Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Unlocking Europe’s full potential - Commission Legislative and Work Programme 2006
Date: 2005-10-25
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU relations, development policy, economic growth, globalisation, legislative programme (EU), social policy, sustainable development

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 25.10.2005 
COM(2005) 531 final 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

Unlocking Europe’s full potential 

Commission Legislative and Work Programme 2006 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
 
  
 
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL 
COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 

Unlocking Europe’s full potential 

Commission Legislative and Work Programme 2006 

1. 

INTRODUCTION 

The challenges facing Europe are clear, and urgent. Globalisation has brought opportunities, 
and new demands. Modernisation is essential to continue Europe’s historically high levels of 
prosperity, social cohesion, environmental protection and quality of life, and to create the jobs 
we need. Europe can best respond by unlocking the potential of its citizens, and promoting its 
common  values  at  home  and  worldwide.  The  Commission  will  take  up  this  challenge  in  its 
programme for 2006.  

At the start of its mandate, the Commission set out its key strategic objectives to the end of 
the  decade:  prosperity,  solidarity,  security,  and  Europe  as  a  world  partner.  These  objectives 
remain relevant and are therefore confirmed to form the core of the Commission’s work. They 
point to the balance needed in the Union’s work: a policy mix which allows Europe to pursue 
competitiveness and social justice, to protect its citizens and promote their freedoms, to work 
inside Europe and to promote its values in the world beyond. Taking concrete steps towards 
achieving these goals is the best way to convince Europeans that the Union is an essential part 
of the solution in addressing the problems facing Europe. 

The Commission Legislative and Work Programme (hereafter “Work Programme”) for 2006 
takes  full  account  of  current  economic  and  political  trends  and  where  Europe  stands  on 
several key strategic dossiers. Progress in these areas will have a key impact on the ability of 
the European Union to take a real stride towards its goals in 2006. 

The European Commission has strongly supported the ratification of the Constitution and has 
offered  assistance  to  all  Member  States  with  their  information  campaigns.  The  Constitution 
would  be  an  important  step  forward  in  making  the  European  Union  more  democratic, 
transparent, effective and stronger to the outside world. The Commission therefore regrets the 
fact that in the current circumstances, it is unlikely that the Constitution will be ratified in the 
foreseeable  future.  But  if  the  debate  on  the  future  of  Europe  can  be  pursued  actively  and 
effectively, it will fill an important gap and offer strong foundations on which to build for the 
future.  Through  its  “Plan  D”  for  democracy,  dialogue  and  debate,  the  Commission  will 
participate actively in the national debates and give them every support. And in the meantime, 
the European Union can best show its worth through delivering the policies Europeans need.  

An  agreement  on  the  Financial  Perspectives  –  on  which  every  effort  should  be  made  to 
conclude by the end of 2005 – will have a decisive impact on the Commission’s work for the 
enlarged  Europe.  2006  should  see  intensive  preparations  to  have  the  full  range  of  funding 
programmes up and running by 1 January 2007.  

EN 

2 

   EN 

 
 
The fact that these issues are the subject of fierce debate must not divert us from the pressing 
needs for European action. We can best show what Europe can do by delivering action and by 
giving citizens tangible proof of what Europe has to offer. 

This Work Programme sets out what the Commission will do to meet these goals in 2006:  

•  As regards prosperity, 2006 will be a critical year for turning words into deeds under the 
Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs. Europe needs to foster a climate in which citizens and 
businesses can reach their full potential. 

•  Solidarity means developing a cohesive Union which recognises common responsibilities 
and  reinforces  prosperity.  It  also  requires  us  to  work  together  to  address  long-term 
challenges like demographic shifts and climate change.  

•  The demand from citizens for response to threats to security can only be met by working 

together to combat crime and terrorism, promote health, and minimise risk. 

•  In external relations, the Union must continue to promote a strong voice in the world, with 
a particular focus on preparing future enlargements, on its neighbourhood and on Africa; 
and to use our weight in the global economy to turn globalisation into an opportunity for 
all. 

The Commission pursues these goals in many different ways. Its regulatory and supervisory 
role  is  critical  to  the  effective  functioning  of  European  markets  as  a  level  playing  field.  Its 
executive role gives it a special responsibility to ensure that its programmes, from research to 
student mobility to development aid, work well on the ground. It negotiates outside the Union 
and facilitates cooperation inside.  

Many  of  these  ongoing  actions  will  reach  a  critical  phase  in  2006.  The  Lisbon  strategy  for 
growth  and  jobs  will  enter  a  key  implementation  phase.  The  scene  will  be  set  for  a  new 
generation of programmes in areas like the Structural Funds, rural development, innovation, 
research and education. The Doha Development Round should reach a conclusive phase.  

The  Commission  also  drives  this  agenda  forward  by  launching  new  consultations  to  gather 
opinions and fresh ideas about how Europe can act, and through new initiatives to coordinate 
policies where there is a clear European value added. A list of priority actions for 2006 is set 
out  in  the  annex  to  this  Work  Programme.  As  in  2005,  the  Commission  is  committed  to 
delivering these actions.  

Furthermore,  the  Commission  will  focus  on  ensuring  their  quality  through  rigorous 
application  of  better  regulation  disciplines:  simplification,  modernisation,  consultation,  and 
careful  evaluation  of  the  impact  of  policies  are  key  objectives  which  the  Commission  will 
mainstream  in  all  its  work.  2006  will  see  the  first  year  of  the  Commission’s  new 
simplification strategy, with a continuous process to fine-tune legislation to meet the changing 
needs of regulators and users. 

The  EU  also  needs  an  ambitious  agenda  to  address  the  “communication  gap”  on  European 
issues, to be developed and carried out by all European institutions, Member States and civil 
society.  This  will  turn  the  White  Paper  on  communication  into  practical  steps  during  2006: 
underpinning  the  Commission’s  commitment  to  connect  to  citizens  and  consolidate  the 
democratic foundations of the European project. 

EN 

3 

   EN 

 
The Commission has a key role to stimulate European action. But it is only one actor amongst 
many.  The  European  Union  will  only  achieve  its  goals  if  these  are  pursued  together  by  its 
institutions, national, regional and local government, and by citizens themselves. Partnership 
must be the instinctive reflex for the way the Union develops and implements its policies. 

To develop its programme for 2006, the Commission has had the benefit of the reactions from 
the  European  Parliament  and  the  Council  to  the  Annual  Policy  Strategy  for  2006.  These 
discussions have shown how the three institutions share the same key policy objectives, and 
that  there  is  a  broad  agreement  on  the  main  lines  of  action  necessary  to  deliver  these 
objectives.  The  new  Framework  Agreement  between  the  European  Parliament  and  the 
Commission  has  in  particular  led  to  detailed  proposals  about  how  these  goals  should  be 
worked  into  concrete  actions.  The  views  of  the other  institutions  have  been  fully  taken  into 
account in developing this programme.  

2. 

PROSPERITY 

An essential function of public policy is to ensure that the conditions to support prosperity are 
in place to the benefit of citizens and businesses alike. This means stable regulatory systems, 
appropriate  economic  policies,  the  provision  of  economic  opportunity,  and  investing  in  a 
skilled  and  entrepreneurial  population.  It  means  all  relevant  aspects  of  the  EU’s  own  work 
must  be  subject  to  the  highest  standards  of  better  regulation.  More  work  to  develop  the 
conditions  to  stimulate  growth  and  create  more  and  better  jobs  remains  central  to  the 
Commission’s tasks in 2006. 

The Union has set out its roadmap to growth and jobs in the Lisbon strategy. 2006 will be a 
critical year to turn the roadmap into reality. For the Commission, this brings a special role 
in  monitoring  the  implementation  of  the  revised  strategy  at  the  level  of  both  the  Member 
States and at Community level. Partnership with the Member States is essential to ensure that 
the integrated guidelines on macroeconomic policy, microeconomic reforms and employment 
remain valid and are vigorously supported by all key actors. The Commission will report to 
the  Spring  European  Council  on  progress  at  national  level  –  under  the  25  national  reform 
programmes  adopted  by  Member  States – and at  EU  level,  as  well  as  bringing  forward  the 
measures set out in the Community Lisbon Programme adopted in July 2005.  

Knowledge and innovation for growth and better jobs 

Skills and knowledge are key assets for Europe to create growth and jobs: but there is much 
more potential to unlock.  

•  Knowledge  can  be  stimulated  through  key  infrastructure.  A  European  Institute  of 
Technology  (EIT)  could,  by  building  on  existing  capacities,  act  as  a  flagship  for 
knowledge  and  innovation  in  Europe.  At  the  same  time,  the  Commission  will  take  the 
necessary steps to have everything in place to launch the new framework programme for 
research from 2007. In the context of the i-2010 initiative, an action plan for e-government 
will focus on improving the interface between public authorities, citizens and businesses. 

•  To  have  maximum  impact,  knowledge  needs  opportunity.  The  Commission  will  work  to 
improve  geographical  and  occupational  mobility with  the  European  Year  of  Mobility  for 
Workers  and  through  the  transparency,  transfer  and  recognition  of  qualifications  in  the 
Union.  

EN 

4 

   EN 

 
Making Europe a more attractive place to invest and work  

•  Europe’s business environment is heavily dependent on making the Single Market work. 
This  means  pressing  ahead  with  action  in  areas  like  state  aids,  entrepreneurship  and 
strengthening SMEs’ capacity to grow and create jobs. Tax rules in cross-border situations 
need simplification and rationalisation, and there will also be a new generation of customs 
and  tax  programmes  to  ensure  that  national  systems  work  better  together  and  in  a 
simplified  way,  and  a  strategy  on  how  to  step  up  the  fight  against  tax  fraud. 
Competitiveness in key sectors such as the automotive and defence industries, as well as 
electronic communications networks and services, will be given particular attention.  

•  Other  key  drivers  of  growth  are  Europe’s  transport  infrastructure  and  Europe’s  energy 
market.  As  well  as  preparing  for  the  new  phase  for  trans-European  networks,  a  new 
initiative will promote the use of freight rail across Europe. At the same time as finalising 
the  internal  market  for  energy,  work  will  continue  on  the  development  of  new 
technological  solutions  to  respond  to  energy  needs,  with  a  focus  on  clean  coal  and 
renewable energy technologies. The flagship Galileo system will also enter a new phase of 
practical development.  

•  In the area of the free movement within the Single Market, existing law will be scrutinised 
for  its  effectiveness:  simplification  will  be  pursued  to  foster  more  fluidity  in  the  single 
market,  and  to  boost  growth.  In  legislative  proposals,  the  basic  principles  of  the  internal 
market  will  be  promoted.  In  addition,  specific  sectoral  proposals  will  be  examined  on 
postal  services,  public  procurement,  securities  clearing  and  settlement  and  the  banking 
sector. They will be complemented by ongoing analysis in areas such as investment funds, 
mortgage credit, solvency of insurance companies and public private partnerships.  

Enlarging the Eurozone 

•  A  stable  macroeconomic  climate  is  a  prerequisite  for  growth.  The  Commission’s 
management  of  the  eurozone  will  reach  a  new  phase  by  looking  ahead  to  the  future 
enlargement of the eurozone and assessing the readiness of new candidates to adopt the 
euro.  

3. 

SOLIDARITY 

Solidarity and social justice are critical to the way the EU works. This is about building the 
society we want for ourselves and for future generations. It is about fostering quality of life 
and  recognising  shared  responsibilities  such  as  protecting  the  environment.  It  is  about 
promoting  a  healthy  society  with  citizens  who  remain  confident  in  the  face  of  change,  as  a 
foundation stone for prosperity and security. 

However, we are not there yet. Today Europe is faced with a number of challenges, which can 
only be met through concerted and determined action. This is where the Union can bring a 
clear  added  value.  Effective  cohesion  and  rural  development  policies  are  in  line  with  the 
Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs. 2006 will be a critical year, with programmes being put 
in place to target spending effectively on convergence and competitiveness over the next seven 
years. Reforms in agriculture and fisheries have already paved the way for sustainability and 
increased  competitiveness.  Services  of  general  interest  are  of  crucial  importance  for 
European  citizens,  and  the  Commission  will  continue  its  work  to  ensure  that  the  needs  for 

EN 

5 

   EN 

 
such  services  are  fully  factored  into  the  Union’s  policies.  Threats  to  Europe’s  environment 
have a trans-national and global dimension which requires strong EU leadership.  

Tackling long-term problems now 

•  The ageing of Europe’s population will have major implications for our prosperity, living 
standards  and  relations  between  the  generations.  While  many  of  the  issues  fall  under  the 
responsibility of Member States, the EU must also act. Following on the debate launched 
in 2005, the Commission will set out ideas about how the Union can contribute to tackling 
the problem of Europe’s demographic ageing.  

•  Achieving  effective  management  of  migration  flows  is  one  of  the  most  pressing  issues 
Europe  faces,  in  view  of  the  needs  of  the  labour  market,  but  also  as  regards  the  fight 
against illegal immigration. This requires a response which should be comprehensive and 
balanced, while acknowledging Europe's humanitarian traditions. 

•  Another long-term challenge is climate change. More frequent and more damaging natural 
disasters  have  already  pointed  to  the  cost  of  inaction.  2006  will  be  a  critical  year  for 
multilateral  climate  negotiations,  making  commitments  under  the  Kyoto  protocol  for  the 
post-2012  period.  The  EU  also  needs  to  maintain  momentum  in  putting  climate  change 
measures in place to meet its targets, through national allocation plans and measures such 
as  bringing  the  aviation  sector  into  the  emissions  trading  scheme.  It  is  also  time  to  take 
stock  of  how  to  build  on  the  existing  voluntary  agreements  with  industry  to  cut  CO2 
emissions from cars.  

Sustainable management of resources 

•  The  sustainable  management  of  our  natural  resources  answers  long-term  social, 
economic  and  environmental  interests.  Reform  of  the  wine,  fruit  and  vegetables  and 
bananas sectors will bring the current process of agricultural reform into its final phase and 
continue the trend towards increased competitiveness.  

•  The  recent  soaring  of  oil  prices  has  outlined  the  importance  of  secure,  competitive  and 
sustainable  energy  supplies  for  Europe.  Efforts  to  manage  and  reduce  the  risks  will  be 
stepped  up,  particularly  by  promoting  energy  efficiency  and  renewable  sources,  and  by 
exploring all issues involved in the potential development of biofuels.  

•  Resource  management  is  also  about  protecting  our  natural  heritage.  European  and  global 
biodiversity continues to decrease in  the face of  increasing  pressure  from  mankind:  new 
measures  are  needed  to  meet  the  set  objective  of  halting  biodiversity  loss  in  Europe  by 
2010. Action is also needed to reduce risks to health and the environment from pesticides 
and to step up action on air pollution.  

Building a more cohesive Europe  

•  There is always a risk that public policies are developed in isolation, without full regard for 
the knock-on effects from one policy to another. The new maritime strategy will pioneer a 
new,  integrated  approach  to  developing,  in  an  environmentally  sustainable  manner,  a 
thriving maritime economy supported by excellence in marine science and technology. 

EN 

6 

   EN 

 
•  Cohesion  implies  a  responsibility  on  the  Union  to  ensure  the  common  standards  that  go 
alongside  open  borders,  mobility  and  a  single  market.  Current  labour  law  should  be 
examined  in  the  light  of  the  main  trends  and  crucial  issues  for  the  years  to  come;  and 
policies  on  gender  equality  and  health  and  safety  at  work  should  be  reinforced  and 
modernised.  

•  The streamlining of the open methods of coordination in the social area, and the launch of 
cooperation  on  health  and  long-term  care,  will  reinforce  the  support  the  EU  provides  to 
Member  States  in  their  efforts  to  modernise  social  protection  systems  and  tackle  social 
exclusion. 

•  As citizens become more mobile in Europe, they expect the Union to offer solutions to new 
cross-border  issues  in  the  area  of  civil  justice:  areas  such  as  divorce  and  matrimonial 
property  regimes  and  enforcing  compensation  and  other  civil  decisions  across  borders. 
Special  attention  should  be  given  to  the  rights  of  the  child  in  areas  like  family 
reunification, parental responsibilities and human trafficking.  

4. 

SECURITY 

Scarcely  a  day  passes  without  a  reminder  of  the  threats  to  citizens’  security.  Recent  events 
have  again  brought  this  sharply  into  focus.  The  Madrid  and  London  bombings,  natural 
disasters  at  home  and  worldwide,  the  threat  of  avian  flu  and  a  possible  human  influenza 
pandemic, energy and transport crises: these are just the most obvious examples where daily 
life has been turned upside-down or where risk has moved from the possible to the probable.  

Citizens rightly expect action to be taken to counter the challenge at home and worldwide. In 
all  these  cases,  citizens  look  to  the  EU  for  effective  common  action:  this  has  most  recently 
been recognised by Member States through the Hague Action Plan. An efficient and realistic 
approach  needs  action  on  several  different  levels  and  in  many  different  ways,  including 
prevention, protection and response.  

A more secure Europe to protect Europeans against crime 

•  Terrorism  is  a  permanent  threat  in  Europe.  Terrorist  attacks  can  strike  brutally  across 
Europe.  Better  coordination  between  Member  States  will  help  to  track  down  terrorists 
more effectively and bring them to justice more easily. Following the London bombings, 
work was accelerated and will continue in 2006. Europe needs to act together on terrorist 
finance, victim support and better coordination between law enforcement authorities. More 
work is needed to improve the effectiveness of cross-border networking to tackle terrorism 
at its roots.  

•  The  cross-border  dimension  of  organised  crime  and  the  sophisticated  means  used  to 
commit modern crime calls for focused and updated European action. This should include 
a  coherent  information  system  between  competent  authorities  for  crime  records  and  a 
comprehensive review of cyber-security. 

•  In a borderless  Europe, the security of external borders is of key importance: there is a 
common  understanding  that  this  needs  collective  action  and  common  high  standards  in 
surveillance  of  both  goods  and  persons.  Measures  to  ensure  assistance  to  Member  States 

EN 

7 

   EN 

 
dealing with external borders and the consolidation and updating of the current acquis on 
visa policy and customs measures will help to promote effective controls.  

•  Europe offers opportunities to support the work of law enforcement. Judicial and police 
cooperation should be stepped up to reduce legal obstacles, guarantee citizens’ rights and 
facilitate the exchange of relevant information and best practice.  

Offering better protection for citizens in their daily lives 

•  Enhancing health and consumer confidence and confronting health risks has clear knock-
on benefits in terms of the European economy and the well-being of citizens. An effective 
framework  of  rules  and  actions  for  consumer  policies  is  essential  at  European  level. 
Special  initiatives  in  the  field  of  food  safety  will  aim  at  developing  coordinated  cross-
border action to ensure an effective European dimension to tackling threats. Action must 
also be consistent and effective: a special training programme on food safety will aim to 
ensure a virtuous spiral of high standards in implementing controls.  

•  Maritime, air and road accidents have shown how shortcomings in transport safety have a 
direct  impact  on  those  who  use  and  work  on  transport  systems,  as  well  as  leading  to 
environmental damage. This can result in serious economic costs. Developing the role of 
the Air Safety Agency and the Railways Agency makes a real contribution to safety across 
Europe.  

•  Trustworthy, secure and reliable communication networks and information systems also 
need to be assured as crucial prerequisites for the take-up of converging digital services.  

•  The Commission will also strengthen its civil protection capacities and develop Europe’s 

rapid response capacity, to be brought into play as soon as major crises strike.  

5. 

EUROPE AS A WORLD PARTNER 

To  reach  its  strategic  objectives,  Europe  cannot  work  alone.  The  recent  textile  negotiations 
with China, the latest famine in Niger, the security situation in Iraq, the Middle East Peace 
Process: external events constantly remind us that prosperity, solidarity and security might be 
European  objectives  but  cannot  depend  only  on  what  we  achieve  at  home.  Europe  must  do 
more  than  simply  react  to  the  external  world:  it  must  also  contribute  more  proactively  to 
shaping it. 

Stability and prosperity at our borders 

•  In  the  area  closest  to  our  borders,  enlargement  negotiations  and  stabilisation  and 
association  processes  for  candidate  and  pre-candidate  countries  must  continue.  The 
monitoring  reports  on  Bulgaria  and  Romania  to  be  issued  in  the  spring  will  put  the 
spotlight on the final stage  of  the  accession process. Accession negotiations with  Turkey 
and  Croatia  will  continue  as  will  the  monitoring  of  progress  in  all  candidate  and  pre-
candidate  countries.  On 
the  former  Yugoslav  Republic  of  Macedonia,  further 
developments  will  depend  on  the  Commission’s  Opinion  on  the  accession  request. 
Negotiations  on  a  Stabilisation  and  Association  Agreement  (SAA)  with  Serbia  and 
Montenegro and with Bosnia and Herzegovina will be pursued with the aim of concluding 
before the end of 2006.  

EN 

8 

   EN 

 
•  In our neighbourhood, the Commission and partner countries will deliver on the existing 
action  plans,  whose  implementation  will  be  analysed  at  the  end  of  2006.  The 
neighbourhood  policy  is  a  key  priority  for  external  relations  and  will  be  enhanced  and 
completed by a set of new action plans with Caspian and Mediterranean countries that will 
spread the commitment to stability and prosperity to new partners. Particular attention will 
be  paid  to  developing  integrated  energy  markets  with  neighbouring  countries.  The 
Commission  will  also  prepare  the  ground  for  a  renewed  institutional  arrangement  with 
Russia and Ukraine, including looking towards a free trade agreement with Ukraine.  

Global responsibilities  

In  relations  with  the  developing  world  the  European  Union  must  live  up  to  our  fresh  and 
ambitious commitments: if  2005  was  the year to commit to development, 2006  must  be the 
year  to  deliver.  In  the  wake  of  the  G8  Summit  and  the  renewed  commitment  to  the 
Millennium Development Goals, the EU needs to start work today to meet our objectives of 
increased financial effort (an extra €20 billion a year by 2010) and to improve coherence and 
aid effectiveness of the EU donors as a group, on the basis of the new Development Policy 
Statement  proposed  by  the  Commission  in  July  2005.  To  this  end,  the  Commission  will 
pursue its approach through the mapping of EU aid, harmonization of procedures and by both 
geographic strategies for ACP partners and key themes such as human rights and democracy. 

•  The core target for action is Africa. Building on the new Africa strategy and the new EU 
Development  Policy  Statement,  the  Commission  will  propose  to  step  up  its  partnership 
with  Africa  in  two  priority  fields,  governance  and  infrastructure.  As  proposed  under  the 
revised Cotonou agreement, dialogue on security issues will be intensified. Negotiations on 
Economic  Partnership  Agreements  (EPAs)  will  enter  into  their  decisive  phase  and  a 
comprehensive review of the arrangements will be conducted.  

•  Support  reconstruction  and  political  transition  will  move  into  a  new  phase,  with 
enhanced  cooperation  in  Iraq,  as  well  as  support  to  development  in  Gaza  and  the  West 
Bank, work in Afghanistan and in the wake of the  tsunami.  Europe  will also continue to 
provide humanitarian assistance to victims of crises throughout the world.  

•  Closely  linked  to  the  above  is  security,  with  new  initiatives  on  non-proliferation  and 
disarmament,  human  security  and  counter-terrorism  in  line  with  the  European  Security 
Strategy. 

A globalised economy 

•  Globalisation is a reality that we must embrace to restore dynamic growth and quality jobs 
in  Europe.  Foreign  trade  and  investment  goes  hand  in  hand  with  economic  integration 
inside Europe. It is time to highlight the external dimension of competitiveness by making 
recommendations  on  trade  and  trade-related  policies.  The  Hong  Kong  Conference  in 
December 2005 should set the stage for an ambitious outcome of the Doha Development 
Agenda  by  end  2006,  including  tangible  results  for  poor  developing  countries.  As  our 
second  trading  partner,  China  offers  both  major  challenges  and  opportunities  and  a 
comprehensive review will be undertaken 5 years after its accession to the WTO.  

•  Europe  will  make  a  contribution  to  an  efficient  multilateral  approach  to  sustainable 
development worldwide, notably though the elaboration of a policy framework for actions 
on global public goods, such as deforestation and water management. European experience 

EN 

9 

   EN 

 
in  the  environmental  field,  together  with  innovative  ways  of  combining  public 
development aid and private investment, will come together in a renewable energy fund to 
help developing countries reach millennium targets on sanitation and energy.  

•  In all areas, a real partnership between European institutions is the only way to ensure a 
stronger  and  more  coherent  European  voice  in  the  world.  The  European  Union  should 
strive  towards  more  coherence  and  efficiency  of  Europe’s  external  action,  whether  in 
Brussels, New York or around the world, notably through exchange of officials. 

6. 

DELIVERY AND BETTER REGULATION 

Effective policy delivery is central to the credibility  and  legitimacy  of  the  European  Union. 
But it is not only about what policies are chosen: how policies are developed and how they are 
implemented is equally important. 

In 2005, the Commission stepped up its existing work on better regulation to ensure that the 
regulatory  framework  in  the  EU  meets  today’s  requirements.  This  aims  to  reinforce  the 
contribution from better regulation to growth and jobs while continuing to take into account 
the social and environmental objectives and good governance.  

Impact assessment became standard for Work Programme priorities and new guidelines were 
agreed1. The Commission undertook an intensive screening of proposals already on the table 
of the Parliament and the Council for compatibility with better regulation principles, with 68 
proposals to be withdrawn as a result2. This adds up to Commission action on one third of all 
of its pending proposals dating from before 2004. This is now being followed up with a major 
effort  to  simplify  existing  rules.  The  result  should  be  an  important  step  forward  in  making 
what we do at the EU level much easier for EU citizens and businesses to work with, and to 
understand.  In  this  new  operational  phase,  the  Commission  will  establish  internally  a 
dedicated structure to step up implementation of  Better Regulation principles, thus ensuring 
policy coherence, quality control, and upstream assessment of regulatory issues.  

•  Subsidiarity  and  proportionality.  The  Commission’s  work  will  be  tested  against  the 
requirements  of  subsidiarity  and  proportionality:  the  EU  should  only  act  when  necessary 
and in the lightest form consistent with achieving its objectives. The Commission will pay 
particular attention to ensuring full respect for subsidiarity and proportionality. 

•  Value for money, transparency and accountability. The EU Budget should only be used 
when  it  can  offer  better  value  for  money  than  spending  at  national  level.  Spending  must 
also be clearly accountable, with effective inter-institutional mechanisms in place to make 
this work. Adequate audit and control systems must be ensured, and the roadmap aiming at 
a positive declaration of assurance from the European Court of Auditors will be pursued. 
The protection of the financial interests of the Union remains a primary concern. Likewise, 
the Commission will pursue its European Transparency Initiative in 2006. 

•  Consultation.  Policy  initiatives  need  to  be  well  prepared  and  targeted  to  respond  to  the 
real  needs  of  Europeans  today.  Consultation  is  therefore  central  to  how  the  Commission 
develops policy. Many of the proposals put forward in the annex to this Work Programme 

1 
2 

SEC(2005) 791. 
In addition, the economic analysis will be buttressed in the case of a further 5 dossiers. 

EN 

10 

   EN 

 
                                                 
are  the  fruit  of  consultation;  others  will  launch  new  consultations.  The  Commission  will 
continue to make the widest use of existing tools to involve citizens in the decision making 
process and will encourage new forms of consultation, such as citizens’ panels.  

•  Impact assessment. Impact assessment ensures that policy  is  made  in  full  knowledge  of 
the  facts  and  awareness  of  the  implications.  It  also  guides  the  policy-making  process 
through an open analysis of the options and provides a discipline to ensure that economic, 
social  and  environmental  factors  are  fully  taken  into  account,  including  the  impact  on 
competitiveness. The impact assessment should also guide the inter-institutional decision-
making process and it provides a clear and accessible public explanation of why a proposal 
is being made. Impact assessment will therefore remain a standard feature for all legislative 
and  policy-defining  proposals  contained  in  the  Work  Programme  for  20063:  and  may  in 
certain  cases  lead  to  a  decision  to  pursue  the  objectives  in  a  different  way,  or  not  to 
proceed.  In  addition,  impact  assessments  conducted  during  2006  will  prepare  the  2007 
programme.  The  counterpart  of  impact  assessments  are  ex  post  evaluations  which,  at 
regular  intervals,  examine  whether  EU  policies  and  programmes  have  achieved  their 
objectives. 

•  Transposition  and  implementation.  The  Commission  will  intensify  its  efforts  to 
implement the new approach to the application of Community law4, in particular through 
more  effective  cooperation  with  the  Member  States,  preventative  measures  and  the 
rigorous treatment of infringement when necessary. 

•  Simplification  EU  laws  and  procedures  need  to  avoid  excessive  complexity:  this  brings 
with it real costs to citizens and businesses. Proposals for new legislation will be rigorously 
tested, and existing legislation also needs a fresh look. In October 2005, the Commission 
launches  a  new  phase  in  simplifying  legislation  (with  a  sectoral  approach  and  a  more 
systematic  stakeholder  consultation),  and  set  out  a  3-year  rolling  programme  to  examine 
legislation which may be disproportionately burdensome for EU citizens and businesses5. 
This  continues  and  reinforces  the  Commission’s  framework  for  simplification  set  up  in 
2003.  In  the  first  phase,  the  focus  will  be  on  the  automotive,  construction  and  waste 
sectors. 

•  Administrative  simplification:  The  Commission  has  started  a  review  of  its  internal 
procedures  to  deliver  significant  internal  simplification:  2006  will  see  the  first  results  of 
this simplification initiative, notably regarding administrative, financial management, and 
tendering and public procurement. 

3 

4 
5 

The only cases where an impact assessment is not necessary is for Green Papers and consultations with 
the social partners. In these cases, an impact assessment will follow at a later stage if the initiative is to 
be pursued. 
COM(2002) 725. 
Communication of the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic 
and  Social  Committee  and  the  Committee  of  the  Regions  –  A  strategy  for  the  simplification  of  the 
regulatory environment - COM(2005) 535. 

EN 

11 

   EN 

 
                                                 
As  work  continues  on  the  priority  initiatives  listed  in  the  annex,  and  on  other  policy 
initiatives, these better regulation principles will be central to the Commission’s work. A mid-
term  review  of  the  Work  Programme  in  summer  2006  will  allow  the  Commission  to  take 
stock of these changes and, where appropriate, to amend the priority list. 

EN 

12 

   EN 

 
ANNEX : PRIORITY ITEMS FOR ADOPTION IN 2006 

I.  

PROSPERITY 

Title English 

Type of proposal 
or act 

Description of scope and objectives 

Proposal  for  a  Council  Regulation 
establishing  the  European  Institute 
of Technology (EIT)   

Legislative  Proposal 
Regulation 

/ 

This proposal will be presented only if the 2006 Spring European Council asks for it in the light of the Commission 
Communication on the same theme that will be annexed to the Commission report on the implementation of the 
Lisbon  Strategy.  In  this  case,  the  proposal  will  aim  to  establish  the  EIT  (main  functions  and  characteristics, 
structures and bodies, budget, etc.). 

Recommendation  for  a  European 
Qualifications Framework 

Non-legislative  action 
Recommendation 

/ 

The main policy objective is to establish - on a voluntary basis - a European reference framework that will facilitate 
transparency, transfer and recognition of qualifications in Europe. A set of common reference levels will facilitate 
the  comparison  of  education  and  training  provisions  and  be  supported  by  principles  for  quality  assurance, 
validation, guidance, key competences etc. The EQF will support the comparability and thus eventually also the 
recognition of qualifications, provide a framework for development of qualifications at sector level and support the 
lifelong learning of individual citizens. 

Reference 
number 

2006/EAC+/004 

2006/EAC/006 

Convergence Report 2006 

Non-legislative  action 
Commission 
Communication 

/ 

At least every two years, the Commission and the ECB each prepare a convergence report in accordance with the 
procedure laid down in Article 121(1). The reports examine to which extent the Member States with a derogation 
have  achieved  a  high  degree  of  sustainable  convergence  on  the  basis  of  the  4  convergence  criteria.  The 
compatibility of their national legislation with Community law also forms part of the assessment. 

2006/ECFIN/019 

Proposal 
under  Art.122(2)  abrogating 
derogation 
States 

for  a  Council  Decision 
the 
for  certain  Member 

Legislative  Proposal 
Decision 

/ 

If one or more Member States are deemed to fulfil the conditions for euro adoption, their derogation is abrogated 
by the Council. 

2006/ECFIN/020 

Proposal 
for  an  amendment  of 
Regulation  (EC)  No  2866/98  on 
conversion rates to the euro  

Legislative  Proposal 
Regulation 

/ 

Council decides on conversion rates of new euro area entrants in accordance with Article 123(5). 

2006/ECFIN/021 

Legislative  Proposal  consolidating 
and  strengthening  new  approach 
directives, policies and principles 

Legislative  Proposal 
Decision 

/ 

The main operational objectives are: Consolidating and reviewing key definitions; Enhancing mutual confidence in 
conformity assessment bodies and increasing transparency of the  notification process by defining a  Community 
policy on accreditation and by consolidating and reviewing designation requirements; Facilitating the notification 
process  concerning  notified  bodies;  Reviewing  the  existing  conformity  assessment  modules;  Clarifying  the 
meaning  of  the  CE  marking  and  its  relationship  to  voluntary  marks;  Establishing  a  Community  framework 
consisting of essential requirements for national market surveillance activities; Enhancing cooperation of national 
market surveillance authorities; Improving the safeguard clause mechanism 

2006/ENTR/001 

EN 

13 

   EN 

 
 
 
Community  Regulation  concerning  the  free  movement  of 
goods in the non-harmonised area 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Regulation 

The  main  policy  objective  is  improving  the  functioning  of  mutual  recognition  in  the  non-
harmonised  area,  by  finding  a  solution  for  most  of  the  problems  set  out  above.  Mutual 
recognition  in  the  non-harmonised  area  of  goods  needs  more  structure  so  as  to  enhance 
transparency  and  to  encourage  national  authorities  to  act  more  ‘European’.  It  is  also  important 
that, in cases where mutual recognition is refused, the possibility for companies to demonstrate 
that the disputed product is indeed lawfully marketed elsewhere in the EU is clearly set out. 

2006/ENTR/002 

Communication  on  a  competitive  automotive  regulatory 
framework 

Non-legislative  action 
/ 
Commission 
Communication 

The  main  objective  is  to  enhance  the  EU  industry’s  global  competitiveness  and  employment, 
while sustaining further progress in safety and environmental performance of vehicles at a price 
affordable  to  the  consumer.  The  main  policy  areas  involved  therefore  are  better  regulation, 
competitiveness, environment and road safety. 

2006/ENTR/003 

Revision of Directive 88/378/EC on the safety of toys 

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive 
amending Directive 98/34/EC laying down a procedure for 
the  provision  of  information  in  the  field  of  technical 
standards  and  regulations  and  of  rules  on  information 
society services 

Communication Financing Growth - the European Way 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Directive 

The  main  policy  objectives  are  the  simplification  of  the  current  legislation,  the  improvement  on 
the safety of toys by clarifying essential safety requirements, the improvement in the functioning 
of the Internal Market by developing conditions for a better common approach by national market 
surveillance authorities in the implementation of the legislation in force. 

2006/ENTR/004 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Directive 

To ensure that the Lisbon agenda goal of ensuring a smooth functioning of the Internal Market 
for  services  by  2010  is  achieved.  To  eliminate  potential  obstacles  to  the  Internal  Market  for 
services  even  before  they  appear,  thus  avoiding  a  posteriori  and  lengthier  interventions  and 
increasing  the  competitiveness  of  EU  enterprises.  To  adjust  the  standardisation  part  of  the 
Directive to the latest developments in this area. 

2006/ENTR/006 

Non-legislative  action 
/ 
Commission 
Communication 

The  Communication  aims  at  specifying  concrete  actions  contributing  to  the  growth  of  the 
European innovative firms, in particular SMEs and mid-sized firms, by spreading good practices 
and policy learning in access to finance. In particular the new Member States, where the financial 
sector development is behind that of EU-15, can benefit from an open policy dialogue process. 

2006/ENTR/007 

The  Communication  also  aims  to  outline  actions that  would  contribute  to  enhancing  the  single 
market by identifying and removing obstacles from cross-border investment. So far, the Member 
States have regularly confirmed their commitment to ease the access to finance, but have mainly 
focused on national solutions.  

Communication on Defence Industries and Markets 

Communication  on  the  functioning  of  the  regulatory 
framework for electronic communications and services 

Non-legislative  action 
/ 
Commission 
Communication 

Non-legislative  action 
Commission 
/ 
Communication 

The Commission wants to encourage the competitiveness of the European defence sector.  

2006/ENTR/008 

Appropriate  market  legislation  and  substantial  R&D  programmes  are  the  main  tools  to  achieve 
this objective. 

Provides a report on the functioning of the  regulatory framework for electronic communications 
and services and launches a public consultation on possible review. 

2006/INFSO/001 

EN 

14 

   EN 

 
 
Communication on eGovernment 

Non-legislative  action  / 
Commission 
Communication 

The  objective  is  to  propose  an  Action  Plan  for  2006-2010  widely  supported  by  Member 
States  and  Commission  services  that  work  on  eGovernment  related  activities,  as 
announced in the i2010 Communication. 

2006/INFSO/003 

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the 
Council  amending  Directives  89/665/EEC  and  92/13/EEC  as 
lastly  modified,  on  the  coordination  of  laws,  regulations  and 
administrative  provisions  relating  to  the  application  of  review 
procedures to the award of public contracts 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Directive 

Commission  White  Paper  on 
Mortgage Credit Market  

the 

Integration  of 

the  EU 

Non-legislative  action  / 
White Paper 

White Paper on the next steps towards an efficient investment 
fund market 

Non-legislative  action  / 
White Paper 

Directive  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  on 
clearing and settlement in the securities field 

Legislative  Proposal  /
Directive 

Proposal  for  the  full  accomplishment  of  the  Internal  Market  for 
Postal Services 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Directive 

2006/MARKT/002 

L'objectif  est  d'encourager  davantage  les  entreprises  communautaires  à  soumissionner 
dans  n'importe  quel  Etat  membre  de  l'Union,  en  leur  donnant  la  certitude  qu'elles 
pourront,  si  nécessaire,  engager  des  recours  efficaces  dans  le  cas  où  leurs  intérêts 
auraient été lésés lors de procédures de passation de marchés de travaux, de fournitures 
ou de services.  

La proposition de directive vise à améliorer certaines dispositions des directives « recours 
»  sans  changer  les  principes  qui  ont  inspiré  leur  adoption.  En  outre,  la  proposition  de 
directive  prendra  essentiellement  la  forme  d’un  renforcement  des  procédures  ou 
mécanismes existants en particulier par la mise en place de recours efficaces contre les 
marchés  passés 
les  développements 
jurisprudentiels  récents  appellent  une  clarification  voire  une  précision  du  cadre  législatif 
existant, afin d’assurer une sanction effective, proportionnée et dissuasive des violations 
du droit communautaire des marchés publics. 

illégalement  de  gré  à  gré.  Par  ailleurs, 

White  Paper  on  mortgage  credit  announcing  any  initiatives  to  be  proposed  by  the 
Commission  to  promote  the  creation  of  an  EU  mortgage  credit  market,  based  on  the 
results  of  wide-spread  consultation  following  the  2005  Green  Paper  'Mortgage  Credit  in 
the EU'. 

2006/MARKT/003 

The Green  Paper  on  the  enhancement  of  the  EU  framework  for  investment  funds  was 
published  in  July  2005.  It  presented  an  analysis  of  the  European  market  for  investment 
funds and an assessment of the ability of the EU regulatory framework in the area (UCITS 
Directives) to achieve its objectives in the current context. It also launched a debate on a 
series of options that could improve the functioning of the fund market.  

Drawing  on  a  long  process  of  consultation,  research  and  impact assessment,  the  White 
Paper  will  present  the  concrete  actions  to  be  taken  in  order  to  achieve  a  more  efficient 
market for investment funds. 

2006/MARKT/004 

The  proposal  could    provide  a  common  regulatory  framework  to  achieve  an  efficient, 
integrated and safe market for securities clearing and settlement, thus increasing market 
liquidity, reducing costs of capital and increasing EU growth. Currently several barriers, of 
different  nature,  generate  inefficiency  and  increase  costs  for  most  of  the  cross-border 
securities settlements. 

2006/MARKT/005 

The objective of the proposal is to progress the accomplishment of the internal market for 
postal  services  while  ensuring  the  provision  of  universal  postal  services  for  all  users, 
irrespective  of  their  location  in  the  Union.  The  scope  of  the  proposal  will  include,  if  it  is 
appropriate,  confirmation  of  the  date  of  2009  for  the  full  accomplishment  of  the  postal 
internal  market  (i.e.  opening  of  remaining  postal  monopolies  to  competition)  and  may 
include,  in  addition,  measures  intended  to  ensure  the  provision  of  universal  postal 
services, the protection of users in conditions of undistorted competition in the market.  

2006/MARKT/006 

EN 

15 

   EN 

 
 
Proposal  to  review  Article  16  of  Directive  2000/12/EC  of  20 
March 2000 relating to the taking up and pursuit of the business 
of credit institutions (review of the supervisory approval process 
for major shareholdings) 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Directive 

Article  16  of  the  European  Banking  Directive  allows  supervisors  to  effectively  block 
proposed  mergers  and  acquisitions  of  banks  in  their  jurisdiction  on  prudential  grounds. 
The  review  of  Article  16  seeks  to  clarify  the  process  and  procedures  that  should  be 
followed by supervisors, in order to ensure clear, transparent and equitable treatment by 
all European supervisors in relation to proposed mergers and acquisitions of banks. 

2006/MARKT/007 

Recommendation  from  the  Commission    -  Fair  compensation 
for private copying: copyright levies reform 

Non-legislative  action  / 
Recommendation 

Reform  of  copyright  levies  applied  to  equipment  and  media  used  for  private  copying  by 
consumers and others. 

2006/MARKT/008 

Interpretative  Communication  on  the  application  of  Article  296 
of the Treaty to Defence Procurement  

Non-legislative  action  / 
Commission 
Communication 

The  fragmentation  of  the  European  defence  market  is  among  other  things  due  to  the 
uncertainty on how to apply article 296 of the Treaty, which allows MS to derogate from 
Public Procurement rules when essential security interests are at stake. In the context on 
a  more  global  initiative  aimed  at  opening  up  defence  procurement  markets,  an 
Interpretative  Communication  would  clarify  the  criteria  to  be  used  in  order  to  asses 
whether the conditions for the application of this derogation are met. 

2006/MARKT/012 

European Transparency Initiative 

Non-legislative  action  / 
other 

 The  goal  of  the  initiative  is  to  increase  transparency  (e.g.  use  of  Community  funds, 
lobbying) 

2006/SG+/008 

Decision on the renewal of an Action Programme for Customs 
in the Community (Customs 2013) 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Decision 

The  Customs  2013  programme  is  the  successor  of  the  Customs  2007  programme  and 
has  as  objective  to  further  improve  cooperation  between  tax  administrations.  The 
Customs  programme  will  continue  to  develop  and  modernise  the  trans-European 
computerised systems that underpin the implementation of customs policy. The Customs 
2013  programme  will  tackle  a  number  of  new  challenges,  such  as  securing  the  supply 
chain and support for the use of a common risk management system, while promoting the 
incorporation  of  risk  management  into  all  aspects  of  customs  work.  Customs  2013  will 
continue  to  support  activities  to  protect  traders  from  piracy  and  counterfeiting.  The 
Customs  programme  will  also  support  the  further  development  of  initiatives  to  set  up  a 
paperless  electronic  customs  environment  while  underpinning  indispensable  initiatives 
such as modernisation and simplification of the customs legislation. 

2006/TAXUD/001 

Decision  on  the  renewal  of  a  Community  programme  to 
improve  the  operation  of  the  taxation  systems  in  the  internal 
market (Fiscalis 2013) 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Decision 

The Fiscalis 2013 programme will continue to support initiatives that focus on improving 
the  proper  functioning  of  taxation  systems  in  the  internal  market  by  increasing 
cooperation between participating countries, their administrations and officials. It will raise 
awareness  of  relevant  Community  law  and  encourage  Member  States  to  share 
experience of implementing Directives. The programme will also encompass tools to help 
combat harmful tax competition and tax fraud, both within the EU and in relation to third 
countries.    To  support  administrative  cooperation  and  mutual  assistance  between  tax 
administrations, 
trans-European 
computerised  networks  required  for  the  exchange  of  information  for  control  purposes, 
such as the VAT Information Exchange System (VIES) and the Excise Movement Control 
System (EMCS). 

the  programme  will  develop  and  modernise 

the 

2006/TAXUD/002 

EN 

16 

   EN 

 
 
  
Communication  to  the  Council  and 
the  European  Parliament  on  a 
strategy  to  improve  the  fight  against 
tax fraud 

Non-legislative  action  / 
Commission 
Communication 

Commission  Communication  on  the 
implementation 
dedicated 
of 
European rail freight network 

a 

Non-legislative  action  / 
Commission 
Communication 

Communication  on  transport  logistics 
to facilitate intermodal transport 

Non-legislative  action  / 
Commission 
Communication 

The purpose of the communication is to launch a debate on an overall anti-tax fraud strategy at EU level.  

2006/TAXUD/003 

The  responsibility  for  control  and  anti-fraud  work  is  clearly  a  matter  for  the  Member  States.  The  role  of  the 
Commission  is  to  provide  an  appropriate  legislative  framework  at  Community  level  and  to  facilitate  co-operation 
between Member States. 

A  communication  is  therefore  the  appropriate  tool  to  launch  the  debate.  However,  achieving  the  objective  of  the 
anti-fraud strategy will probably require both legal and non-legal activities at a later stage 

Promoting  the  development  of  the  rail  transport  (in  particular  the  rail  freight  transport)  and  creating  an  integrated 
European railway area. Facilitating the internal rail freight market. Developing performing rail freight corridors on the 
trans-European  rail  network.  Focusing  Community  funding  on  identified  bottlenecks.  Encouraging  cooperation 
between  infrastructure  managers  to  increase  the  quality  and  efficiency  of  cross-border  rail  freight  traffic  by 
developing international timetabling, tailor-made paths. 

Freight  Transport  is  more  crucial  for  Europe's  industrial  competitiveness  than  for  its  international  competitors 
because of our unique geography; mountains, seas, peripheral regions, location of production and population etc.  
The  growth  in  international  trade,  enlargement  and  changes  in  logistics  processes  mean  that  freight  transport 
continues to grow faster than GDP. Action that could be considered includes: 
- Support the development and use of advanced ICT, 
- Set standards for intermodal transport and logistics systems and services, 
- Improve intermodal liability, 
- Examine means (technical, legal, financial) to promote intermodal transport more actively, 
- Improve logistics education and training, 
- Ensure fair competition between the modes, 
- Expand support for alternative services and innovation, 
- Enhance co-operation between industry, service providers and policy makers, 

- Ensure widespread dissemination and take up of best practice. 

2006/TREN/003 

2006/TREN/010 

Galileo future applications 

Non-legislative  action  / 
Commission 
Communication 

The European satellite navigation infrastructure will provide initial positioning services as from 2008. The use of this 
technology  in  all  sectors  of  modern  economies  will  generate  by  2020  a  global  market  of  some  300  billion  euros, 
with  3  billion  receivers  in  use  in  a  wide  range  of  electronic  devices.  Some  150.000  highly  qualified  jobs  will  be 
created, contributing to the Lisbon objectives. 

2006/TREN/025 

Applications  spanning  the  whole  EU  territories  can  easily  be  implemented  in  view  of  the  exploitation  phase. 
Coordinated  actions  and  standards  have  to  be  developed  in  order  to  take  the  full  benefits  of  this  pan-European 
positioning and timing technology. Public administrations can make use of the positioning service through a set of 
regulated  applications.  An  assessment  of  the  feasibility  of  several  regulatory  measures  and  their  impact  is 
necessary. 

Communication  on  Clean  Coal 
Technologies 

Non-legislative  action  / 
Commission 
Communication 

Stimuler le développement technologique et la démonstration à l'échelle commerciale des nouvelles technologies 
du charbon propre et, en particulier, par l'amélioration du rendement énergétique des centrales électriques utilisant 
ce combustible ouvrant la voie à la capture et au stockage du CO2. 

2006/TREN/026 

EN 

17 

   EN 

 
 
the 
Intermediate  overall  assessment  of 
measures  advocated 
the  White  Paper 
"European  Transport  Policy  for  2010:  time  to 
decide" 

in 

Non-legislative  action 
Commission 
Communication 

/ 

The Commission's White Paper established a mid-term review in 2005 to check whether its objectives 
and precise targets were being attained or whether adjustment need making. As the original instrument 
used  was  a  Communication  from  the  Commission,  the  mid-term  review  has  to  be  same  kind  of 
instrument 

2005/TREN/011 

II  

SOLIDARITY 

Title English 

Council  Regulation  amending  Regulation 
(EC)  No  404/93  on  the  common  market 
organisation for bananas 

Type of proposal 
or act 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Regulation 

Description of scope and objectives 

A review of the common market organisation (CMO) for bananas is envisaged based on the findings of an
ongoing  evaluation,  in  particular  as  concerns  the  aid  scheme  to  the  EU  banana  producers,  also  taking 
account of the new import system to be in place as of 2006. 

The  main  objectives  of  the  review  are  to  maintain  an  acceptable  balance  at  the  level  of  marketing  of  the 
three  sources  of  supply  of  the  Community  market  (EU  production,  ACP  and  dollar  banana  imports),  to 
improve the efficiency of EU production, to provide fair prices to EU consumers, to support the sustainable 
development  of  the  producing  areas  and  to  promote  environmentally-friendly  methods  of  cultivation  and 
processing. 

Reference 
number 

2005/AGRI/003 

Council  Regulation  amending  Regulations 
Nos  2200/96,  2201/96  and  2002/96  on  the 
common  market  organisation  of  fresh  and 
processed fruit and vegetables 

Legislative Proposal  / 
Regulation 

The reform of these sectors is part of the overall CAP reform process.  

2006/AGRI/002 

The  main  objectives  of  the  reform  are  to  improve  the  competitiveness  of  processed  fruits  and  vegetables 
industry through a more market orientated policy, while taking into account the important role of the sectors 
concerned  in  employment  in  rural  areas;  to  update  and  upgrade  the  current  instruments  of  the  Common 
Market Organisation (CMO) for fresh products; to decrease trade distorting agricultural support; to remove 
useless rules, to simplify and clarify the remaining regulations. 

Commission Communication on reform of the 
common market organisation for wine 

Non-legislative  action  / 
Commission 
Communication 

The  common  market  organisation  for  wine  is  one  of  the  last  agricultural  sectors  to  undergo  a  significant 
reform in order to address a number of problems. The Commission Communication will set out orientations 
for  the  legislation  aiming  mainly  to  improve  the  competitiveness  of  the  EU-produced  wine,  to  reach  a 
balance between supply and demand, to develop better instruments for a better knowledge and monitoring 
of the market, to simplify and clarify legislation, to ensure that wine production in Europe is sustainable, and 
to  preserve  the  authenticity  and  character  of  the  product.  The  Communication  will  be  accompanied  by  an 
impact assessment and will later be followed by a proposal for a Council Regulation. 

2006/AGRI/003 

EN 

18 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
  
Communication from the Commission to the Council and the 
European Parliament on the future prospects for biofuels 

Non-legislative  action 
/ 
Commission 
Communication 

The  Communication  will  present  the  result  of  reflections  on  the  question  of  measures  to 
promote  the  production  of  biofuels,  including  such  production  in  less  developed  third 
countries. 

2006/AGRI/019 

Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the  Council,  the 
European  Parliament,  the  European  Economic  and  Social 
Committee  and  the  Committee  of  the  Regions  "Growth, 
prosperity and solidarity in an equal and democratic society: 
a roadmap for equality between women and men" 

Non-legislative  action 
Commission 
/ 
Communication 

Communication  from  the  Commission  on  a  new  Community 
strategy on health and safety at work 2007-2012  

Non-legislative  action 
/ 
Commission 
Communication 

the  phenomenon  of  violence  against  women  and 

Despite  progress  made  in  the  last  decades  towards  equality  between  women  and  men, 
several gender gaps in employment, unemployment, pay, decision making positions, as well 
as 
trafficking  still  remain.  This 
Communication will represent the road map on gender equality and will define objectives and 
actions for EU policies in order to achieve gender equality, and to tackle remaining problems 
and obstacles.  

The new Community strategy on health and safety at work for the period 2007-2012 will build 
on  the  current  strategy  and  on  the  evaluation  of  its  results  by  combining  a  variety  of 
instruments:  up-dating  and  simplifying  legislation,  social  dialogue,  progressive  measures, 
development  of  new  instruments  to  help  the  implementation  of  legislation,  economic 
incentives and on building partnerships between all players in this policy area. The objectives 
will be increased productivity and quality of work, in line with the Lisbon strategy, through a 
reduction of occupational accidents and absenteeism due to poor health. 

2006/EMPL/001 

2006/EMPL/002 

Green Paper on the evolution of labour law 

Communication on the demographic future of Europe 

Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides 

Non-legislative  action 
/ Green Paper 

As announced in the Social Agenda, the Green Paper is expected to launch a wide debate in 
Europe involving EU institutions, Member States, social partners and experts with the aim of 
establishing conclusions about the main trends in the recent evolution of labour law, both at 
EU and national level, and identifying the most crucial and urgent issues. 

2006/EMPL/003 

Non-legislative  action 
/ 
Commission 
Communication 

The  Communication  will  present  a  synthesis  of  the  replies  to  the  2005  Green  Paper  on 
ageing,  the  first  results  of  the  analytic  studies  prepared  under  the  pilot  action  of  the  EP 
(Walter initiative) and the Commission's proposals for further action in this domain. 

2006/EMPL/004 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Directive 

The  Strategy  will  propose  a  number  of  measures  and initiatives  with  the  objective  of  a 
reduction  of  the  impacts  of  pesticides  on  human  health  and  the  environment  in  order  to 
achieve a more sustainable use of pesticides as well as a significant overall reduction in risks 
and of the use of pesticides consistent with the necessary crop protection. 

2004/ENV/003 

Communication - Halting the decline of biodiversity by 2010  Non-legislative  action 
Commission 

/ 
Communication 

Justification  for  rescheduling:  postponed  from  2005  awaiting  revision  of  SANCO  directive 
91/414 which is now foreseen for 2nd qtr 06 (Ref. 2003/SANCO/061). 

Communication with proposal for Framework Directive (Communication - option consultation 
ESC/CoR; Framework mandatory) 

The Communication will lay down a road map on priority objectives and actions to meet the 
EU and global objectives, set by heads of state and government, relating to halting (EU) and 
significantly  reducing  (global)  the  decline  of  biodiversity  by  2010.  The  European  Council 
2003 and 2004 has called for accelerated action in this regard. ENV Council (28 June 2004) 
called for a report to Council and Parliament as early as possible in 2004, taking account of 
the ongoing biodiversity policy review process and in particular the 'Message from Malahide' 
(which  comprises  stakeholder  consensus  on  objectives  and  targets  towards  achieving  the 
overall 2010 objective). 

2005/ENV/011 

EN 

19 

   EN 

 
 
Green Paper on adaptation to climate change 

Non-legislative  action 
/ Green Paper 

The  Green  Paper  will  help  identify  areas  where  action  is  needed  at  Community  level to 
support the EU's adaptation to the increasing adverse effects of climate change. The need to 
consider  EU-level  action  on  adaptation  was  flagged  in  the  Commission  Communication 
"Winning the Battle against Global Climate Change".  

2006/ENV/012 

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the 
European  Parliament:  Results  of 
the 
review  of 
Community Strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from cars. 

the 

Non-legislative  action 
/ 
Commission 
Communication 

The  Community's  strategy  to  reduce  CO2  emissions  from  cars  will  be  reviewed  and  new 
options  to  complement  existing  measures,  including  the  current  voluntary  agreements  with 
car  manufacturers  will  be  examined.  The  aim  is  to  reach  an  improved  fuel  efficiency.  The 
results of this review will be presented and proposals on the way forward will be made. 

2006/ENV/013 

Revision of Directive 2001/81/EC of the European Parliament 
and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on national emission 
ceilings (NEC) for certain atmospheric pollutants  

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Directive 

The revision of the NEC Directive is the key legislative initiative that will make concrete the 
environmental and health objectives set out in the Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution up to 
2020.  Limit  emissions  of  acidifying  and  eutrophying  pollutants  and  ozone  precursors  to 
improve the protection in the Community of the environment and human health against risks 
of adverse effects from acidification, soil eutrophication and ground-level ozone and to move 
towards  the  long-term  objectives  of  not  exceeding  critical  levels  and  loads  and  of  effective 
protection  of  all  people  against  recognised  health  risks  from  air  pollution  by  establishing 
national emission ceilings, taking the years 2010 and 2020 as benchmarks, and by means of 
successive reviews. 

2006/ENV/016 

Modification  of  Directive  2003/87/EC  in  order  to  include
aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Directive 

Amend  the  existing  legislative  framework  to  incorporate  aviation  emissions  into  the  EU 
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). 

2006/ENV/017 

Green Paper on a future European Union Maritime Policy 

Non-legislative  action 
/ Green Paper 

The Green Paper on an all embracing EU Maritime Policy will present the state of the art of 
integrated sea related policies. It shall set out options for a more holistic approach of the EU 
and its Member States for policies relating to the sea. 

2006/FISH/001 

Proposal  for  a  Regulation  on  the  applicable  law  and 
jurisdiction in divorce matters 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Regulation 

There are currently no Community rules in the field of applicable law to divorces. The main 
policy  objective  is  to  provide  solutions  that  enhance  legal  certainty  and  flexibility  and  meet 
the legitimate expectations of the citizens according to the Hague Programme. The choice of 
the Regulation will ensure the achievement of these purposes. 

2005/JLS/187 

Green  Paper  on  the  conflict  of  laws  in  matters  concerning 
matrimonial  property  regimes,  including  the  question  of 
jurisdiction and mutual recognition  

Non-legislative  action 
/ Green Paper 

The  objective  is  to  launch  a  wide  consultation  of  interested  subjects  on  legal  and  practical 
issues  arising  in  international  situations  in  the  area  of  property  rights  of  married  and 
unmarried couples. 

2005/JLS/188 

Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the  European 
Parliament  and  the  Council  on  future  priorities  for  the 
common policy on illegal immigration 

Non-legislative  action 
/ 
Commission 
Communication 

Green  Paper  on  Enforcement:  A  European  system  for  the 
attachment of bank accounts 

Non-legislative  action 
/ Green Paper 

The strategic objectives of an efficient handling of the EU borders and ensuring the highest 
level  of  security  at  the  external  borders  are  partially  fulfilled  through  the  objectives  of  this 
legal  instrument.  The  operational  powers,  which  should  be  conferred  to  the  seconded 
national  experts/border  guards,  are  a  minimum  requirement  in  view  of  providing  effective 
assistance to the requiring, host MS. With these powers the guest border guards contribute 
to  reduce  the  risks  and  prevent  the  threats  at  those  stretches  of  the  EU  external  borders, 
which are under more intense threat. 

2006/JLS/005 

The  objective  is  to  launch  a  wide  consultation  of  interested  parties  on  how  to  improve  the 
enforcement  of  monetary  claims  in  the  EU.  The  Green  Paper  describes  the  current  legal 
situation  and  proposes  the  creation  of  a  European  System  for  the  attachment  of  bank 
accounts as a possible solution. Different options are proposed as to the specific features of 
such a system.  

2006/JLS/006 

EN 

20 

   EN 

 
European  elections  2004:  Commission  Communication  on 
the participation of the Union citizens in the Member State of 
the  electoral 
residence 
modalities  (Decision  76/787/EC  as  amended  by  Decision 
2002/772/EC)  

(Directive  93/109/EC)  and  on 

Non-legislative  action 
/ 
Commission 
Communication 

Firstly,  the  Communication  will  assess  the  application  of  Directive  93/109/EC  on  the  voting 
rights of the Union citizens in their Member State of residence in the June 2004 elections to 
the European Parliament.  

2006/JLS/008 

The  Report  will  draw  the  attention  of  the  European  Parliament  to  the  question  concerning 
publication of results of elections in Member  States with the view of amending the relevant 
provision to be clear and to be implemented in a uniform way, which is not the case at the 
moment. It will be up to the European Parliament to contemplate the appropriateness of any 
legislative initiative. 

Communication  on  the  implementation  of  the  rights  of  the 
child 

Non-legislative  action 
/ 
Commission 
Communication 

The  Communication  intends  to  set  a  framework  where  concrete  actions  will  allow  the 
implementation  of  the  rights  of  the  child  within  the  European  Union.  Also,  the  defence  of 
children’s rights in the external Policy of the Union will be included. 

2006/JLS/009 

The  action  plan  included  in  the  Communication  should  help  the  Union  and  the  Member 
States to fulfil their obligations vis-à-vis the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child. 

Green paper on drugs and civil society in the EU 

Non-legislative  action 
/ Green Paper 

Produce a Green paper to provide a framework for working with the civil society in the drugs 
field at the EU level. Ensure effective implementation of actions n° 3 (1) and 3 (2) of the EU 
Drugs Action Plan 2005-2008.  

2006/JLS/007 

Proposal  for  a  Council  Regulation  concerning  Community 
Financial  Contributions  to  the  International  Fund  for  Ireland 
(2007-2008) 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Regulation 

Article 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 177/2005 of 24 January 2005 establishes that by 31 
March 2006 the Commission shall submit a report to the Budgetary Authority, assessing the 
results of the activities of the Fund & the need for continuing contributions beyond 2006. 

2006/REGIO+/006 

Proposal  for  a  Council  Decision  on  Strategic  Community 
Guidelines on Cohesion 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Decision 

Définition  des  priorités  de  la  Communauté  en  matière  de  cohésion  économique,  sociale  et 
territoriale. 

2005/REGIO+/013 

Proposal 
91/414/EEC  concerning 
products on the market 

for  a  Directive  amending  Council  Directive 
the  placing  of  plant  protection 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Directive 

Adaptation to technical progress and re-organisation of regulatory provisions concerning the 
placing of plant protection products on the market. 

2003/SANCO/61 

Package of proposals aiming to reinforce the position and the 
normative framework of inland waterway transport, namely: 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Regulation 

(1) Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and 
of 
institutional 
framework for inland waterway transport; 

the  Council  establishing  a  European 

(2)  Proposal  for  a  negotiation  mandate  aiming  at  allowing 
third  countries  to  participate  in  the  institutional  framework 
and, if possible, to establish a common normative framework 
between the EU and third countries 

Action Plan on energy efficiency  

Commitment  of  the  Commission in  its  progress  report  to  Council  and  European Parliament 
(COM 444(2001)final). 

Le renforcement du cadre institutionnel, p.ex. l'établissement d'une Agence européenne pour 
la navigation intérieure, devrait inscrire le transport fluvial dans le cadre d'une politique des 
transports plus stratégique. Une telle agence devrait concentrer les aptitudes et ressources 
disponibles et éviter les doubles emplois dans les travaux de différents organismes, tout en 
combinant  des  missions  différentes  afin  de  susciter  des  synergies.  En  utilisant  le  cadre 
communautaire  comme  seul  cadre  approprié,  la  prise  de  décisions  et  l’établissement  de 
règles communes seront facilités. 

Dans  l’objectif  de  permettre  la  participation  des  Etats  tiers  intéressés  dans  les  travaux  de 
l’agence, et de parvenir à un cadre réglementaire harmonisé en Europe, l’établissement de 
l’Agence devra être accompagné par des accords bi- ou multilatéraux avec des pays tiers. 

2006/TREN/009 

Non-legislative  action 
/ 
Commission 
Communication 

L'énergie est au cœur de notre système économique et pourtant l'Europe doit importer 50% 
de ses besoins énergétiques, soit une facture annuelle de 240 milliards d’euros. Si rien n’est 
fait,  ce  sera  70%  en  2030  alors  que  le  prix  du  pétrole  s’envole.  La  maîtrise  de notre 
l’on  veut  réduire  cette  dépendance 
consommation  d’énergie  est 
énergétique.  C’est  pourquoi  l’efficacité  énergétique  est  une  des  priorités  de  la  stratégie  de 
Lisbonne pour une Europe plus compétitive. Suite au débat public lancé cette année avec le 

indispensable  si 

2006/TREN/032 

EN 

21 

   EN 

 
Green  Paper  on  a  secure,  competitive  and  sustainable 
energy policy for Europe 

Non-legislative action The Green Paper will prepare the Communication on this subject which will be issued later in 
the  year.  The  intention  is  to  give  the  widest  possible  consultation  pursuant  to  Better 
Regulation. 

2006/TREN/XXX 

Livre  vert  sur  l’efficacité  énergétique,  cette  communication  définira  un  plan  d’action  visant 
des économies d’énergie de l’ordre de 20% d’ici 2020. 

III  

SECURITY 

Title English 

Communication  on  a  strategy  for  a  secure 
information society "Strengthening Trust in ICT" 

Type of proposal 
or act 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

Description of scope and objectives 

Reference number 

The strategy will propose a general framework for future activities in the field of internet, network 
and  information  security.  It  will  take  stock  of  actions  already  taken  and  identify  areas  where  an 
action at EU level can provide particular added value, while respecting subsidiarity and activities 
already  undertaken  by  Member  States.  It  will  also  provide  a  link  to  further  security  related 
activities planned for 2006. 

2006/INFSO/002 

Proposal  for  a  Decision  on  a  computerised 
system  of  exchange  of  information  on  criminal 
convictions  

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Decision (CFSP/JHA) 

La décision aura pour objectif de créer les bases nécessaires à la mise en place d'un mécanisme 
européen  informatisé  permettant  d'échanger  les  informations  contenues  dans  les  registres 
nationaux. 

2004/JLS/116 

Council  Decision  creating  a  European  Law 
Enforcement  Network 
fight  against 
terrorism (LEN) 

the 

in 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Decision 

to  strengthen 

Pursuant  to  the  Communication  of  the  European  Commission  on  Preparedness  and  the 
Consequence  Management  in  the  Fight  against  Terrorism  the  Commission  proposes  additional 
instruments  on  civil  protection  and  consequence 
measures 
management. The intention of the Commission is to establish a law enforcement alert mechanism 
(the  Law  Enforcement  Network,  LEN)  to  be  hosted  by  Europol  and  connected  with  other 
European rapid alert and rapid response systems managed by the Commission (notably ARGUS) 
whilst respecting national competences.  

the  existing 

Proposal  for  a  Regulation  of  the  European 
Parliament  and  of  the  Council  establishing  a 
Community Code on short stay visas 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Regulation 

One of the fundamental components of further development of the common visa policy as part of 
a multi-layer system aimed at facilitating legitimate travel and tackling illegal immigration through 
enhanced harmonisation of national legislation and handling practices at diplomatic and consular 
posts  (as  defined  in  the  Hague  Programme),  is  the  establishment  of  a  "common  corpus"  of 
legislation.  Therefore  it  is  necessary  to  consolidate,  update  and  develop  the  current  acquis.  As 
current  legal  instruments  is  a  mixture  of  Community  rules  and  administrative  and  practical 
provisions, a proper "Visa Code" is to be drafted and accompanied by practical guidelines for the 
operational implementation of these rules. 

2005/JLS/077 

2006/JLS/002 

Proposal  for  a  Regulation  of  the  European 
Parliament and of the Council in view of setting 
up  the  powers  and  the  financing  of  teams  of 
national  experts  of  Member  States  to  provide 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Regulation 

Based  on  the  results  of  the  study  on  the  powers  of  the  MS  border  guards,  whose  final  report 
should be ready end of 2005, the proposal of the EP and Council legal instrument aims to set up 
powers and financing for the border guards,  when seconded in another MS. The  objective is to 
enable the MS border guards to provide effective assistance to their colleagues of the requesting, 

2006/JLS/003 

EN 

22 

   EN 

 
 
 
technical and operational assistance to Member 
States  in  the  activities  dealing  with  the  control 
and  surveillance  of  the  external  borders  in  the 
framework  of  the  European  Agency  for  the 
Management  of  Operational  Cooperation  at  the 
External  Borders  of  the  Member  States  of  the 
European Union 

host MS, since they should receive the appropriate powers in view of executing the regular tasks 
linked with the control and surveillance of the external borders. Furthermore the draft act should 
define  the  financial  framework  for  enacting  such  a  programme  of  technical  assistance  between 
the MS border guards. 

Proposal for a Framework Decision on Conflicts 
of Jurisdiction and the Principle of ne bis in idem 
in criminal proceedings 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Framework 
decision 
(JHA) 

The  proposal  aims  to  create  a  mechanism  which  would  facilitate  the  choice  of  jurisdiction  in 
criminal  proceedings  in  situations  where  two  or  more  Member  States  could  be  interested  to 
prosecute the same case.  

2006/JLS/010 

It  would  also  aim  to  clarify  the  scope,  applicability  and  the  interpretation  of  certain  elements  / 
definitions  of  the  current  rules  on  the  trans-national  EU  principle  of  ne  bis  in  idem,  which  are 
found in Articles 54-58 of the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement (CISA). 

EU Action Plan on public private partnership for 
combating crime and terrorism 

Non-legislative action / 
Other 

To establish a recommended model for public private partnerships against crime and terrorism at 
the EU level. 

2006/JLS/012 

Proposal  for  a  modification  of  the  Council 
Framework Decision on Combating Terrorism, in 
particular to make the transmission of expertise 
in 
terrorist 
purposes a crime 

explosives/bomb-making 

for 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
decision 
Framework 
(JHA) 

The  proposal  is  intended  to  continue  making  life  difficult  for  terrorists  or  would-be  terrorists  by 
making  the  intentional  transmission  of  expertise  in  the  making  of  bombs  and  explosives  for 
terrorist purposes a crime under the Framework Decision.  

2006/JLS/013 

This Proposal would also tie in with the policy being developed by the Commission in the field of 
violent  radicalisation  as  the  transmission  of  such  expertise  could  be  one  aspect  transforming 
persons having violently radical views into terrorists or as a way for terrorist groups/networks to 
recruit new people.  

Communication  on  a  European  Cyber-security 
and Cybercrime policy   

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

A  comprehensive  update  of  the  Commission's  cybercrime  policy,  including  issues  related  to 
protection of the critical information infrastructure, terrorist use of the internet, identity theft, pan-
European admissibility of electronic evidence, combating on-line child pornography, etc. 

2006/JLS+/015 

First implementation report of the Hague Action 
Plan – Scoreboard Plus 

Non-legislative action / 
Other 

The  objective  is  to  develop  and  produce  a  yearly  report  that  focuses  on  the  correct  and  timely 
transposition of legislative acts adopted and on the effective implementation of measures agreed.

2006/JLS/016 

Communication  on  the  objective  and  impartial 
evaluation  of 
implementation  of  EU 
measures  in  the  field  of  Freedom,  Security  and 
Justice.  

the 

Commission  Communication  on  organ  donation 
and transplantation in the EU 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

The main objective is to improve policies in the area of freedom security and justice through the 
establishment of a mechanism, which provides for effective evaluation of the implementation and 
results of policies in this area.  

2006/JLS/017 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

Organ  transplantation  is  currently  a  common  technique  used  in  medicine.  Transplants  are  in 
many cases the only treatments to end stage organ failures. This process is not risk free to the 
donor  and  the  recipient.  The  Commission,  under  article  152  of  the  Amsterdam  Treaty,  has  the 
right  to  establish  the  necessary  measures  for  setting  high  standards  of  quality  and  safety  of 
organs. Organ transplantation is a very complex area that only could be addressed successfully 
taking into account all the elements. 

2005/SANCO/006 

White Paper on "Better training for safer food"  Non-legislative action / 

White Paper 

The heart of the problem is a lack of a harmonised approach to the design and developments of 
national control systems. The WP on Food Safety placed particular emphasis on this and clearly 
indicates the need to address the issues with appropriate actions to achieve a high standard of 
consumer  protection  across  the  EU.  The  EP  and  the  Council,  on  29  April  2004,  adopted 

2005/SANCO/024 

EN 

23 

   EN 

 
Proposal  for  a  Regulation  of  the  European 
Parliament  and  of 
the  Council  amending 
Regulation  (EC)  No  1774/2002  on  animal  by-
products 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Regulation 

Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 on official controls which identifies training as a key issue. Article 
51  of  the  Regulation  empowers  the  Commission  to  develop  training  programmes  for  staff  of 
competent authorities of the Member States, which may be open to participants of third countries, 
in  particular  developing  countries.  This  action  will  develop  a  White  Paper  on  a  Community 
training strategy in the area covered by Regulation (EC) No 882/2004.  

The key objective is to review the health rules on ABPs taking into account the experience gained 
in applying Regulation 1774/2002. Removing disproportionate provisions and clarifying the scope 
of  the  Regulation  would  lead  to  a  clear  text,  making  the  measures  more  effective and  efficient. 
The  review  will  reduce  unnecessary  burden  and  negative  impacts,  increasing  benefits  by 
simplifying  and  avoiding  duplication  of  administrative  procedures  for  national  authorities  and 
operators. 

2005/SANCO/058 

Green  Paper  on  the  Review  of  the  consumer 
protection regulatory framework (acquis) 

Non-legislative action / 
Green Paper 

Green paper will launch the public consultation in order to allow the Commission to: 

2006/SANCO/007 

 -  analyse  the  transposition  and  application  of  the  eight  consumer  directives  constituting  the 
acquis by the MS 

- start a comparative law analysis of the relevant national laws 

- identify regulatory problems and internal market barriers. 

The  final  purpose  is:    to  rationalise  and  simplify  the  acquis  in  order  to  get  rid  of  possible 
inconsistencies,  overlaps,  internal  market  barriers  and  distortions  of  competition,  in  order  to 
complete the internal market and achieve better consumer protection. 

Commission  Communication  on  a  coordinated 
approach  in  Europe  to  tackle  alcohol-related 
harm 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

Council  Conclusions  of  5  June  2001  on  Community  strategy  to  reduce  alcohol-related  harm 
invites the Commission to come forward with measures in this respect. The Council reiterated the 
invitation on 2 June 2004. The main policy objective is to reduce the health and social harm due 
to  alcohol  consumption  and  contribute  to  higher  productivity  and  a  sustainable  economic 
development in EU in line with the objectives set out in the Lisbon Strategy. 

2005/SANCO/032 

Extension  of  the  competences  of  the  European 
Rail  Agency 
- Amendment  of  Directive 
2004/59/EC 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Directive 

La  longueur  et  le  coût  des  procédures  nationales  d'homologation  des  locomotives  ne  sont  pas 
optimales.  Il  convient  d'examiner  les  modalités  de  participations  de  l'agence  ferroviaire  pour 
faciliter/améliorer les procédures actuelles en favorisant les reconnaissances mutuelles. 

2006/TREN/005 

Communication  on  the  protection  of  critical 
transport and energy infrastructure 

Communication  on  minimum  maritime  labour 
standards 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

To  reduce  the  likelihood  of  European  critical  transport  and  energy  infrastructure  being  lost  or 
damaged by identifying it and ensuring its adequate protection. 

2006/TREN/011 

The  general  objective  is  to  explore  the  integration  of  ILO  consolidated  Convention,  possibly 
through  an  agreement  of  social  partners,  in  order  to  be  able  to  extend  the  port  state  control  to 
labour standards applied on board all ships calling at European ports regardless of the flag and 
the nationality of seafarers.  

2006/TREN/007 

Proposal  for  a  Regulation  of  the  European 
Parliament  and  of 
the  Council  modifying 
Regulation  (EC)  No  1592/2002  with  a  view  to 
extending  the  tasks  of  the  European  Aviation 
Safety  Agency  (EASA)  to  the  domains  of  Air 
Traffic  Management 
(ATM),  Air  Navigation 
Services (ANS) and airports 

Legislative  Proposal  / 
Regulation 

The  extension  of  EASA's  tasks  related  to  rulemaking  (safety  &  interoperability),  certification, 
licensing  and  standardisation  of  services  and  organisations  across  Member  States,  in  the 
domains of ATM, ANS and airports. 

2006/TREN/033 

EN 

24 

   EN 

 
IV EXTERNAL 

Title English 

Type of proposal 
or act 

Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the 
Council and the European Parliament on an "EU 
Governance Facility for Africa" 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

EU-Africa  partnership  on 
response 
to  Africa's  strategy 
economic growth and integration 

infrastructure.  A 
regional 

for 

the 
Communication 
European  Parliament  on  a  EU  Development 
Support Strategy for the Pacific Region 

the  Council  and 

to 

the  European  Parliament  and 

Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the 
Council, 
the 
European  Economic  and  Social  Committee  on 
an  EU  development  support  strategy  for  the 
Caribbean 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

Description of scope and objectives 

Reference number 

The  EU  will  back  African-owned  efforts  to  improve  governance.  The  EU  must  encourage  and 
support  African  countries  to  systematically  develop  good  governance  plan  within  their  national 
PRSP. A powerful tool to further boost efforts is, in particular, the voluntary African Peer Review 
Mechanism (APRM) and the reforms that it will trigger. To this aim, the Commission will launch a 
Governance Initiative that will encourage participation in the APRM process and provide further 
support  to  African  countries  for  the  implementation  of  their  APRM-driven  reforms.  This  support 
should  be  additional  to,  and  fully  in  line  with,  Poverty  Reduction  Strategy  Papers  and  should 
respect African ownership both of the process and the reforms pursued. 

Ongoing  efforts  to  develop  and  sustain  Africa's  infrastructure  and  access  to  services  must 
accelerate for economic growth that contributes to reduce poverty. The Commission proposes to 
establish an EU-Africa Partnership for Infrastructure to support and develop sustainable Networks 
that facilitate interconnectivity at a continental level for the promotion of regional integration. The 
Partnership  for  Infrastructure  should  encompass  investments  in  trans-boundary  and  regional 
infrastructure  and  their  regulatory  frameworks  in  the  widest  sense.  African  ownership  will  come 
through close engagement with African continental and regional institutions – the AU/NEPAD and 
the RECs. 

2006/DEV/005 

2006/DEV/006 

Update of EU/EC policy vis-à-vis the Pacific region to enhance efficiency of EC assistance. 

2006/DEV/002 

The Communication will provide for a political and implementation strategy framework to ensure 
that  the  EU  supports  the  efforts  of  the  Caribbean  to  tackle  their  vulnerabilities,    complete  their 
regional integration process and   reposition themselves as a high potential added value region. 
The strategy will also contribute to the creation of a single coherent and comprehensive EU policy 
towards the Caribbean. 

2006/DEV/004 

Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the 
Council  and  the  European  Parliament  on  the 
monitoring  of  Bulgaria  and  Romania  composed 
of:  

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

The Summary Paper for Bulgaria and Romania will specifically focus on the final preparations for 
accession  by  identifying  the  main  gaps  and  make  recommendations,  if  appropriate.  The 
comprehensive monitoring reports cover the progress made by the 2 countries towards accession 
(Commission staff working papers - 100 pages)  

2006/ELARG/001 

•  Summary  Paper  on 
Monitoring Reports for Bulgaria and Romania 

the  Comprehensive 

•  Comprehensive  Monitoring  Reports 
Bulgaria and Romania 

for 

EN 

25 

   EN 

 
 
 
Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the 
Council  and  the  European  Parliament  on  the 
2006 Enlargement Package composed of:  

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

• Strategy Paper on Enlargement  

• Progress Reports on Croatia, Turkey, Albania, 
Bosnia  &  Herzegovina,  the  former  Yugoslav 
& 
Republic 
Montenegro/Kosovo  

Macedonia, 

Serbia 

of 

The  Strategy  Paper  contains  the  main  findings  of  the  Progress  and  Monitoring  Reports    and 
includes proposals for policy recommendations. 

2006/ELARG/002 

The  Progress  Reports  contain  the  progress  made  by  Croatia  and  Turkey  towards  accession  as 
well as the progress made in implementing the Stabilisation and Association process by Albania, 
Bosnia  &  Herzegovina,  the  former  Yugoslav  Republic  of  Macedonia,  Serbia  &  Montenegro 
including Kosovo (Commission staff working papers). 

The  Comprehensive  Monitoring  Reports  contain  the  progress  made  by  Bulgaria  and  Romania 
towards accession. 

•  Comprehensive  Monitoring  Reports 
Bulgaria and Romania 

for 

Communication concerning the Establishment of 
The Global Renewable Energy Fund of Funds -- 
An 
Financing 
Mechanism in support of the Global Sustainable 
Development Agenda 

Public-Private 

Innovative 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

The Communication will provide an outline of the key features of the proposed innovative public-
private  financing  mechanism  which  aims  to  (1)  create  affordable  "patient"  risk  capital  so  as  to 
increase  access  to  risk  capital  for  renewable  energy  entrepreneurs  and  project  developers,  (2) 
increase  engagement  of  private  sector  experts  and  investors,  and  (3)  increase  the  leverage  of 
public  sector  funds.  In  addition  to  the  strong  focus  on  Developing  Countries,  Europe  and  its 
neighbouring countries will also be considered.   

2006/ENV/015 

Communication  on  a  EU  External  Relations 
Strategy to Counter Terrorism  

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

The communication is intended to develop a horizontal strategy to encourage projects aimed at 
countering  terrorism  in  third  states  through  the  appropriate  legal  instruments  under  the  new 
financial perspectives (2007-2013). 

2006/RELEX/012 

for  non- 
Communication  on  a  Strategy 
proliferation  and  disarmament  of  WMD  and 
Programming of the Community contribution  

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

The communication is intended to define a strategic framework for initiatives and projects against 
the proliferation of WMD, to be implemented through the appropriate legal instruments under the 
new financial perspectives (2007-2013). 

2006/RELEX/014 

Commission  Communication: 
"Conventional 
Disarmament as contribution to Human security" 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

The  communication  aims  at  extending  the  scope  of  the  Anti-Personnel  Landmines  Regulations 
(1724/01 and 1725/01), which provide a stepping stone for a wider action on weapons removal. 
This  Communication  will  pave  the  way  to  the  Multi-annual  Programming  exercises  under 
appropriate  legal  instruments  (e.g.  Stability,  Pre-accession,  Neighbourhood  and  Development 
Instruments). 

2006/RELEX/013 

directives 
to 

Proposal  for  a  Council  decision  establishing 
negotiating 
enhanced 
the 
agreement 
Partnership  and  Co-operation  Agreement 
between 
its 
Member States and Ukraine 

the  European  Community  and 

replace,  or  amend, 

for 

an 

Agr. 
countries 
recom. 
mandate 

with 

third 
/  Draft  or 
for  a  neg. 

Content to be defined, subject to further discussion with Member States and Ukraine. Objective is 
to define the overall framework for EU - Ukraine relations after the end of the initial 10 year period 
of the PCA. 

2006/RELEX/019 

New ENP action plans and first reviews of ENP 
Action Plan Implementation  

The EU and China  

EN 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission  working 
paper  

Action plans will be set up with Egypt, Lebanon, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. For Algeria a 
country report will be established.   Première évaluation de la mise en oeuvre des plans Politique 
Européenne de Voisinage pour la Moldavie, l'Ukraine, le Maroc, la Tunisie, la Jordanie, Israël et 
l'Autorité palestinienne. Une communication accompagnera le document des services présentant 
les conclusions de cette évaluation.  

2006/RELEX/007 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication  

China’s  rise  as  a  major  global  player  and  the  development  of  its  relations  with  the  EU  make  it 
necessary  to  define  a  new  comprehensive  strategy  over  the  next  five  years.  This  strategy  will 

2005/RELEX+/040  

26 

   EN 

 
the  Commission 

to 
the  European  Parliament  and 

the 
Communication  of 
Council, 
the 
European  Economic  and  Social  Committee  on 
External Aspects of Competitiveness 

the  Commission 

to 
the  European  Parliament  and 

the 
Communication  of 
the 
Council, 
European  Economic  and  Social  Committee  on 
the renewed Market Access Strategy 

bring together, in a single framework:  

–  A  Communication  defining  a  new  general  strategy  for  EU-China  relations  over  the next  five 

years and updating the 2003 Communication.   

–  A specific Communication offering a pro-active vision for trade and investment relations with 
China  for  the  next  five  years.    2006  will  be  the  final  year  of  the  5  year  transition  period 
granted  to  China  to  fully  implement  her  WTO  commitments  in  most  areas:  a  timely 
opportunity to comprehensively review China’s implementation of her WTO commitments and 
to propose a forward- looking strategy to "close the gaps” 

The top priority today is to restore sustainable dynamic growth and jobs in Europe with a view to 
put Europe back on track to long term prosperity, in accordance with the new Lisbon strategy. In 
the  last  decade,  Europe's  growth  and  productivity  gains  have  failed  to  match  those  of  its  major 
economic  partners.  A  low  labour  force  participation  and  employment  ratio  give  rise  to  sluggish 
internal  demand,  low  investment  and  innovation,  and  directly  feed  oppositions  to  structural 
change as well as to open and competitive markets. Greater openness to trade and investment 
represents  a  major  engine  of  growth  and  productivity  gains  through  greater  competition,  better 
specialisation  based  on  comparative  advantage,  innovations  generated  by  greater  competition, 
the  technology  included  in  foreign  imports  and  investments,  and  increased  economies  of scale. 
Trade  negotiations  can  offer  new  opportunities  to  open  new  markets  for  European  exports  and 
better  rules  to  improve  fair  competition  with  a  view  to  develop  qualified  jobs  in  Europe.

The Communication will assess a critical review of the current trade policy impact on European 
competitiveness  and  make  some  recommendations  on  trade  and  trade-related  policies  to 
maximise  their  contribution  to  the  main  objectives  of  the  new  Growth  and  Jobs  Strategy.  The 
Communication  will  represent  a  general  framework  for  new  initiatives  in  trade  and  trade-related 
policies and will pave the way for more specific Communications and EU actions.i 

L'adaptation  des  modalités  d'action  de  la  Stratégie  Européenne  d’Accès  aux  Marchés  est 
nécessaire  pour  développer  l'ouverture  des  marchés  mondiaux,  au  bénéfice  de  l'Union 
européenne  comme  des  pays  tiers.  Il  s’agit  d’utiliser  au  mieux  l’ensemble  des  instruments  de 
politique  commerciale,  qu’ils  impliquent  des  négociations  aux  niveaux  multilatéral  régional  et 
bilatéral ou qu’ils prennent la forme d’instruments spécifiques tels que le dialogue réglementaire 
qui  vise  à    suivre  la  bonne  mise  en  œuvre  des  engagements  pris  par  nos  partenaires. 
L’interactivité avec les entreprises européennes découlant de l’utilisation de la Base de Données 
Accès aux Marchés constitue à cet égard un atout qu’il convient d’exploiter plus finement.  

En  termes  de  politique  commerciale,  les  objectifs  concernent  la  facilitation  des  exportations  de 
biens et de services, et des investissements, notamment dans les pays émergents à fort potentiel 
de  croissance  Il  s’agit  aussi,  en  levant  les  barrières  à  l’accès  aux  marchés  où  qu’elles  se 
trouvent, d’aider les entreprises européennes travaillant dans les secteurs à plus fort potentiel, à 
tirer profit de la spécialisation sectorielle mondiale par des économies d’échelle. Il est prévu que 
les critères d’importance de ces pays et secteurs soient énoncés dans une communication de la 

2006/TRADE/001 

2006/TRADE/002 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

EN 

27 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
Commission prévue pour avril 2006 sur le thème des aspects externes de la compétitivité. 

EN 

28 

   EN 

 
recommendation 

Draft 
for  a  negotiation 
Mandate.  Economic  integration  and  free  trade 
agreement with the Republic of Ukraine 

Agr. 
countries 
recom. 
mandate 

with 

third 
/  Draft  or 
for  a  neg. 

The proposal will request a mandate from the Council to negotiate an economic integration and 
free trade agreement with the Republic of Ukraine. The objectives of the agreement are to foster 
trade,  investment  and  economic  ties  between  the  EU  and  Ukraine,  which  is  an  important 
neighbour of the enlarged EU.  

2006/TRADE+/003 

Communication to the European Parliament and 
the  Council  on  the  development  of  energy 
markets with neighbouring countries 

Non-legislative action / 
Commission 
Communication 

La  communication  portera  sur  la  création  d'un  marché  de  l'énergie  avec  les  pays  voisins  fondé 
sur la complémentarité des stratégies énergétiques de l'Union et de ses voisins immédiats, qu'ils 
soient producteurs, consommateurs, ou pays de transits. 

2006/TREN+/015 

L'objectif  est  de  concourir  par  la  création  de  ce  marché  à  la  sécurité  de  l'approvisionnement 
énergétique de l'Union Européenne qui, dans les décennies à venir, devrait demeurer fortement 
dépendante des sources externes d'énergies fossiles. 

EN 

29 

   EN