

to 

implement 

In  relations  with  the  United  States,  the  main  objective
transatlantic  economic
the 
will  be 
partnership  which  is  the  result  of  the  EU-US  summit  in
London  in  May  1998,  plus  of  course  to  follow  up  the
agreed  measures  relating  to  the  Helms-Burton  and
D’Amato Acts.

Cooperation  with  Latin  America  will  be  at  the  forefront
EU-Latin
interests,  with 
of 

European 

the 

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America-Caribbean  summit  to  be  held  in  Brazil  in  June
1999  and  the  continuing  strategy  of  bringing  the  two
regions  closer,  notably  through  trade  negotiations  with
Mexico,  Chile  and  Mercosur,  and  the  tightening  of
relations  with  the  Andean  Community  and  Central
America.

Commission 
is  also  seeking  to  respond  to  public
expectations  in  terms  of  good  governance,  and  aims  to
equip  the 
institution  with  the  means  to  face  the
challenges  of  the  future  and  fully  exercise  its  role  in  the
overall working of the Union, in particular by identifying
the  general  Community  interest,  listening  to  the  public,
and  then  exercising  its  right  of  initiative.

With  Asia,  the  lessons  from  the  financial  and  economic
crisis  must  first  be  drawn.  In  this  connection  the  Union
will  continue  its  support  for  internal  reform  processes
and for opening up economies through increased dialogue
and  adjustment  of  cooperation  with 
the  affected
countries  in  particular  in  the  social  and  financial  sectors.
The  ASEM  process  will  be  important  in  this  context.
China,  Japan  and  Korea  will  also  have  to  act  as  the
principal  focal  points  for  relations  with  Asia.

As  far  as  international  trade  negotiations  are  concerned,
the  priority  will  again  be  preparing  for  the  new  WTO
round,  which  should  start  in  2000.

Development  policy  will  also  remain  one  of 
the
Commission’s  main  concerns  in  1999.  Emphasis  will  be
placed  on  the  coordination  and  complementarity  of
Community and Member States’ action. A very important
place  will  of  course  be  given  to  continuing  negotiations
with  a  view  to  concluding  the  partnership  agreement
between the Union and the ACP countries. Relations with
the  overseas  countries  and  territories  and  with  South
Africa  and  preparation  for  the  Europe-Africa  summit,
planned for the year 2000, will also be important aspects
of  the  Commission’s  activity  in  1999.

The  Commission  will  also  seek  to  ensure  greater
coherence  in  its  human  rights  policy,  a  vital  component
of relations between the Union and the rest of the world.
Humanitarian aid for  victims  of  crises,  a  tangible  sign  of
European  solidarity,  will  continue  to  be  provided  on  an
impartial  basis,  and  attention  will  be  attached  to  a  high
level  of  efficiency  and  quality.

The  Commission  must  also  be  in  a  position  to  manage
the  high  level  of  integration  the  Union  has  achieved:  it
must  be  remembered  that  its  responsibility  for  policy
management  constitutes  a  substantial  part  of  its  activity
and  generates  high  expectations  in  the  eyes  of  the
public.

The  process  hinges  on  three  central  aims:

—  ensuring  that  the  Commission’s  activities  are  always

kept  in  line  with  its  policy  priorities,

—  adapting  the  organisational  structures  on  the  same

lines  as  these  priorities,

—  decentralising,  assigning  responsibility,  monitoring
internal

simplifying 

matters  more  closely  and 
management.

The objective for 1999 will be to push the preparation of
tomorrow’s  Commission  forward,  which  will  require
large-scale  mobilisation  of  all  staff.  To  this  end,  the
Commission  will  seek  to  continue  the  implementation  of
the various initiatives under way, in particular SEM 2000
the
and  MAP  2000. 
Commission  will  draw  up  an  overall  concept  on  the
priorities 
the  next
the 
Commission  and  the  organisation  of  its  departments,
which will be submitted to the future President, who will
be  appointed  in  July  1999.

first  half  of  1999, 

structure  of 

for  action, 

the 

In 

5.  THE  COMMISSION:  A  MODERN, 

EFFICIENT

INSTITUTION

In  order  to  achieve  a  better  concentration  of  limited
resources  on  the  political  priorities,  the  Commission  will
look  at  how  to  match  its  activities  more  closely  with  the
budgetary  and  personnel  resources  put  at  its  disposal  by
Parliament  and  the  Council.

The  institutions  need  to  reform  if  they  are  to  go  on
effectively  performing  the  roles  they  have  been  assigned
as  society  changes.  The  Commission  is  aware  of  this
reality.  It  has  accordingly  embarked  on  a  wide-ranging
analysis  of  its  structures  and  operation  with  a  view  to  a
gradual  and  thorough-going  reform.  This  reform  is
intended  to  design  the  Commission  of  the  future  and  is
in  scope.  The
therefore  strategic  and  overarching 

The  Commission  will  actively  pursue  the  policy  of
transparency  enshrined  as  a  general  principle  by  the
Amsterdam Treaty. In 1999 it will present a proposal for
legislation  to  give  effect  to  the  new  Treaty  provisions  on
public  access  to  documents  of  Parliament,  the  Council
and  the  Commission.

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The  Commission  will  honour  the  pledge  made  by  its
President  to  the  European  Parliament  to  propose  the
creation  of  an 
internal  and  external
anti-fraud  investigation  structure.  The  Commission  has
already  begun  preparing  the  prosposal.  The  other  roles
played  by  UCLAF,  preparation  of  legislative  proposals

independent, 

and coordination with Member States in combating fraud
which  harms  the  Union’s  financial  interests,  will,  in
accordance  with 
the
the  Treaty, 
Commission,  which  will  work  closely  with  the  new
structure.

remain  with