Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Commission - Legislative and Work Programme 2007
Date: 2006-10-24
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: European Commission, action programme, legislative programme (EU)

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 24.10.2006 
COM(2006) 629 final 

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

Commission Legislative and Work Programme 2007 

EN 

   EN 

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

Commission Legislative and Work Programme 2007 

1. 

INTRODUCTION 

In 2007 the European Union will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome. 50 
years  of  European  construction  have  brought  peace,  economic  and  social  prosperity  and 
stability,  based  on  common  values  and  principles.  Europe  is  changing:  welcoming  two  new 
Member  States,  facing  up  to  the  effects  of  globalisation  and  building  a  new  role  on  the 
international scene. Citizens’ expectations of the EU have increased over the last five decades. 
This is both a recognition of the EU’s increased relevance and a challenge to all of Europe’s 
leaders.  EU  citizens  want  a  greater  understanding  of  what  the  EU  does  and  how  it  does  it. 
They  want  to  have  a  say  in  what  the  EU  does.  That  is  why  at  the  50th  anniversary  of  the 
Treaties of Rome in 2007, the Heads of State and Government together with the Commission 
and  the  European  Parliament  will  renew  their  commitment  to  Europe  in  the  Berlin 
Declaration,  committing  again  to  an  enlarged,  sustainable,  open  and  competitive  Europe,  a 
Europe of political achievement and political goals. 

2007  will  also  be  a  crucial  year  for  the  search  of  an  institutional  settlement.  The  European 
Council of last June has set a clear process and a timetable, and the incoming Presidency will 
have the task of presenting a report containing an assessment of the state of discussions with 
regard to the Constitutional Treaty and explore future developments. The Commission intends 
to fully participate in this process and will cooperate with the other institutions, with the aim 
of contributing to a comprehensive institutional settlement. 

This  Commission  set  out  its  strategic  objectives  at  the  start  of  its  mandate:  putting  Europe 
back on the track of prosperity; reinforcing our commitment towards solidarity; strengthening 
citizens'  security  and,  finally,  projecting  and  promoting  these  priorities  outside  our  borders 
with  a  stronger  voice  in  the  world1.  These  remain  the  core  direction  for  the  Commission's 
work, and the foundation for the partnership approach essential to realising ambitious policies 
in a complex world.  

Two major policy agendas complement the renewed Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs and 
the Sustainable Development Strategy reconfirmed at the European Council in June: 

•  In autumn 2005, the European Union agreed to put globalisation at the centre of its policy 
agenda.  At  Hampton  Court,  a  set  of  interlocking  policies  was  identified  as  needing  a 
European  response:  research  and  development,  universities,  demography,  and  energy, 
along with security and a more effective external response.  

•  In May this year, the Commission set out a twin-track strategy to move Europe forward, in 
its  document  "A  Citizen's  Agenda:  Delivering  Results  for  Europe".  The  institutional  and 

1 

COM(2005) 12. 

EN 

2 

   EN 

 
                                                 
constitutional  issues  facing  Europe  cannot  be  put  on  one  side  –  but  they  can  only  be 
tackled  in  parallel  to  the  delivery  of  an  active  policy  agenda  focusing  on  citizens' 
expectations  and  needs.  Concrete  results  will  boost  citizens'  confidence  in  the  European 
project and create the right conditions for an ambitious institutional agreement. 

The  past  year  has  set  the  European  Union  on  the  path  to  realising  an  ambitious  policy 
programme. The Lisbon Strategy has been re-launched and the Commission has set out how 
innovation  can  become  the  touchstone  of  the  European  economy  –  with  a  flagship  for 
education, research and innovation in the shape of the European Institute for Technology. An 
interinstitutional  agreement  on  the  budgetary  framework  for  the  next  seven  years  has  been 
reached and the new financial programmes will start on 1 January 2007. The revision of the 
EU Sustainable Development Strategy, adopted by the European Council in June on the basis 
of  the  Commission  proposal,  provides  a  comprehensive  and  long-term  approach  for  putting 
EU  policies  on  a  more  sustainable  path.  The  Green  Paper  for  the  new  energy  policy  for 
Europe  includes  concrete  proposals  on  internal  and  external  aspects  of  energy  policy  to  be 
developed  with  the  aim  of  achieving  sustainability,  competitiveness  and  security  of  energy 
supply.  The  Green  Paper  on  a  future  maritime  policy  for  the  Union  launched  a  debate  on  a 
truly integrated Maritime Policy which will release untapped potential in terms of growth and 
jobs while strengthening the protection of the marine environment. The "Europe in the world" 
paper  set  out  how  the  EU  could  advance  towards  the  goal  of  a  global  voice  to  match  its 
economic  weight.  The  Commission  has  continued  to  exert  leadership  in  the  international 
dialogue on the future international climate change regime. 

This Work Programme maps out what the Commission will do to meet its strategic objectives 
in  2007.  To  develop  its  programme  for  2007,  the  Commission  has  had  the  benefit  of  the 
reactions from the European Parliament, the Council and the other institutions to the Annual 
Policy  Strategy  for  2007.  The  structured  dialogue  established  under  the  Framework 
Agreement between the European Parliament and the Commission and the "summary report" 
adopted by the Conference of Presidents have been particularly valuable and have illustrated 
how common goals can be worked into concrete actions and tangible results. 

•  As regards prosperity, the Commission will continue to promote the modernisation of the 
European  economy  through  the  renewed  Lisbon  Strategy  for  growth  and  jobs,  and  a 
dynamic  internal  market,  with  an  interlocking  set  of  measures  to  foster  knowledge, 
innovation  and  a  sustainable  environment  for  growth.  This  includes  the  creation  of  a 
European framework for economic migrants. The Commission will pursue the initiatives to 
promote  external  aspects  of  competitiveness  set  out 
its  4th  October  2006 
Communication  on  "Global  Europe,  competing  in  the  world".  Energy  will  be  a  major 
focus, with the first European Strategic Energy Review heralding a new phase in European 
energy policy to help tackle climate change. The Commission will come forward with its 
views on the way forward for a new maritime policy.  

in 

•  Solidarity,  environmental  protection,  sustainable  management  and  use  of  natural 
resources, and the health and wellbeing of citizens go hand in hand with growth and jobs. 
With  2007  being  the  "European  Year  of  Equal  Opportunities",  Europeans  will  again  be 
reminded of the social core at the heart of how Europe works. The Commission will take 
stock of the social situation in the EU, as requested by the European Council in June 2006, 
with a particular emphasis on questions of access and opportunity, and in view of building 
a  new  consensus  on  the  social  challenges  facing  Europe.  Updating  policies  to  match  the 
needs of European society today is a key first step to making solidarity work effectively. It 

EN 

3 

   EN 

 
will also have to continue to drive forward its climate policy, with the aim of broadening 
international co-operation and achieving bigger emission reductions domestically. 

•  Action  at  European  level  is  needed  to  ensure  a  high  level  of  security  and  justice,  safety 
and  protection  of  citizens  Europe  faces  new  risks.  Environmental  and  health  risks, 
communicable  diseases  and  natural  disasters,  as  well  as  threats  from  terrorist  attacks 
require rapid and effective response capacity at EU level. Law enforcement and criminal 
investigation across the EU will be pursued in the fight against crime and violence. Border 
control will be a key area for action in 2007, together with the extension of the Schengen 
Area. 

•  Europe needs to cultivate a strong voice of its own in the world to pursue goals such as 
sustainable  development,  global  environment,  peace,  neighbourhood,  cooperation  and 
external competitiveness. Scientific, technological and other knowledge-intensive forms of 
cooperation  based  on  mutual  interest  and  mutual  benefits  hold  particular  potential  for 
furthering  those  objectives  Europe  needs  to  improve  coherence  and  coordination  of  the 
Commission’s  action  with  the  work  of  the  other  European  institutions  and  that  of  the 
Member States. Equally, Community external policies and the external aspects of internal 
policies must work together better. 

A more focused Work Programme for the future 

This  year,  the  Commission  proposes  to  take  another  step  in  the  evolution  of  the  Work 
Programme.  The  goal  is  for  the  Work  Programme  to  be  a  more  focused  reflection  of  the 
priorities  for  the  coming  year;  to  help  make  interinstitutional  discussion  of  forthcoming 
priorities  more  concrete;  and  to  underline  the  message  that  better  regulation  actions  are  an 
integral  part  of  the  Commission's  tasks.  This  means  well  targeted  policies,  tackling  issues 
where subsidiarity shows that Europe can bring real benefits. The Commission has chosen to 
present  a  short  list  of  strategic  initiatives,  selected  because  of  their  political  relevance  and 
advanced  stage  of  preparation.  The  Commission  is  committed  to  adopting  these  measures 
next year, and they will not be subject to a mid-term review. 

With  this  in  mind,  this  Work  Programme  sets  out  the  concrete  actions  at  the  core  of  the 
Commission's  political  delivery  during  2007  –  the  Commission's  strategic  initiatives.  A 
detailed  list  is  provided  in  the  Annex.  In  addition,  the  Commission  commits  to  develop  a 
series  of  priority  initiatives,  to  be  adopted  over  the  next  12  to  18  months  depending  on  the 
depth and intensity of preparation needed to meet the quality standards of Better Regulation. 
A detailed list with the areas where the Commission intends to develop priority initiatives is 
provided in the Annex.  

In drawing up the lists of strategic and priority initiatives, the Commission has reflected the 
dialogue  it  has  had,  in  particular  with  the  European  Parliament,  since  the  adoption  of  the 
Annual Policy Strategy for 2007. The Commission is ready to listen to the views expressed by 
the other Institutions on its work programme. 

The Commission is committed to ensuring the quality of its proposals. Impact assessment is 
carried out on initiatives with the potential for significant economic, social and environmental 
impacts. Therefore all items identified as "strategic initiatives" or "priority initiatives" will be 
subject  to  impact  assessment,  with  Green  Papers,  Social  Dialogue  measures,  'convergence-
type'  reports,  and  transposition  of  international  agreements  normally  being  exempted  from 
this  requirement.  The  proposals  put  forward  in  the  annexes  have  been  or  are  the  subject  of 

EN 

4 

   EN 

 
wide public consultation, to ensure that citizens and all interested parties are fully involved in 
the  decision-making  process.  Impact  assessment  procedures  may  also  be  applied  for  other 
items  which  do  not  feature  in  the  Work  Programme.  The  modalities  for  selection  of  these 
additional  items  will  be  established  in  the  context  of  the  creation  of  the  new  impact 
assessment support and quality control function which will work under the direct authority of 
the President.  

Next month, the Commission will adopt a strategic review of its Better Regulation activities, 
highlighting the progress made to date and identifying new initiatives. This Work Programme 
focuses on the forthcoming  plans  for simplification, and also outlines other measures  in the 
pipeline.  

2. 

THE PRIORITIES FOR 2007 

Modernising the European economy 

The  Commission's  core  strategy  for  promoting  sustainable  growth  and  jobs  in  a  dynamic, 
innovative  and  attractive  Europe  is  now  well-established.  With  the  submission  of  national 
programmes, the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs has entered a new phase and there is a 
shared  commitment  to  go  further  with  the  reform  agenda,  with  EU  action  complementing 
national,  regional  and  local  efforts.  The  Commission's  2007  annual  progress  report  to  the 
Spring European Council on the renewed Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs will be adopted 
before  the  end  of  2006,  and  thus  follow-up  will  be  an  important  theme  for  2007.  The 
consensus  on  innovation  reached  at  the  European  Council  in  Lahti  will  put  the  spotlight  on 
measures at both European, national and local level to stimulate innovation in all sectors of 
the economy. 

Globalisation, enlargement and technological progress have all changed the rules of the game 
and  present  new  challenges  and  opportunities  for  the  internal  market.  The  Commission  is 
currently undertaking a Single Market review, to look at achievements to date, to identify gaps 
that  need  filling  and  to  propose  action  to  meet  the  challenges  of  the  future  and  ensure  that 
citizens  effectively  reap  the  benefits.  Publication  of  this  review  will  set  the  scene  for  the 
Single Market into the next decade. 

Continuing its policy of looking at sectors where the Internal Market is not fully established, a 
key  focus  in  2007  will  be  defence  industries  and  markets,  where  the  need  to  respect  the 
demands of national security has kept these industries apart from the competitive rigours of 
the internal market. The Commission will explore how the European dimension can help to 
tackle market fragmentation.  

Over the past few years, the EU has been undertaking a major reform of agricultural markets. 
This  process  is  continued  with  proposals  for  the  wine  sector,  designed  to  guarantee  a 
successful future for an industry where Europe has a real competitive edge. 

The internal market also has an impact on the rapidly developing sector of space. A European 
Space Policy is needed to provide a frame for users and developers of space technologies and 
to ensure that EU policies take this dimension into account.  

The consultation process on the Green Paper dealing with the future maritime policy for the 
Union  will  end  in  June  2007.  The  Commission  will  then  present  the  results  of  this 

EN 

5 

   EN 

 
consultation including political conclusions and actions that can be implemented in the short-
term. 

Slovenia  will  join  the  Eurozone  in  2007.  The  Commission  will  continue  to  assess  the 
readiness of Member States with a derogation to adopt the euro and would start the practical 
preparations with the countries that would meet the criteria for the introduction of the euro in 
2008. 

Addressing the challenges of European society 

At  the  heart  of  aspirations  of  European  citizens,  in  particular  young  Europeans,  is  the 
breaking  down  of  barriers  to  the  opportunities  offered  by  the  European  labour  markets. 
"Flexicurity"  has  been  acknowledged  as  a  promising  approach  to  marrying  labour  market 
flexibility and the development of skills with robust social protection. The Commission will 
put forward proposals to encourage common principles to stimulate flexicurity.  

The Commission is undertaking a comprehensive stocktaking of European society, to serve as 
a basis for a new agenda for access and solidarity and for European policy-making into the 
next decade. As part of this exercise, the Commission will present a mid-term review of the 
implementation  of  its  Social  Agenda  with  a  view  to  taking  stock  of  EU  achievements  in 
delivering more and better jobs and offering equal opportunities for all. 

A better management of migration flows 

The  pressures  of  demography  have  added  to  the  need  for  the  European  labour  market  to 
attract economic immigrants. A European regime for economic immigrants would give them a 
secure legal status making clear the rules attached and the rights they should enjoy. Specific 
attention needs to be given to the position of highly skilled migrants, with a swifter response 
time to react to changing needs – something like a "green card" system.  

An important tenet of the EU strategy in the field of migration will be a proposal on minimum 
sanctions  for  employers  of  illegally  staying  third-country  nationals,  in  order  to  reduce  both 
illegal  immigration  and  the  exploitation  of  such  workers.  In  the  field  of  asylum,  the 
Commission  will  stimulate  dialogue  with  all  stakeholders  involved  with  a  view  to  the 
completion of the Common European Asylum Policy by 2010. 

Secure, competitive and sustainable energy 

Energy has climbed to the top of the policy agenda. After a long period of relative stability, 
secure and affordable energy supplies can no longer be taken for granted. At the same time, 
the  imperative  of  tackling  climate  change  demands  a  different  approach  to  energy  use  and 
energy production. Increased dependence on imports and higher energy prices have been read 
as a sign for the future. Only a European response, based on sustainability, competitiveness, 
energy efficiency and security, can deal with a challenge of this magnitude. 

The Commission will present the first Strategic Energy Review for Europe, a comprehensive 
approach accompanied by an Action Plan with individual actions for the development of an 
EU  energy  policy.  It  will  set  the  scene  for  a  long-term  approach  to  improve  the  internal 
market, to accelerate the use of new technologies, to diversify and secure supplies inside and 
from  outside  the  EU,  to  control  demand  and  to  promote  energy  efficiency.  In  parallel,  the 
Commission will put forward a Green Paper on options for EU climate change policy and the 

EN 

6 

   EN 

 
perspectives for international co-operation post-2012. It will also propose measures to secure 
the completion of a true internal market for electricity and gas. There will also be a revision 
of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme to provide for stability of investments and to step up the 
momentum on cutting greenhouse gas emissions.  

The  result  will  be  a  clear  vision  of  what  needs  to  be  done  in  Europe  to  secure  long-term 
energy for its citizens and to lead the world on climate change awareness.  

Making Europe a better place to live 

European public policy can have a real influence in helping citizens anticipate and react to a 
rapidly changing society. To deliver properly, it must be up to date, and perfectly attuned to 
the  needs  of  modern  society.  Central  to  people's  well-being  is  their  health,  a  high  quality 
environment and the services they can rely upon. A White Paper on health strategy will set 
out how the European level can contribute to health and help to shape health policy in Europe 
to best effect, facing up to the challenges of pandemics, improving food security, promoting 
health  and  contributing  to  future  competitiveness.  A  European  strategy  will  also  be  put  in 
place in the field of social services, building on a wide consultation process on the impact of 
European  law  in  this  area.  The  Commission  will  also  explore  how  the  EU  can  make  a 
contribution to better urban transport, used by millions of Europeans each day. 

Security is also central to Europeans' well-being. Measures to combat terrorism will centre on 
fighting terrorism propaganda and limiting the transmission of expertise – such as explosives 
–  for  terrorist  purposes.  An  Action  Plan  on  enhancing  the  security  of  explosives  will  be 
adopted.  The  Commission  will  also  focus  its  work  on  the  fight  against  cyber  crime  and  to 
foster public-private dialogue and cooperation in the security field. 

Europe as a world partner 

With the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, 2007 will mark another important stage in the 
European  Union's  historic  process  of  enlargement.  The  annual  enlargement  strategy  paper 
will  provide  an  opportunity  to  take  stock  of  and  to  assess  the  progress  made  by  the  other 
countries in the enlargement process, outlining the way ahead.  

Europe is already established as the largest trader in the world. Its markets offer opportunities, 
and  its  products  and  services  offer  choice,  for  sustainable  trade  and  investment  partners 
worldwide.  A  renewed  market  access  strategy  will  help  to  address  barriers  to  trading 
relationships and to create new openings for trade and investment worldwide while taking into 
account competitiveness, social and environmental concerns. 

Over the coming year, a key goal of the Commission will be to overcome the obstacles to an 
agreement in the Doha Development Round. This remains central to the health of the global 
economy.  At  the  same  time,  the  EU  should  pursue  its  Global  Europe  Communication  to 
promote  a  dynamic  policy  of  external  competitiveness  and  cooperation  to  improve  trade 
relations  with  key  partners  and  to  ensure  the  external  dimension  contributes  to  growth  in 
Europe. 

Negotiations  on  Economic  Partnership  Agreements,  which  represent  a  cornerstone  for  the 
regional integration of the ACP countries and for their development, will be concluded by the 
end of 2007.  

EN 

7 

   EN 

 
Particular attention will be paid to the reinforcement of the European Neighborhood Policy, 
the  negotiation  of  Association  Agreements  with  several  major  partners  in  Asia  and  Latin 
America,  as  well  as  to  progress  in  the  negotiations  with  major  strategic  partners  such  as 
Russia,  China  and  Ukraine.  The  implementation  of  the  European  Security  Strategy  will  be 
continued,  in  particular  in  the  area  of  human  security.  The  Commission  will  persist  in  its 
stabilization  efforts  in  the  Middle  East  and  in South  Asia.  It  will  also  work  towards  further 
strengthening transatlantic relations. 

Millions of Europeans travel all over the world each year. They need protection and support 
when in difficulty. Their rights to diplomatic and consular protection as EU citizens should 
be clear and they should be able to exercise those rights whenever needed. 

3. 

DELIVERY: A DAILY TASK 

New  actions  with  a  focus  on  political  priorities  form  only  one  aspect  of  the  Commission's 
work. Throughout the year, the Commission remains responsible for managing financial and 
operational programmes, within Europe and throughout the world. It has direct responsibility 
for  managing  a  series  of  complex  common  policies  and  for  ensuring  the  acquis  is  properly 
applied. It has a special role as guardian of the common European interest. The Commission 
will  step  up  its  efforts  to  communicate  with  European  citizens  and  to  explain  the  European 
project. 

Management functions 

2007 will mark the start of an extensive series of new financing programmes in the context of 
the  new  Financial  Perspectives.  These  include  a  full  set  of  new  programmes  in  cohesion 
policy,  in  employment  and  social  solidarity,  in  particular  the  European  Globalisation  Fund, 
and in rural development and fisheries. 2007 will see the finalisation of 27 national strategic 
reference  frameworks  and  the  approval  of  around  360  operational  programmes  in  the 
framework of Cohesion Policy. Similarly for rural development 27 national strategy plans are 
being  finalised  and  around  80  programmes  will  be  adopted  in  2007.  The  definition  and 
launching  of  the  new  generation  of  programmes  will  secure  the  contribution  of  Cohesion 
Policy  and  rural  development  policies  to  the  Union’s  economic  modernisation  and  the 
Commission’s  strategy  for  growth  and  more  and  better  jobs  via  the  earmarking  "Lisbon-
related" Cohesion spending. There are also measures to stimulate competitiveness like the 7th 
Research  Framework  Programme, 
the  Competitiveness  and  Innovation  Framework 
Programme (CIP), the Life Long Learning Programme and the trans-European networks.  

the  Common  Agricultural  Policy  (CAP)  reform  and 

Complementing  the  legislative  activity  of  the  Union,  these  programmes  provide  a  coherent 
political framework for EU action in areas of primary concern to EU citizens and contribute to 
the  attainment  of  the  four  strategic  objectives  of  the  Commission.  At  the  same  time  the 
Commission  is  continuously  looking  to  deliver  its  on-going  tasks  such  as  ensuring  proper 
implementation  of 
increased 
competitiveness in agricultural markets. Continuous efforts are undertaken by the responsible 
Commission services to raise the quality of programmes and projects which are financed by 
the  EU,  an  objective  which  also  covers  the  work  to  promote  their  reliable  financial 
management and the best value for money These programmes also contribute to the smooth 
integration of new Member States and thus help the EU to continue to make a success of each 
enlargement.  At  the  same  time,  recently  adopted  programmes  will  also  extend  beyond  our 
borders,  like  the  Instrument  of  Pre-Accession  or  the  European  Neighbourhood  and 

EN 

8 

   EN 

 
Partnership  Instrument.  Furthermore  a  new  set  of  external  policy  instruments  will  be 
introduced to promote development and cooperation and to deliver external assistance in over 
150  countries  around  the  world,  to  respond  to  trans-regional  security  threats  or  to  promote 
human rights and democracy. 

Managing the Community acquis 

The Commission's role does not end with the adoption of a proposal by the Members of the 
Commission. It actively participates in shaping the measures finally adopted by the European 
Parliament and the Council of Ministers, acting as an honest broker between the institutions to 
find the best solutions to serve the general interest of the Union.  

The Commission also steers and prepares the work of many Committees bringing in expertise 
from across the EU, and making the regulatory process for EC legislation more effective and 
transparent  through  enhanced  cooperation  between  supervisory  authorities.  This  system 
enables  the  EU  to  respond  much  faster  and  in  a  more  flexible  manner  to  developments  and 
facilitates the revision of detailed implementing measures where necessary. New rules for this 
system  of  "comitology"  will  increase  the  participation  of  the  European  Parliament  in  the 
regulatory process. The Commission will examine the legal acts adopted under the codecision 
procedure  that  may  be  subject  to  the  "new  regulatory  procedure  with  scrutiny"  and  will 
amend,  as  agreed,  the  procedure  for  informing  the  European  Parliament  and  the  register 
functions. 

The Commission is responsible for monitoring implementation and enforcement of the acquis 
by the Member States. To that effect, it ensures the due application of EC law in all Member 
States.  Such  monitoring  activities  can  lead,  when  appropriate,  to  infringement  procedures 
being initiated against Member States deemed to be in breach of their obligations under EC 
law.  For  the  past  year,  the  Commission  has  been  reviewing  the  position  concerning  the 
application  of  Community  law.  The  resolution  adopted  by  Parliament  on  this  issue  in  the 
Better  Regulation  package  has  been  taken  into  account  in  this  review.  The  Commission  is 
preparing  to  announce  its  intentions  in  the  Better  Regulation  Strategic  Review  document 
planned for adoption in November. 

Making policy work  

One of the central tasks of the Commission has always been to actively promote development 
and  implementation  of  EU  policy.  The  renewed  Lisbon  Strategy  is  an  example  of  this.  The 
strategy is now based on a firm consensus, but at the heart of the strategy is a recognition that 
good governance is needed to make the strategy genuinely effective. This means partnership. 
Member  States  have  committed  themselves  to  their  national  reform  programmes,  but  the 
Commission provides a key monitoring role at every stage – in addition to delivering a series 
of  EU  level  actions  directly.  This  dynamic  relationship  is  essential  to  translating  policy 
aspirations into real action. 

In  many  areas,  the  Commission  has  been  given  the  task  of  monitoring  progress.  Annual 
stocktakings in areas like economic and social protection and gender equality allow for policy 
to be refined where needed. Longer-term assessments allow for new directions. For example, 
in  2007  the  Commission  will  report  on  the  Environment  Technology  Action  Plan,  and  the 
European  Union  Solidarity  Fund  for  disaster  support.  A  mid-term  review  of  both  industrial 
policy  and  the  modern  SME  policy  will  also  be  undertaken.  The  Shared  Environmental 
Information  System  (SEIS)  will  be  launched,  providing  key  environmental  information  to  a 

EN 

9 

   EN 

 
range of users, for example to aid urban planning. In 2007, the annual report on Employment 
in  Europe  will  review  labour  market  developments,  marking  the  10th  year  of  the  European 
Employment  Strategy  and  a  new  cycle  of  the  open  method  of  coordination  in  the  social 
protection field will be launched. 

Detailed  monitoring  is  also  provided  by  new  mechanisms  set  up  for  defined  purposes.  A 
European Observatory of Energy markets will be set up in 2007, initially for electricity, gas 
and  oil  markets,  with  possible  extension  to  other  commodities  at  a  later  stage.  The 
Commission will also pursue nuclear, aviation and maritime security inspections for which it 
is responsible. 

International scene 

The Commission plays a lead role in ongoing international negotiations. The EC is party to a 
number of international agreements. The Commission's negotiating role continues to grow as 
the objectives under the various Conventions evolve. The main areas include the environment 
(notably  on  climate  change  and  biodiversity),  agriculture,  fisheries,  trade  and  intellectual 
property.  The  Commission  also  conducts  regulatory  dialogue  with  key  partners,  including 
China, India, Japan, Russia, Brazil, Mexico and the USA. These are useful tools for avoiding 
regulatory  conflicts,  enhancing  cooperation  with  other  jurisdictions  and  helping  to  promote 
EU regulatory standards in the world, thereby pre-empting the impact of globalisation.  

Connecting Europe to citizens 

One of the Commission's fundamental objectives is to make EU policies understandable and 
relevant to the citizens. This includes a commitment to listen and to deliver, and to becoming 
more accountable, transparent and effective. A reinforced dialogue with the citizens requires 
adequate means and a continuous effort from all the EU institutions in terms of democracy, 
dialogue  and  debate,  as  in  Plan  D.  The  Commission  will  continue  to  try  to  better  involve 
citizens  in  the  policy  process  at  all  levels,  particularly  young  people  and  women.  The 
challenge is to improve the citizens' image of the EU, knowledge about the EU, and interest in 
the EU. The Commission  will  continue to build an operational and fruitful partnership  with 
national, regional and local authorities and civil society in the Member States, as well as with 
other key stakeholders including the media. 

The Commission launched a major new initiative to develop participation in Europe through 
the  White  Paper  on  Communication.  Next  year  will  see  a  new  phase  in  this  work,  with  an 
agenda  of  practical  steps  by  EU  institutions,  Member  States  and  civil  society,  underpinning 
the Commission’s commitment to connect to citizens. 

This  Commission  has  made  communication  one  of  the  strategic  objectives  for  its  term  of 
office  and  has  recognised  that  a  renewed  commitment  to  communication  with  Europe's 
citizens is of vital importance. In its 2005 Action Plan to improve Communicating Europe, the 
Commission has also decided to focus in its communication activities on key priorities to be 
selected, on the one hand on political priorities and, on the other hand, on a sound and deep 
understanding  of  the  citizens'  interest  and  concerns.  Next  year,  the  Commission  will 
concentrate its communication activities on the priorities set out in Annex, which have been 
established on the basis of the political priorities set up in the present work programme. 

While concentrating its efforts and resources on key priorities, the Commission will continue 
to pursue and strengthen its efforts to better communicating Europe in all policy areas.  

EN 

10 

   EN 

 
4. 

BETTER  REGULATION:  SIMPLIFICATION,  CODIFICATION,  WITHDRAWALS  AND 
MEASUREMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS 

The  aim  of  simplifying  and  modernising  the  regulatory  environment  in  Europe  is  central  to 
the  work  of  the  Commission.  Meeting  this  cross-cutting  strategic  objective  has  led  the 
Commission to develop and pursue a far-reaching Better Regulation agenda, with a view to 
making further progress towards the Lisbon objectives for jobs and growth.  

This  priority  will  be  reflected  both  in  the  preparation  and  design  of  its  work  programme 
initiatives  and  in  specific  initiatives  to  simplify  existing  legislation.  The  Commission  will 
develop  a  modern,  efficient  and  effective  regulatory  culture  throughout  Europe.  The  good 
progress made in recent years will be built upon in 2007, with the lessons identified as part of 
the  forthcoming  strategic  review  of  Better  Regulation  allowing  the  Commission  to  further 
refine  its  approach  and  to  ensure  that  the  expectations  of  Europe's  citizens  and  economic 
operators for a simple and effective regulatory environment are met.  

Simplification programme 

In  particular,  the  Commission  is  implementing  a  far-reaching  rolling  simplification 
programme designed to lessen the burden on economic operators and citizens. This rolling 
programme originally covered about 100 initiatives, of which more than 20 have already been 
delivered.  Following  a  major  update  of  the  rolling  programme  in  2006,  47  simplification 
initiatives  will  be  presented  in  the  course  of  2007.  Major  simplification  initiatives  will  be 
presented  in  many  policy  areas,  in  particular  for  product  regulation,  agricultural  legislation, 
environmental and labour market legislation, and statistics. In addition, the Commission will 
pursue simplification in cases where legislation is adopted through Comitology. 

Codification 

In 2007, the Commission will step up its work appreciably to reduce the volume of the acquis 
and improve its accessibility and implementation. Following the 2006 update and re-launch of 
the indicative programme to codify the acquis, the Commission aims to present around 350 
codification initiatives in the period up to 2008. In 2007 alone, the Commission will present 
around  100  proposals  to  the  legislator  for  codification  of  Council  and  Parliament  acts.  The 
European  Parliament  and  the  Council  are  called  upon  to  ensure  the  speedy  adoption  of 
codification proposals. 

Screening of pending proposals 

In 2007, the Commission will also complete its screening of proposals pending before the 
legislator.  In  2005-2006,  a  first  screening  of  proposals  dating  from  before  2004  led  to  the 
Commission withdrawing 68 proposals. A similar screening exercise of more than 80 pending 
proposals  dating  from  2004  (until  22  November  2004)  has  enabled  the  Commission  to 
announce  the  withdrawal  of  a  further  10  pending  proposals.  In  accordance  with  the 
Framework Agreement, the Commission hereby informs the other institutions of its intention 
to withdraw these pending proposals. 

Administrative costs reduction 

The  Commission  is  already  delivering  on  its  commitment  to  reduce  administrative  costs  in 
EU. Administrative costs are the costs for private and public actors such as those incurred in 

EN 

11 

   EN 

 
meeting legal obligations to provide information on their activities. They are only a part of the 
wider  compliance  costs  of  legislation.  Based  on  the  results  of  a  pilot  study,  a  large 
measurement project of administrative costs will start next year in cooperation with Member 
States.  By  comparing  the  results  obtained  in  four  Member  States  where  baseline 
measurements  have  already  been  done  (NL,  UK,  DK,  CZ),  the  pilot  identified  policy  areas 
that  are  most  responsible  for  creating  administrative  burdens  and  at  determining  the 
methodological aspects that need to be taken into account in the larger measurement study. A 
Commission  action  programme  for  reducing  administrative  costs  will  be  presented  early 
2007,  providing  input  for  the  setting  of  a  common  cost  reduction  target  at  EU  level  and 
indications of areas most suitable for rapid reduction of administrative costs, and how this can 
be achieved. 

Other better regulation tools 

As  announced,  the  tools  to  ensure  quality  and  delivery  of  high  quality  legislation  will  be 
further consolidated in 2007. Key Commission initiatives will be prepared through integrated 
impact assessment and consultation of stakeholders and experts, as appropriate. In the coming 
months,  a  dedicated  function  under  the  direct  authority  of  the  President  will  begin  work  to 
ensure  quality  support  and  control  of  the  Commission's  impact  assessments.  Moreover,  in 
2007,  the  external  evaluation  of  the  Commission’s  impact  assessment  system  will  be 
concluded  which  may  lead  to  revision  of  the  Commission's  Impact  Assessment  Guidelines, 
e.g. to help adhere to the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality. 

EN 

12 

   EN 

 
ANNEX 

COMMISSION LEGISLATIVE AND WORK PROGRAMME 2007 

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES 

Title 

Type of 
proposal or act 

1. Energy initiatives 

a) Strategic Review of the Energy Policy 
for Europe 

a) Non-legislative 
action/ 
Communication 

b) Measures to ensure the completion of 
the internal market for electricity and gas 

b) Legislative 
Proposal/Directive 
Legal basis: Arts 95 
and 100 EC Treaty 

Description of scope and objectives 

a) The SEER intends to establish the key elements of an energy policy for Europe encompassing the three main energy policy 
objectives:  sustainability,  competitiveness  and  security  of  supply.  It  should  offer  a  long-term  strategy  to  be  followed  by  the 
European Union and the individual Member States in order to ensure full consistency and to allow a single voice at international 
level. 
Various policy options with different weight on each of the main policy objectives will be tested and the best possible options 
should be retained and proposed by the Commission to the European Council. 
One of the policy options should set a certain level of carbon-free energy sources to promote at the same time sustainability 
and security of supply, while maintaining the requested level of competitiveness of the European economy and the affordability 
of energy. Several scenarios will be made, resulting in different set of measures to be taken to achieve the objectives. 
b) The following measures are to be considered and will be proposed following impact assessment: 
- revision of Directive 2003/54 
- revision of Directive 2003/55 
- revision\extension of Regulation 1228/03 including new guidelines 
- revision\extension of Regulation 1775/05, including new guidelines 
- revision of Directives 2004/67 and 2005/89 
- Directive/Regulation on gas storage (or possibly included in revision of 2003/55) 
These changes will have the objective of further improving access to energy networks via reinforcement of independence of 
system operators, increasing coherence of energy regulation at national and European level, increasing the degree of 
transparency and market surveillance and protecting customers. 

2. Migration initiatives 

a)  Legislative  proposal  for  a  general 
framework  directive  addressing  labour 
immigration 

for  a  directive  on 

b)  Proposal 
the 
conditions  of  entry  and  residence  of 
highly skilled workers 

c)  Proposal  for  a  Directive  on  minimum 
sanctions 
illegally 
for  employers  of 
resident third-country nationals 

a) Legislative 
Proposal/Directive 
Legal basis: Art 63 
EC Treaty 
b) Legislative 
Proposal/Directive 
Legal basis: Art 63 
EC Treaty 
c) Legislative 
proposal/ Directive 
Legal basis: Art 63(3) 
(b) EC Treaty 

a) The specific objective is to promote better integration of economic immigrants in the labour market and to establish fair and 
clear  rules  and  rights  for  them.  A  secure  legal  status  for  economic  immigrants  –  where  their  rights  both  as  workers  and  as 
members of the host society will be clearly identified and recognised – will protect them from exploitation, therefore increasing 
their contribution to the EU's economic development and growth. 

b) The specific objective is to devise admission procedures, capable of responding promptly to fluctuating demands for migrant 
labour in the labour market, i.e. capable of effectively and quickly filling labour market gaps, also with a view to addressing the 
consequences of the demographic trends in Europe. 

c)  To  contribute  to  effectively  tackling/reducing  employment  of  illegally  staying  third-country  nationals  in  order,  at  the  same 
time, to reduce illegal immigration and exploitation of such workers. 

EN 

13 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.  Communication  on  the  Single  Market 
Review 

Non-legislative 
action/Communication 

4. Social reality stocktaking 

Non-legislative action/ 
Report 

5. Proposal for a revision of the Council 
Framework  Decision  on  Combating 
Terrorism 

Legislative 
Proposal/Decision 

The  Communication  on  a  Citizens'  agenda  calls  for  a  forward-looking  review  of  the  Single  Market.  Its  aim  is  to  assess  the 
experience of the Single Market since 1992, to identify successes and gaps and see what action is needed to ensure that the 
Single Market continues to deliver on its economic promise, and to ensure that citizens effectively reap the benefits.  

The review should set out a clear and coherent vision for the Single Internal Market. It should offer clear policy directions for the 
years to come and serve as a useful instrument to re-connect the citizen to the SM. 
In June 2006, the European Council, recognising that the complex dynamics of social change within our societies need to be 
better understood in order to strengthen Europe's response to globalisation, asked the Commission to take stock of the social 
situation in the Union, with a particular emphasis on questions of access and opportunity. 
This stock-take will examine the main drivers behind the social transformations in European societies. It will look at how these 
changes can be assessed against benchmarks of well-being. It will attempt to open a debate about some of the key factors that 
contributes to wellbeing – such as economic opportunity, the quality of working life, the challenges of the ageing society, 
demography and new patterns of family life, poverty and inequality, the barriers to good health and social mobility, crime and 
anti-social behaviour, and diversity and multiculturalism. 
This exercise in exploring Europe's social reality aims at building a new consensus on the social challenges facing Europeans.  

Devising effective solutions towards fighting terrorism propaganda through various media. 
Limiting the transmission of expertise, in particular on explosives and bomb making, for terrorist purposes. 

6. Emissions Trading Scheme. Proposal 
for  amending  Directive  2003/87/EC  of 
the  European  Parliament  and  of  the 
Council of 13 October 2003 establishing 
a  scheme  for  greenhouse  gas  emission 
allowance  trading  within  the  Community 
and 
amending  Council  Directive 
96/61/EC, as amended 

7.  Communication 
"Pathways 
towards  more  Flexicurity:  achieving 
better  combinations  of 
flexibility  and 
security" 

on 

8.  Communication  on  "A  European 
Strategy  for  Social  Services  of  general 
Interest" 

9.  Community  Framework  for  safe  and 
efficient health services 

Legislative 
Proposal/Directive 

Legal 
175(1) EC Treaty 

basis: 

Art 

Review of the EU Emission Trading Scheme and amendment of the existing Directive with a view to improve the functioning 
and extending the scope for the third trading period starting in 2013 

Non-legislative 
action/Communication 

The objective of the Communication is to explore flexicurity and help Member States adopt by the end of the year a set of 
common principles. The Communication will highlight the current situation pertaining to flexicurity within Member States and 
possible pathways to enhance flexicurity 

Non-legislative 
action/Communication 

On the basis of further consultations with Member States (e.g. hogh level group on health policies and the Social Protection 
Committee) and relevant stakeholders, this follow-up communication will set out the further steps to be taken in order to 
develop a more systematic approach in the application of Community law and principles in the field of social services.  

Legislative Proposal 
Legal basis: Art 95 
EC Treaty 

The specific objective is to establish a Community framework for safe, high-quality and efficient health services in order to:  
- ensure patient safety wherever healthcare is provided throughout the Community; 
- address uncertainties over application of Community law to health services that create obstacles to cross-border healthcare; 
- and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health services throughout the EU. 

10.  Proposal  on  actions  to  strengthen 
Diplomatic and Consular Protection 

Non-legislative  action/ 
Communication 

This proposal will be the follow-up of a Communication on this issue adopted by the end 2006. Given the increasing number of 
EU  citizens  travelling  abroad  and  therefore  likely  to  resort  to  diplomatic  or  consular  protection  in  case  of  a  problem,  the  low 
level  of  information  on  their  rights  is  not  acceptable.  To  make  citizens  aware  of  their  fundamental  right  to  diplomatic  and 
consular protection outside the EU. To implement common standards and common procedures among Member States when 

EN 

14 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
11. White Paper on health strategy 

Non-legislative 
action/White Paper 

12. Communication on the Renewed 
Market Access Strategy 

Non-legislative 
action/Communication

13. Communication on a European 
Space Policy, incorporating a European 
Space Programme 

Non-legislative 
action/Communication

helping EU citizens abroad. 

The Health strategy aims at: 
- bringing together all health initiatives to improve security and promote health; 
- shaping a policy agenda on key health themes; 
- monitoring progress with targets and indicators; 
- implementing mechanism and Community instruments. 

L'adaptation  des  modalités  d'action  de  la  Stratégie  est  nécessaire  pour  développer  l'ouverture  des  marchés  mondiaux,  au 
bénéfice de l'UE comme des pays tiers. Il s'agit d' utiliser l'ensemble des instruments de politique commerciale. Les objectifs 
principaux  sont  la  facilitation  des  exportations  de  biens  et  de  services,  et  des  investissements,  notamment  dans  les  pays 
émergents  et  la  levée  des  barrières  à  l'accès  aux  marchés  et  l'aide  aux  entreprises  travaillant  dans  les  secteurs  à  plus  fort 
potentiel afin de tirer profit de la spécialisation sectorielle mondiale. 

The  overall  objective  will  be  to  devise  a  coherent  and  comprehensive  European  Space  Policy,  covering  the  EU  and  the 
European  Space  Agency  (ESA),  together  with  the  policies  and  activities  of  the  Member  States,  matching  user  needs  on  the 
demand side to the strategic potential of space systems and technologies. The Policy will be directed towards exploiting space 
technologies  and  systems  in  support  of  the  Union’s  policies  and  objectives.  It  will  provide  the  political  backdrop  for  the 
coordination by these bodies of their existing programmes under the umbrella of a European Space Programme. 

14. Communication on the way forward 
for a future maritime policy 

Non-legislative action 
/ Communication 

As foreseen in the Green Paper Towards a future Maritime Policy for the Union adopted by the Commission in June 2006, the 
Communication will summarize the results of the consultation process following the Green Paper, will draw political conclusions 
and will present certain follow up actions that can be implemented in the short term. 

15. Green paper on urban transport 

Non-legislative action/ 
Green Paper 

The Green paper will assess the benefits that would result from a European policy on urban transport. The Green Paper will 
also identify the problems/challenges, (possible) new actions including ‘early actions’, (possible) responsibilities, it will propose 
actions through which the EU can add value, and it will include a list of questions for further consultation. 

16. Green Paper on Post-2012 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". 

17. Proposal for a Council Regulation on 
common market organisation of wine (*) 

Legislative 
Proposal/Regulation 

Legal basis: Art 37 
EC Treaty 

The reform of the common market organisation for wine aims mainly: 
to increase the competitiveness of the EU's wine producers; 
• 
to create a wine regime that operates through clear, simple rules that ensure balance between supply and demand; and 
• 
to create a wine regime that preserves the best traditions of EU wine production and reinforces the social and 
• 
environmental fabric of rural areas. 

18. Defence initiatives 

a) Communication on defence industries 
and markets 

a) Non-legislative 
action/Communication 

b) Proposal for a Regulation on the 
Transfer of Defence Products  

b) Legislative 
proposal/ Regulation 
Legal basis: Art 95 
EC Treaty 

The  proposal  for  the  Council  Regulation  was  preceded  by  a  Commission  Communication  setting  out  guidelines  for  the 
legislation (COM (2006) 319 final of 22 June 2006). 

Defence  industries  have  so  far  been  kept  out  of  the  implementation  of  the  internal  market.  Member-States  have  maintained 
national  control  over  defence  equipment  markets  and  related  industries  (based  on  Article  296  of  EC  Treaty).  Markets  are 
therefore  fragmented,  leading  to  similar  fragmentation  of  research  efforts  and  industrial  bases.  As  the  problem  is  the  market 
fragmentation,  it  is  unlikely  to  be  solved  solely  at  Member  States  level.  The  Commission  wants  to  encourage  the 
competitiveness of the European defence sector, taking into account the specific characteristics and needs of this sector, by 
reinforcing  the  commercial  status  of  the  European  industry  for  defence  products,  which  would  further  develop  a  European 
defence industry capable of supporting the ESCP and the task of Member States to guarantee national security. In particular, it 
will lead to a reinforced synergy between military and industrial needs as concerns defence-related products. 
Besides, it is commonly recognised that the high level of fragmentation of the defence market has hampered the efficiency of 

EN 

15 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
c) Proposal for a Directive on the 
coordination of procedures for award of 
public contracts in the defence sector 

c) Legislative 
proposal/ Directive 
Legal basis: Art 95 
EC Treaty 

procurement processes and the functioning of the Internal Market. In this context, the extensive use of the exemption provided 
by  Article  296  TEC  is  a  major  problem,  since  it  leads  to  the  use  of  uncoordinated  national  procurement  rules  and  different 
procurement  practices  in  market  segments  which  de  jure  fall  under  Community  rules.  All  this  reduces  transparency  and 
openness in defence markets and contributes greatly to the current market fragmentation. The Commission will adopt before 
the  end  of  2006  an  “Interpretative  Communication  on  the  application  of  Article  296  of  the  Treaty  in  the  field  of  defence 
procurement.” In parallel, the Commission carries out an Impact Assessment in order to assess whether a possible Directive on 
defence  procurement  would  be  useful,  by  introducing  more  flexible  rules  which  are  better  suited  to  the  specific  nature  of 
defence markets. 

19. Enlargement initiatives 

a) Strategy Paper on Enlargement 

b) Progress Reports on Croatia, Turkey, 
the Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia & 
Herzegovina, Serbia (including Kosovo) 
and Montenegro. 

c) Partnerships on Croatia, Turkey, the 
Former Yugoslav Republic of 
Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia & 
Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia 
(including Kosovo). 

20. European Neighbourhood Policy 
(ENP) initiatives 

a) Communication on ENP 

b) Black Sea Cooperation  

a) Non-legislative 
action/ 
Communication 

b) Non-legislative 
action/ staff working 
papers 

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

b) The Progress Reports assess the progress made by Croatia and Turkey and the former  Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 
towards accession as well as the progress made in implementing the Stabilization and Association process by Albania, Bosnia 
& Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia including Kosovo. 

c) Legislative 
proposal/ Decision 

c) The Partnerships (Accession or European Partnerships) define for each country priorities to be met in the short or medium 
term. They are based on the findings of the Progress Reports.  

Legal basis: Art 310 
EC Treaty 

a) Non legislative 
action/Communication 

a) After a debate with Council and Parliament and other stakeholders, including partner countries, under German Presidency the 
Commission will make specific proposals to strengthen the ENP in areas such as deeper economic and trade integration, greater 
mobility for ENP citizens in the EU, and a Neighbourhood Investment Fund. It will set out proposals for successor arrangements 
with  Ukraine,  Moldova  and  Israel,  whose  Action  Plans  will  expire  in  2008.  The  Communication  will  also  review  progress  on 
implementing existing ENP Action Plans with 11 partner countries (see point c below).  

b) Non legislative 
action/staff working 
papers 

b)  Proposals  for  enhanced  EU  presence  in  Black  Sea  cooperation,  including  regional  ENP  partners  as  well  as  Russia  and 
Turkey, as a major contribution to regional stability and security 

c) Progress reports on Action Plan 
implementation with 11 partner countries 

c) Non legislative 
action/Communication 

21. Follow-up to the White Paper on a 
European Communication Policy 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

c)  Review  of  11  country  Action  Plans  and  assessment  of  progress  towards  the  overall  objectives  of  the  European 
Neighbourhood Policy 

The  main  policy  objective  is  to  set  up  an  agenda  of  practical  steps  by  EU  institutions,  Member  States  and  civil  society, 
underpinning the Commission’s commitment to connect to citizens and consolidate the democratic foundations of the European 
project, including development of a European public sphere.  
Actions  proposed  reflect  the  suggestions  flowing  from  the  White  Paper  as  well  as  the  subsequent  public  consultation  and 
stakeholder conferences held in 2006 and 2007. The proposals will focus on establishing common principles for communication 
rights;  empowering  citizens  (civic  education);  co-operation  with  media;  improved  methods  of  analysing  and  understanding 
public  opinion  as  well  as  developing  partnerships  with  all  key  institutional  partners  in  the  Member  States  to  add  stronger 
recognition of EU dimension in national political discourses. 

EN 

16 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRIORITY INITIATIVES 

Title 

Eurozone initiatives: 

a) Convergence report – 2007 

b) Proposal for Council Decision(s)  

c) Proposal for a Council Regulation on 
conversion rates of the currencies of the 
Member States concerned to the euro 

Communication from the Commission to 
the Council and the European 
Parliament on the support scheme in the 
cotton sector accompanied by a 
proposal for a regulation amending 
Chapter 10a of Title IV of Council 
Regulation (EC) N° 1782/2003. 

Type of proposal 
or act 

a) Non-legislative 
action/ Communication 

b) Legislative proposal/ 
Decision. Legal basis: 
Art 122 (2) EC Treaty  

c) Legislative 
proposal/Regulation. 
Legal basis: Art 123 (5) 
EC Treaty 

Legislative Proposal / 
Regulation 
Legal basis: Art. 37 (2) 
of the EC Treaty and 
Protocol N° 4 on cotton, 
annexed to the 1979 
Act of Accession (in 
particular paragraph 6 
thereof). 

White Paper on Damage Actions for 
breach of EC Competition Rules 

Non-legislative action/ 
White Paper 

Description of scope and objectives 

a) At the request of a Member State with a derogation,  the Commission and the ECB each prepare a convergence report in 
accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 121(1) of the EC Treaty. The reports examine to what extent the Member 
State has 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.  

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

c) If one or more Member States are deemed to fulfil the conditions for euro adoption, the Council decides on conversion rates 
of new euro area entrants  

On  7  September  2006,  the  European  Court  of  Justice  annulled  the  2004  cotton  reform  because  the  decision  on  the  reform 
failed to take into account all relevant factors, in particular all labour costs and the viability of ginning undertakings which the 
Court considered necessary to assess profitability of the crop. The current regime may continue to be applied until the adoption 
of a new regulation. 

The  White  Paper  will  suggest  possible  follow-up  to  the  2005  Green  Paper  which  examined  various  procedural  and  technical 
barriers  in  the  Member  States  which  prevent  undertakings  and  individuals  injured  by  breaches  of  EC  competition  law  from 
taking  successful  private  legal  action  in  order  to  recover  compensation  from  the  infringer  for  the  loss  suffered.  The  main 
objective is to ensure effective implementation of the finding of the European Court of Justice that the full effectiveness of the 
Treaty would be put at risk if it were not open to any individual to claim damages for loss caused by conduct liable to restrict or 
distort competition, and that there is an obligation to provide for effective means to exercise the right to damages. 

Commission  Communication  on 
the 
implementation of National strategies for 
Green public procurement based on EU-
wide 
regular 
and 
setting 
monitoring and benchmarking. 

target 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

Raise political profile by proposing EU-wide target for Green public procurement; increase implementation by giving guidance 
to  MS  for  the  adoption  of  national  action  plans  on  green  public  procurement  and  by  proposing  regular  benchmarking  and 
monitoring by the Commission and the MS  

White  Paper  on  the  Integration  of  EU 
Mortgage Credit markets 

Non-legislative action/ 
White Paper 

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'. 

EN 

17 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
for  a  Directive  on 

the 
Proposal 
coordination of procedures for the award 
of concessions 

Legislative proposal/ 
Directive  
Legal basis: Arts. 47(2), 
55 and 95 EC Treaty 

Directive  of  the  European  Parliament 
and  of  the  Council  on  the  cross-border 
transfer  of  the  registered  office  of  a 
limited liability company 

Proposal for a Directive on the Solvency 
of insurance companies (Solvency II) (*) 

Undertakings 

Proposal for an Amendment of Directive 
Collective 
on 
Investments  in  Transferable  Securities 
(UCITS)  

for 

Legislative proposal/ 
Directive 
Legal basis: Art 251 EC 
Treaty 

Legislative proposal/ 
Directive 
Legal basis: Arts 47(2) 
and 55 EC Treaty 

Legislative proposal/ 
Directive 
Legal basis: Arts 47(2) 
and 95 

Commission  Recommendation  on  the 
proportionality  between  capital  and 
control in EU companies 

Non-legislative 
action/Recommendation 

Communication on other VAT rates than 
the standard rate 

Non-legislative 
action/Communication 

Proposal for a Council Directive on the 
modernisation of VAT provisions relating 

Legislative proposal/ 
DirectiveLegal basis: Art 

The public consultation on the Green Paper on Public-private Partnerships (PPPs) and Community law on public procurement 
and concessions showed the demand for a stable, consistent legal environment for the award of concessions at EU level. In 
spite of the economic importance of concessions, only few provisions of secondary Community legislation coordinate the award 
procedures  for  works  concessions.  Apart  from  these  provisions,  the  contracting  bodies  are  free  to  decide  how  to  select  the 
private  partner,  although  in  so  doing  they  must  nonetheless  guarantee  full  compliance  with  the  principles  and  rules  resulting 
from  the  Treaty.  For  their  part,  the  award  of  service  concessions  is  only  governed  by  the  EC  Treaty  principles.  EU  level 
coordination appears to be best suited to provide the necessary legal certainty, reconciling it with the alleged need for flexibility 
of public authorities and creating a level playing field for economic operators. 

The  draft  proposal  contains  a  simple  framework  allowing  the  transfer  of  the  registered  office  of  a  limited  liability  company 
without winding up in the Home Member State or formal re-incorporation in the Host Member State. The directive will ensure 
continuity of the company’s legal personality. It will also contain specific provisions on employee participation. 

Insurance companies face increased competition, convergence between financial sectors and international dependence. In line 
with  similar  developments  in  the  banking  sector  and  following  international  developments  in  solvency,  risk  management  and 
accounting,  the  new  solvency  regime  aims  at  the  protection  of  policyholders  and  beneficiaries.  It  will  improve  the 
competitiveness  of  EU  insurers  and  provide  for  a  better  allocation  of  capital  resources,  without  causing  significant  market 
disruptions and impeding innovation in the insurance industry. 

The Directive introduced the concept of UCITS passport, allowing a fund, subject to a simple notification, to be offered to retail 
investors in any EU jurisdiction once authorised in its home country. The Directive’s provisions defining investment limits, 
information requirements and other UCITS features were drafted with a view to protect investors. While the UCITS passport 
has encountered some problems in its practical implementation, it has paved the way for cross-border sale of investment funds. 
However, it has not been enough to facilitate industry consolidation and greater efficiency.  
The objective of this proposal is to modernise the existing regulatory framework so that it will achieve its objectives (market 
efficiency and investor protection) in a context where structural changes are transforming the environment in which the 
investment fund sector evolves. 
Operational objectives:  
1) to eliminate barriers to the integration of the European fund market;  
2) to encourage cost savings at different levels of the fund industry value-chain and to ensure that those savings are passed on 
to investors; 3) to provide the appropriate framework for investors to make informed investment decisions 
The main objective is to identify existing deviations from the proportionate allocation of ownership and control across EU listed 
companies; to evaluate their economic significance and whether such deviations have an impact on EU financial markets. This 
will allow the Commission to evaluate whether the present regime concerning shareholder voting rights across the EU is an 
obstacle for financial market integration in the EU, which is an essential condition for maximising the benefits of enlargement for 
all EU 25 Member States. 
The Commission intends to use the results of an independent quality think tank study for : 
- the evaluation of the current situation in the enlarged EU-25 notably in terms of job creation, economic growth, and the proper 
functioning of the internal market; 
- the discussion on the necessity and/or possibility of new proposals in the field of VAT reduced rates. 
Any proposals should be directed towards enhanced consistency in the application of VAT rates in the EU and their contribution 
to the proper functioning of the internal market, as well as coherence with established policy objectives. The clarification of the 
scope of reduced VAT rates will eliminate an uncertainty for businesses and citizens. 
The current provisions are out of date and at the very least need to be modernised. The overall legal and regulatory 
environment in which the industry operates does not keep pace with the evolution of the industry and conflicts with the bias 

EN 

18 

EN 

 
  
to financial services including insurance 
(*) 

93 EC Treaty 

towards vertical integration. Companies are thus prevented from further refining their economic and legal structures to increase 
their competitiveness. Changes should be directed towards modernising the rules, ensuring their consistency with established 
policy objectives and reducing the need to seek clarification through litigation  

4th Report on Economic and Social 
Cohesion 

Non-legislative action/ 
Report 

Communication on "Delivering the 
Lisbon Agenda on the ground: Cohesion 
Policy's programmes 2007-2013" 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

Report to the European parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of Regions on the 
progress made towards the economic and social cohesion and the contribution made to this by the European and national 
policies as well as by Structural Funds, the Cohesion Fund, the EIB and the other financial instruments (Articles 159 EC Treaty 
and 45 Regulation (EC) n°1260/1999).  
This Communication aims at assessing the extent to which the new Cohesion Policy's programmes 2007-2013 intend to move 
forward the implementation of the renewed Lisbon Agenda (notably the results of the earmarking exercise and the increase of 
expenditure committed to innovation). 

Communication and proposal for a 
Council regulation on stepping up the 
fight against Illegal, Unreported and 
Unregulated (IUU) fishing 

Legislative proposal/ 
Regulation 
Legal basis: Art 37 EC 
Treaty 

Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is a major threat worldwide against sustainability of fish stocks and marine 
biodiversity. It also causes considerable losses to coastal communities and to fishermen operating legally. The FAO Plan of 
Action of 2001 reflected consensus among the international community that all appropriate means should be devoted to 
tackling IUU fishing. Following the adoption of an Action Plan by the European Community in 2002, a new strategy has to be 
defined, taking stock of what has already been achieved and identifying what new actions are required. 

Communication  on  a  policy 
the 
progressive  elimination  of  discards  in 
European Fisheries 

for 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

The objective is to reduce wastage in fisheries operations and increase the sustainability of fishing by the progressive 
elimination of discards and reduction of by-catches. 

Commission  Communication  on  water 
scarcity and droughts 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

This follows from the request of a number of Member States to initiate a European action on water scarcity and droughts made 
during  the  Environment  Council  of  9  March  2006.  The  Commission  presented  a  first  information  note  to  the  Environment 
Council in June 2006 in which it committed itself to considering what further action to address water scarcity and drought issues 
could be taken at EU level, based on an in-depth assessment.  

Action  Plan  on  Sustainable  Production 
and Consumption (SCP) 

Non-legislative action/ 
Action Plan 

The European Council requests the Commission to develop an EU-SCP-Action Plan by 2007 in the context of the renewed EU 
Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) of June 2006. The objective is to promote sustainable consumption and production 
by addressing social and economic development within the carrying capacity of ecosystems and decoupling economic growth 
from environmental degradation. 

Legislative  proposal 
for  Regulating 
Carbon Capture and Geological Storage 
(CCS)  

Legislative proposal/ 
Directive 
Legal basis: Art 175 EC 
Treaty 

Carbon capture and storage is a new technology that could make a significant contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions, 
both  in  the  EU  and  globally.  The  environmental  acquis  will  require  adaptation  to  this  technology,  to  remove  unwarranted 
barriers  by  establishing  a  legal  framework  for  CCS  in  the  EU,  to  ensure  legal  certainty  for  investors  across  Europe,  and  to 
manage new environmental risks.  

White Paper: "Towards a European 
Climate Change Adaptation 
Programme" 

Non-legislative 
action/White Paper 

Produce a White Paper entitled Towards a European Climate Adaptation Programme, taking into consideration responses from 
the consultation of the Green Paper on Adaptation (to be published end 2006) and listing specific actions on adaptation to be 
undertaken by the Commission. 

EN 

19 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proposal for a Regulation of the 
European Parliament and of the Council 
relating to motor vehicles using liquid or 
compressed gaseous hydrogen 

Legislative proposal/ 
RegulationLegal basis: 
Art 95 EC Treaty 

This Regulation lays down the  requirements for the type approval of hydrogen systems and hydrogen components for motor 
vehicles  of categories  M  and  N.  It  also  includes  requirements  for  the  installation  of  specific components  or  systems  in  those 
vehicles.  The  main  objective  is  to  ensure  the  proper  functioning  of  the  internal  market  for  hydrogen-powered  motor  vehicles 
while providing for a high level of public safety and a high level of environmental protection. 

Proposal for a Regulation of the 
European Parliament and of the Council 
on the type approval of heavy-duty 
vehicles and engines with respect to 
their emissions (Euro VI proposal) (*) 

Legislative proposal/ 
Regulation 
Legal basis: Art 95 EC 
Treaty 

The proposal will apply to heavy-duty vehicles. The main objective of the proposal is to lay down the Euro VI limits for pollutant 
emissions. This is primarily an internal market objective, closely linked to the aim of environmental protection. 

Legislative 
initiative 
emissions from Light duty vehicles 

to 

reduce  CO2 

Legislative 
proposal/Legal 
Art 175 EC Treaty 

basis: 

Scope: Reduction of the average CO2 emissions and improving the fuel efficiency from passenger cars (M1) and light-
commercial vehicles (N1) sold in the EU25.  
Objective: the type of instrument and the objective will be established taking into account: 
• 
• 
• 
2006) 

The progress made by the car industry under the current voluntary agreements to reach 140 g CO2/km in 2008/9 
The Community objective of 120 g CO2/km by 2012 
The consistent and comprehensive approach to CO2 reductions (to be outlined in Commission Communication end of 

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 
Legal basis: Art 175 EC 
Treaty 

Review  of  existing 
industrial emissions (*) 

legislation  on 

Legislative proposal/ 
Directive 
Legal basis: Art 175 EC 
Treaty 

Establishing national emission ceilings (kton/year) to be respected by Member States by 2020 for SO2, NOx, VOC, NH3 and 
primary Particulate Matter (PM2.5).  

To save about 1.71 million life years from exposure to particulate matter, to reduce acute mortalities from exposure to ozone by 
2.200  relative  to  the  position  in  2000  and  to  reduce  the  threat  to  the  natural  environment  from  both  acidification  and 
eutrophication by 55% from what is technically possible, SO2 emissions will need to decrease by about 82%, NOx emissions 
by about 60%, VOCs by about 51%, ammonia by about 27% and primary PM2.5 by about 59% relative to emissions in 2000.  

The current Community legal framework on the regulation of industrial emissions is complex and comprises the following main 
pieces of legislation: the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive (96/61/EC) and several sectoral 
Directives, namely the Large Combustion Plants (LCP) Directive (2001/80/EC), the Waste Incineration (WI) Directive 
(2000/76/EC) and the Solvents Emissions (SE) Directive (1999/13/EC). The interaction between these instruments raises a 
number of issues, for instance as regards the alignment of scope, the consistency of definitions, the interaction of operative 
requirements and monitoring and reporting by Member States.  
The general objective of the review is to evaluate the scope to improve the functioning of the current legal framework related to 
industrial emissions and the interaction between the various legislations, while not altering the underlying principles and the 
level of ambition of the present legal framework. More specifically, the review aims at:  
1. clarifying certain legal and technical issues, taking into account the outcome of the Thematic Strategies 
2. assessing ways to streamline existing legislation on industrial emissions to improve its environmental performance 
3. assessing the use of market-based instruments or other instruments to strengthen the implementation of the current 
legislation and to promote innovation. 

Commission communication on the 
implementation and enforcement of EC 
environmental law 

Non-legislative 
action/Communication 

There is a need to bring all different approaches to improve the implementation of environmental legislation in the Member 
States. This initiative was warmly welcomed by the Conference of Presidents of the commissions of the EP in their report on 
the APS 2007. 

EN 

20 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
White Paper on nutrition  

Non-legislative action/ 
White Paper 

The document will establish a strategy on nutrition at EU-level. Its objectives will be to promote healthy lifestyles (good diet and 
higher levels of physical activity) in order to halt the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity, and the chronic conditions that 
weight issues cause (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some cancers etc). The strategy will put forward a 
comprehensive approach to improving lifestyles and promote a partnerships approach to implementing actions. The strategy 
will build on existing mechanisms such as the EU Platform for Diet and Physical Activity which promotes exchange and co-
ordination between stakeholders. The Community action in this field is also important for the coherence of the single market as 
actions in this area may affect free movement of food products.  

Working together to improve security: 
Public Private Partnerships in the field of 
European Security 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

The  Communication  will  present  a  general  programme  for  public-private  cooperation  in  the  security  field,  including questions 
regarding security research, fight against terrorism and crime, improved border controls and management of visa requests, and 
protection of personal data.  

Communication " EU Action Plan for the 
enhancement of the security of 
explosives and firearms"  

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

Stimulate debate and dialogue with all actors involved in the security of explosives (experts from Europol and Situation Center, 
national  experts  from  the  Member  States,  Commission  and  the  Council  Terrorism  Working  Party)  which  will  be  taken  into 
account in the preparation of an EU Action Plan for the enhancement of the security of explosives and firearms. 

Communication  on 
cyber crime 

the 

fight  against 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

Cyber  crime  is  an  area  where  concerted  action  at  EU  level  is  urgently  needed.  In  the  Council  and  Commission  Action  Plan 
implementing  the  Hague  Programme  on  strengthening  freedom,  security  and  justice  in  the  European  Union,  it  is  announced 
that a Communication on Cyber crime will be adopted in 2006. In the meantime, the decision has been taken to present two 
separate Communications, one dealing with preventive measures, the other with repressive measures. The latter, the planned 
Communication on cyber crime should set out the future approach of the EU-wide combat against cyber crime.  

Communication on the animal health 
strategy 2007-2013 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

The proposal aims at: 
-Presenting the Community Animal Health Policy (CAHP); 
-Presenting clear objectives reflecting customer priorities; 
-Assessing the budgetary impact (Community financial perspectives 2007-2013); 
-Ensuring the coherence of CAHP with the other EU policies and international agreements (SPS);  
-Minimising the regulatory burden; 
-Providing the CAHP with an appropriate budget and an adequate financial instrument. 

Regulation  1774/2002  on  animal  by-
products  

Legislative proposal/ 
Regulation 
Legal basis: Art 152 EC 
Treaty and Art 35 of 
Reg 1774/2002 

Communication  on  Organ  donation  and 
transplantation 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

Communication of the Commission on 
the follow-up to the Green Paper on 
"Adapting labour Law for ensuring 
flexibility and security for all" 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

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. 

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 can only be addressed by taking all factors into account. 
Follow up by the Commission on the public consultation launched by the 2006 Green Paper on the future of labour law. It will 
summarise the results of the public consultation and outline directions of work which may lead to legislative or non-legislative 
initiatives. 

EN 

21 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Revision  of  Directive  88/378/EC  on  the 
safety of toys (*) 

Framework  Decision  (or  Decision)  on 
the  protection  of  witnesses  and 
the 
individuals  who  cooperate  with 
judicial process  

Legislative 
proposal/Directive 
Legal basis: Art 95 EC 
Treaty 
Legislative proposal/ 
Decision 
Legal basis: Art 31(10) 
EU Treaty and Art 61 
EC Treaty 

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. 

In some areas of criminality, such as organised crime and terrorism, there is an increasing risk that witnesses will be subjected 
to  intimidation.  All  persons  have  a  civic  duty  to  give  sincere  testimony  as  witnesses,  if  so  required  by  the  criminal  justice 
system,  there  should  also  be  greater  recognition  given  to  their  rights  and  needs,  including  the  right  not  to  be  subject  to  any 
undue interference or be placed at personal risk. Member States have a duty to protect witnesses against such interference by 
providing them with specific measures of protection aimed at effectively ensure their safety. 

Erasmus Mundus II: Decision of the 
European Parliament and of the Council 
establishing a programme for the 
enhancement of quality in higher 
education and the promotion of 
intercultural understanding through 
cooperation with third countries 

Legislative proposal/ 
Decision 
Legal Basis: Art 149 EC 
Treaty 

The overall aim is to foster cooperation with third countries and the broad human and social development partners through an 
international  scholarship  scheme  which  increases  the  attractiveness  of  European  higher  education  world-wide,  promotes  its 
presence  in  the  international  higher  education  scene,  encourages  the  enhancement  of  quality  in  higher  education  and  the 
promotion of intercultural understanding through cooperation with third countries. 

Communication on the European 
Research Area – New horizons and 
further steps 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

Communication on the Mid Term review 
of the Life Sciences and Biotechnology 
Strategy 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

Communication  on  the  mid-term  review 
of  the  implementation  of  the  Social 
Agenda (2005-2010) 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

The  Communication  marks  the  launch  of  a  major  initiative  on  the  European  Research  Area.  It  will  take  stock  of  progress 
towards an ERA since first launched in 2000, assessing successes and failures, exploring new ideas, taking account of new 
developments  such  as  the  ERC,  etc.  and  defining  new  possible  actions  in  concrete  terms.  The  COM  will  be  presented  to 
Council, Parliament and the public for debate, with a view to presenting proposals for concrete initiatives in a second COM in 
2008 in the context of the revision of the financial perspectives as well as paving the way for FP8. 

Need to refocus and to concentrate the actions on issues which are a) relevant and b) where common action has the means to 
make a difference. 
In  addition,  there  is  a  need  to  consider  assigning  concrete  deliverables  for  actions,  which  will  permit  a  more  thorough 
monitoring and evaluation of the current Strategy for the years to come, and help reflection for possible post 2010 initiatives 
This review will be supported by a study on the challenges, consequences and opportunities of biotechnology in Europe which 
will be produced by the JRC in April 2007 (Bio4EU study). 

The Communication will aim at taking stock of the implementation of the Social Agenda, in particular to what 
extent it has contributed to the realisation of the EU social goals in delivering more and better jobs and offering 
equal opportunities for all. In light of this assessment, it will propose a new agenda for access and solidarity, and 
if necessary signal a refocus of priorities in the employment and social fields and details ways to improve the 
governance and implementation of the Agenda for the years to come. 

Strategic Energy Technology Plan 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

The  Strategic  Energy  Technology  Plan  should  help  to  accelerate  the  development  of  promising  energy  technologies  and  to 
create the conditions to bring such technologies to the market. 

New  legislative  proposals  amending  the 
for  electronic 
regulatory 

framework 

Legislative proposal/ 
Directive 
Legal basis: Art 95 EC 

The  main  objective  of  the  legislative  proposals  is  to  enhance  the  ability  of  the  current  framework  to  deliver  on  its  initial 
objectives by proposing adaptations that take account of experience to date and expected market and technological changes in 

EN 

22 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
communications  networks  and  services 
(*) 

Treaty 

the  future.  The  creation  of  a  competitive  single  market  for  electronic  communications  services  and  networks  in  Europe  with 
corresponding benefits for citizens is the ultimate aim. 

Green Paper on Universal Service in 
Electronic Communications 

Non-legislative action/ 
Green Paper 

European e-Inclusion strategy  

Non-legislative 
action/Communication 

 Communication 
mobile TV in the Internal Market  

on 

strengthening 

Non-legislative  action/ 
Communication 

Communication sur un réseau ferroviaire 
orienté fret 

Non-legislative 
action/Communication 

The Communication on the Review of the EU Regulatory Framework for eCommunications of 29 June 2006 (COM(2006) 334) 
proposed  only  some  minor  amendments  to  the  Universal  Service  Directive  (2002/22/EC)  announcing  that  the  Commission 
would publish a Green Paper on universal service in 2007 to launch a wide ranging public debate to reflect the role and concept 
of universal service in the 21st century. The Green Paper could lead to legislative proposals in 2008 (in line with the timetable 
set out in Article 15(1) of the Universal Service Directive). 

In the 2006 Riga e-Inclusion Ministerial Declaration, the Member States have called for the Commission to come forward in 
2007 with a coherent e-Inclusion approach within the i2010 framework. This Communication will constitute a key component in 
making clear what the Commission undertakes on the citizen dimension of the Information Society. It will propose a strategy for 
e-Inclusion highlighting new opportunities for socially disadvantaged people and for less-favoured areas to contribute to 
economic, natural and territorial cohesion. 

Mobile TV will offer new and exciting services like live TV, time-shifted TV as well as on demand audiovisual content broadcast. 
This is a real opportunity for Europe. Mobile TV's combination of mobility and personalised, on-demand consumption will be 
able to meet consumers increasing demands for more choice and more individual treatment. 
This Communication therefore aims to support the introduction and take-up of mobile TV across the EU by addressing three 
main issues: 
(i) ensuring that sufficient harmonised spectrum is available 
(ii) technical aspects and standardisation 
(iii) contributing to a regulatory environment that is conducive to investment and innovation in the sector. 

Le transport de fret par rail ne se développera que s'il est plus efficace et s'il offre une meilleure qualité de service. Même si 
l'ouverture  actuelle  des  marchés  favorise  sa  dynamisation,  d'autres  actions  sont  nécessaires  pour  stimuler  davantage  le 
secteur.  La  communication  présentera  un  plan  d'actions  pour  faciliter  le  développement  d'un  réseau  orienté  fret  qui  pourrait 
déboucher à long terme sur le développement d'un véritable réseau dédié fret.  

Freight Transport Logistics Action Plan 

Non-legislative 
action/Communication 

This Communication will list the actions considered necessary to foster better use of transport infrastructure and better logistics 
in Europe. A set of actions will be needed both at soft and legislative level. These actions could include addressing bottlenecks 
to freight transport logistics, developing ICT interoperability, enhancing coordination and mutual recognition of logistics training 
etc.  It  represents  a  follow-up  to  the  Communication  on  freight  transport  logistics  of  June  2006  which  launched  a  broad 
consultation on the subject.  

Communication  on  the  implementation 
of  the  NAIADES  action  programme  on 
inland waterway transport 

Non-legislative 
action/Communication 

This  communication  will  consider  the  state  of  progress  of  the  NAIADES  action  programme  adopted  by  the  Commission  in 
January 2006. This action programme provides for actions at European, national and regional level. The Communication will 
look at the state of play of these actions. It will also address the issue of legal and financial framework conditions necesary to 
support the development of inland waterway transport. 

Communication  on  a  European  Ports 
Policy 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

The  Communication  will  outline  the  findings  of  the  stakeholder  consultation  and  possible  measures  to  be  proposed.  Six 
consultation workshops with stakeholders planned for the period November 2006 – May 2007. Issues for discussion are, inter 
alia:  relations  with  service  providers  (fair  competition,  concessions,  position  of  port  authorities),  port-internal  operational 
bottlenecks  (cargo-handling  and  capacity,  technical-nautical  services),  sustainable  development  of  port  capacity  and 
environmental  issues,  general  transport  policy  issues,  inter-port  cooperation,  port  financing  (State  Aid,  transparency  of 
accounts  and  financial  autonomy  of  ports),  port-external  operational  bottlenecks  (hinterland  connections,  customs,  logistics), 

EN 

23 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Legislative proposal on the cross-border 
enforcement of sanctions in the field of 
road safety 

Legislative proposal/ 
RegulationLegal basis: 
Arts 71 and 156 EC 
Treaty 

Communication  on  complementarity, 
division  of  labour  and  scaling  up  of 
development aid  

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

competition of non-EU ports, pro-active behaviour port sector and positive image of seaports. 

In the Commission Recommendation on enforcement in the field of road safety (2004/345/EC) the Commission has engaged 
itself to submit a proposal for a directive on enforcement contributing to the objective of 50% reduction of the annual number of 
road deaths in 2010. Enforcement is a key issue in bringing accident numbers down. However, without action at EU level, 
sanctions are often not enforced for non-resident traffic offenders. The proposal under examination would focus mainly on the 
setting up of a cross border enforcement system assuring that violations committed in a Member State by drivers from another 
Member State can be followed up. 

The EU has committed itself to increasing the quantity of its aid (both Community and bilateral funds) in parallel to the 
announced scaling up of its ODA levels. In order to do so, the EU has adopted an Action Plan on Aid Effectiveness that entails 
9 deliverables to be implemented before 2010. 
One of the deliverables is to address the duplications, gaps and lack of synergies between EU donors that hamper the impact 
of EU aid and represent unnecessary transaction costs. This Communication represents the achievement of a structured 
process with Member States that aims at establishing a set of operational principles on the division of labour. It will also entail 
elements on how to have a strategic use of co-financing to support the implementation of these principles. 

Green paper on the establishment of the 
second phase of the Common European 
Asylum System 

Non-legislative action/ 
Green Paper 

Stimulate  debate  and  dialogue  with  all  stakeholders  involved  in  asylum  policy  which  will  be  taken  into  account  in  the 
preparation  of  the  second  stage  legal  instruments  to  be  proposed  by  the  Commission  in  order  to  complete  the  Common 
European Asylum Policy by 2010. 

Communication  on  the  results  of  the 
public  consultation  on  the  Green  Paper 
on trade defence 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

Council  Regulation  applying  a  scheme 
of  generalised 
tariff  preferences  – 
second  cycle  of  the  GSP  scheme  for 
2009-2011 

Legislative proposal/ 
Regulation 
Legal basis: Art 133 EC 
Treaty 

This  Communication  will  draw  conclusions  in  the  light  of  the  public  consultation  on  the  Green  Paper  on  trade  defence 
instruments announced in the Global Europe Communication. On the basis of submissions from stakeholders, authorities, and 
other interested parties, the Communication will identify the main conclusions and follow-up actions. 

Implementation of the second cycle (for the period from 2009 to 2011) of the Community's GSP scheme, in accordance with the 
ten-year guidelines optimising conditions for goods originating in developing countries to gain access to the EU’s market 

Communication  on  stocktaking  of  EU-
Africa relations 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

The Commission will prepare a communication reviewing the state of play of EU-Africa relations (including the EU Strategy for 
Africa and the Joint EU-Africa Strategy).  

Addressing 
threats through the Stability Instrument 

transregional 

security 

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

In  view  of  the  approval  of  the  Instrument  for  Stability,  the  Communication  will  take  stock  of  EU  assistance  efforts  aimed  at 
alleviating  and  preventing  security  threats  and  make  proposals  to  improve  the  effectiveness  and  coherence  of  EU  external 
assistance in areas related to security policy. It will propose ways to complement the actions at national and regional levels with 
a  specific  framework  of  responses  to  challenges  of  a  global  or  trans-regional  nature.  The  Communication  will  follow  up  on 
earlier Commission initiatives (such as efforts within the domain of conflict prevention, the Commission communication on the 
external dimension of JLS, the Commission communication on Security System Reform, etc.)  

Global  Agreements  with  ASEAN 
countries 

Legislative proposal/ 
Decision 
Legal basis: Art 181 EC 
Treaty 

Proposal  for  a  decision  to  conclude  Framework  Agreements  for  partnership  and  cooperation  with  Singapore,  Thailand, 
Indonesia  (1st  semester),  Malaysia  and  Philippines  (2nd  semester).  Proposal  for  negotiating  directives  for  Framework 
Agreements  for  partnership  and  cooperation  with  Vietnam,  Cambodia  and  Laos  (1st  semester).  Proposal  for  negotiating 
directives for the accession to the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. 

EN 

24 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
Human Rights and Democracy  

Non-legislative action/ 
Communication 

Communication on the broad orientations which will inspire the promotion of democracy and human rights on the basis of the 
future European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights 

Regulation  amending  Regulation  (EC) 
No  1049/2001  regarding  public  access 
to  European  Parliament,  Council  and 
Commission documents 

White Paper on Communication: 
operational proposals 

Legislative proposal/ 
Regulation 
Legal basis: Art 255 EC 
Treaty 

Non-legislative action/ 
White Paper 

The purpose of the proposed Regulation is to improve Regulation 1049/2001 taking account of experience gained in its 
implementation, the case law developed over the last years and the results of the public consultation to be held at the end of 
2006. 

The scope of the operational proposals is to define concrete action plans with financial measures on the basis of the proposals 
defined on the final report on the follow-up of the White Paper on the following items: 
- defining common principles: A new institutional instrument for communication;  
- empowering citizens – European meeting places;  
- working with the media and new technologies; 
- understanding European public opinion, and 
- doing the job together: towards a new partnership on EU communication" 

 (60 initiatives)(*) initiatives also contributing to the simplification programme 

EN 

25 

EN 

 
  
 
SIMPLIFICATION INITIATIVES 

Title 

Type of 
simplification 
action 

Proposal  for  a  Council  Regulation  on  common 
market organisation of wine 

Revision 

Cross  compliance  report  and  relevant  legislative 
proposals  for  direct  support  schemes  under  the 
common agricultural policy 

Revision 

Council  regulation  on 
actions for agricultural products 

information  &  promotion 

Recast 

Amendment of the rules concerning applications for 
export licenses 

Revision 

Commission  Regulation  800/1999  on  proof  of 
import for differentiated refunds 

Revision 

Description of scope and objectives 

The reform of the common market organisation for wine aims mainly: 
• to increase the competitiveness of the EU's wine producers; 
• to create a wine regime that operates through clear, simple rules that ensure balance between supply and demand; 
and 
•  to  create  a  wine  regime  that  preserves  the  best  traditions  of  EU  wine  production  and  reinforces  the  social  and 
environmental fabric of rural areas. 
The proposal for the Council Regulation was preceded by a Commission Communication setting out orientations for the 
legislation (COM (2006) 319 final of 22 June 2006). 

Report  with  appropriate  legislative  proposals  on  the  implementation  of  the  cross  compliance  mechanisms  of  Council 
Regulation (EC) NO 1782/2003 establishing common rules for direct support schemes 

L'objectif de cette initiative est de définir les conditions, les procédures et les contrôles en matière de cofinancement 
des  programmes  d'information  et  de  promotion  des  produits  agricoles  sur  le  marché  intérieur  et  dans  les  pays  tiers. 
L'initiative se traduira par une réduction des 4 règlements actuels relatifs à la promotion des produits agricoles (2 du 
Conseil et 2 de la Commission) en 2 règlements (1 du Conseil et 1 d'application de la Commission). 

Redrafting of Art 25 of Commission Regulation (EC) N° 1291/2000 will clarify that (for reasons of efficiency) the 
electronic versions of certificates referred to in Art. 19 may be submitted to the issuing body instead of to the importer / 
exporter. 

For  the  payment  of  differentiated  refunds  exporters  must  submit  a  copy  of  the  customs  import  document  of  the  third 
country  concerned,  proving  that  the  products  are  imported  for  domestic  use  and  that  all  import  duties  were  paid.  In 
some third countries, such proof is only to be obtained at excessive cost and it is non existent in free zones. 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  917/2004  on 
beekeeping 

Revision 

The objective is to give Member States greater flexibility to adapt financial allocations, allowing better realisation of the 
programme and benefiting production and marketing conditions in this sector. Commission autonomous act 

Commission  Regulation  (EC)  No  2808/98  and 
implementing  rules  of  Regulation  (EC)  No  2799/98 
(operative events and exchange rates) 

Revision 

Simplification  of  standard  periodic  agricultural 
instruments 

Revision 

The proposal concerns the harmonisation of operative events and exchange rates in the different CAP sectors, relating 
to amounts, prices and aids to be converted in euros or in another national currency of Member States. The repeal of 
certain  sectoral  regulations  and  modification  of  Regulation  (EC)  NO  2808/98  in  order  to  use  a  single  exchange  rate 
instead of an average rate for amounts are under consideration. Commission autonomous act 

The objective is to replace multiple sectoral rules by horizontal ones and simplify management mechanisms through the 
modification of periodic agricultural instruments relating to: 
- Allocation of quantities for import tariff quotas;  
- Tendering procedures for export refunds; 
- Tendering procedures for public storage;  
- Fixing of export refunds (including respect of WTO commitments).  

EN 

26 

EN 

 
  
Horizontal  rules  for  private  storage  of  agricultural 
products 

Revision 

The aim is to replace multiple sectoral rules by horizontal ones and simplify management mechanisms relating to the 
private storage of agricultural products. 

Commission autonomous act 

It  is  planned  to  carry  out  a  legal  review  of  the  existing  sectoral  provisions with  a  view  to  eliminating  unnecessary 
provisions  and  to  harmonising  the  system  of  private  storage,  and  to  adopt  a  horizontal  regulation  for  the rules 
concerning private storage.  

Commission autonomous act 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 2295/2003 on egg 
labelling 

Revision 

The existing implementing Regulation (EC) No 2295/2003 will be redrafted to take into account the changes introduced 
by the new Council Regulation (EC) No 1028/2006.  

Commission autonomous act 

Horizontal  rules  on  tender  procedures  for  export 
refunds for certain agricultural products 

Revision 

The  aim  is  to  replace  multiple  sectoral  rules  and  simplify  management  mechanisms  relating to  tendering  procedures 
concerning  export  refunds  for  certain  agricultural  products,  through  the  adoption  of  a  horizontal  regulation  for  the 
tendering procedure concerning export refunds for certain agricultural products.  

Commission autonomous act 

Horizontal  rules  on  import  tariff  quotas  managed 
through a system of import licences 

Revision 

The  aim  is  to  replace  multiple  sectoral  rules  by  horizontal  ones  and  simplify  management  mechanisms  relating  to 
import  tariff  quotas  managed  by  a  system  of  import  licences  (excepted  bananas)  by  means  of  a  legal  review  of  the 
existing sectoral provisions with a view to eliminating unnecessary provisions and to harmonising regulations opening 
the import tariff quotas.  

Commission autonomous act 

Commission  Regulation  (EC) No  382/2005  on  the 
Common organisation of the market in dried fodder  

Revision 

The  objective  is  to  amend  the  implementing  Regulation  to  reduce  obligations  for  non-processors  (farmers  and 
downstream sector) under the regulation and to remove obsolete provisions. 

Commission autonomous act 

General  block  exemption  Regulations  on 
the 
application  of  Arts  87  and  88  of  the  EC  Treaty  to 
regional  aid,  SME,  R&D,  environmental  aid, 
employment, training 

Revision 

The new General block exemption Regulation (GBER) will  cover areas already covered by existing block exemptions 
concerning  training,  employment,  SME,  and  new  areas  like  innovation,  environment,  risk  capital  and  regional  aid. 
State  aid  covered  by  this  GBER  will  not  have  to  be  notified  to  the  Commission.  The  GBER will  gather  all  provisions 
concerning State aid exempted from the notification obligation in one single document and by increasing the number of 
cases exempted from prior notification, thereby reducing the administrative burden for MS. 

EN 

27 

EN 

 
  
 
Notice on the execution of recovery decisions 

Revision 

A  more  effective  execution  of  recovery  decisions  by  Member  States  has  been  identified  as  a  priority  objective  in  the 
State aid action plan 

Implementing  regulation,  state  aids  procedural 
aspects  

Recast 

This  notice  should  provide  guidance  to  Member  States  on  how  they  should  ensure  that  the  Commission’s  recovery 
decisions are properly executed.  

The implementing regulation provides guidance to Member States on a number of specific State aid procedural aspects 
(notification, calculation of recovery interests, reporting).  
The objective is to  
- Adapt the Regulation to accommodate the increased use of electronic exchanges between the Commission and the 
Member States; 
- Revise provisions regarding the recovery interests to bring them into line with economic reality; 
- Revise the annual reporting requirements for transparency and monitoring purposes. 

Repeal  of  Council  Decision  85/368/EEC  on  a 
system for the comparability of vocational education 
and training (VET) qualifications  

Repeal 

Following  the  adoption  of  the  draft  Recommendation  of  the  Council  and  the  EP  on  a  European  Qualifications 
Framework COM(2006)479, the Decision has become outdated and is no longer sustainable, notably because of the 
rapid development of qualifications. 

Revision  of  Directive  2001/23/EC 
Undertakings' 

'Transfer  of 

Revision 

The  main  objective  is  to  clarify  and  simplify  the  application  of  Directive  2001/23/EC  to  cross-border  operations  and 
introduce any amendments, after consultation of the Member States and social partners. 

Codification  of  Directive  89/655/CEE  and 
its 
amendments, Directives 95/63/EC and 2001/45/EC, 
the  health  and  safety  minimum 
concerning 
requirements for the use of work equipment at work  

Codification 

Codification. 

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

Recast 

Proposal for Regulation of EP and Council on type 
approval  of  heavy-duty  vehicles  and  engines  with 
respect to their emissions (Euro VI proposal) 

Revision 

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. 

Harmonised  vehicle  emission  standards  have  long  been  a  feature  of  EU  policy.  The  proper  functioning  of  the  single 
market in the European Union requires common standards limiting the emission of atmospheric pollutants from motor 
vehicles 
The proposal will apply to heavy-duty vehicles. The main objective of the proposal is to lay down the Euro VI limits for 
pollutant emissions.  

The proposal will repeal four directives. 

Simplification  of  Council  Directive  76/768/EEC  on 
Cosmetic Products 

Recast 

The  purpose  of  this  proposal  is  to  recast  legislation  on  cosmetics  products,  as  part  of  a  more  general  simplification 
strategy concerning goods. As such, it was announced in the 2005 simplification communication. 

Recast  of  Directive  89/106/EEC  on  Construction 
Products 

Recast 

The  purpose  of  this  proposal  is  to  clarify  the  scope  and  the  objectives  of  the  existing  Directive  and  to  simplify  the 
implementing mechanisms, ensuring proper functioning of the internal market for construction products, while avoiding 
constraints and obligations, e.g. administrative costs, which are disproportionate to the benefits to be expected. . 

EN 

28 

EN 

 
  
 
Repeal of  Directive 84/539/EEC  on electro-medical 
equipment used in human or veterinary medicine 

Repeal 

This  Directive  has  become  obsolete.  The  applicable  standard  specified  in  the  Annex  dates  back  to  1979.  It  is  the 
intention  to  broaden  the  scope  of  Directive  93/42/EC  on  medical  devices  which  currently  only  addresses  medical 
devices for human beings to extend to the veterinary devices. 

Review  of  existing 
emissions 

legislation  on 

industrial 

Recast 

The  objectives  is  to  improve  the  current  legal  framework  related  to  industrial  emissions,  and  to  streamline  the 
interaction between the various legislation, while not altering the underlying principles and the level of ambition of the 
present legal framework. 

As  regards  the  scope  of  the  present  initiative,  it  includes  reviewing  the  Directive  96/61/EC  concerning  integrated 
pollution  prevention  and  control  (IPPC)  and  related  industrial  emissions  legislation  (Directive  2001/80/EC  on  large 
combustion  plants,  Directive  2000/76/EC  on  the  incineration  of  waste,  Directive  1999/13/EC  on  the  use  of  organic 
solvents in certain activities and installations).  

Revision  of  Regulation  (EC)  No  1980/2000  on  a 
revised Community eco-label award scheme 

Recast 

The  recasting  aims  at  substantially  enhancing  the  political  profile  and  hence  the  market  take-up  of  both  voluntary 
instruments. The changes will focus on the substance with special attention for the needs of SMEs, the institutional set-
up and the links to other policy instruments in particular Green Public Procurement. 

Revision  of  the  Regulation  (EC)  761/2001  allowing 
voluntary  participation  by  organisations 
in  a 
Community  eco-management  and  audit  scheme 
(EMAS) 

Recast 

The objective is to create a more business friendly system by involvement of key stakeholders in the decision-making 
process,  outsource  routine  criteria  development  to  a  dedicated  body,  link  Eco-label  closely  with  Green  Procurement 
and reduce the procedural burden for the Commission.  

The  recasting  aims  at  substantially  enhancing  the  political  profile  and  hence  the  market  take-up  of  both  voluntary 
instruments. The changes will focus on the substance with special attention for the needs of SMEs, the institutional set-
up and the links to other policy instruments in particular Green Public Procurement. 

The objective is to raise attractiveness for SMEs by reduction of administrative burden for companies, simplify access 
to EMAS for company-clusters and reduce procedural requirements by cutting red tape.  

Review of the Directives on waste from the titanium 
dioxide industry 

Recast 

The  objective  is  to  merge  the  existing  three  Directives  related  to  the  waste  from  the  titanium  dioxide  industry 
(78/176/EEC,  82/883/EEC,  92/112/EEC)  and  to  delete  obsolete  provisions,  keeping  the  same  level  of  environmental 
protection. 

Development  of 
Information System (SEIS) 

the  Shared  Environmental 

Communication/recast Communication outlining the vision, objectives, actions and timetable for the development of the Shared Environmental 
Information 
System. 
It will be accompanied with appropriate legislative proposals to streamline the environmental reporting.It will announce 
simplification measures for environmental reporting to be presented in 2007. 

Recast  of  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No  850/98  for 
the  conservation  of 
through 
technical measures for the protection of juveniles of 
marine organisms 

fishery  resources 

Recast 

Major revision of current technical measures in order to reduce their complexity and number, reinforce consistency and 
provide for simpler procedures for later updating and revision. More enforceable technical measures will be established 
in close cooperation with stakeholders. 

New  legislative  proposals  amending  the  regulatory 
framework  for  electronic  communications  networks 

Revision 

The main objective of the legislative proposals is to enhance the ability of the current framework to deliver on its initial 
objectives  by  proposing  adaptations  that  take  account  of  experience  to  date  and  expected  market  and  technological 

EN 

29 

EN 

 
  
and services 

changes in the future. The creation of a competitive single market for electronic communications services and networks 
in Europe with corresponding benefits for citizens is the ultimate aim. 

Repeal  of  Decision  2003/548/EC  Decision  on 
leased lines 

Repeal 

There is no need or justification for mandating specific retail services. In the public consultation on the 2006 review, it is 
proposed that the concept be removed altogether by legislative amendment of the Universal Service Directive. 

Repealing  Directive  87/372/EC  on  the  frequency 
bands to be reserved for cellular digital band-based 
mobile communications 

Repeal 

Policy initiative linked to previous actions in radio spectrum policy: WAPECS, IMT2000 extension bands, policy agenda 
outlined in COM(2005)411 

A new Commission Decision pursuant to Decision 676/2002/EC will regulate the use of the 900 MHz band in the EU. 

Revision  of  Regulation  (EC)  No  2195/2002  on  the 
Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV) 

Revision 

The objective is to update and revision of the existing Commission Regulation (following targeted and wide stakeholder 
consultations). The update of the CPV Regulation is necessary to maintain an efficient and simple procurement system 
that is easily applied for both suppliers and bidders 

Proposal 
insurance companies (Solvency II) 

for  a  directive  on 

the  solvency  of 

Recast 

face 

increased  competition,  convergence  between 

Insurance  companies 
international 
dependence.  In  line  with  similar  developments  in  the  banking  sector  and  following  international  developments  in 
solvency,  risk  management  and  accounting,  the  new  solvency  regime  aims  at  the  protection  of  policyholders  and 
beneficiaries. It will improve the competitiveness of EU insurers and provide for a better allocation of capital resources, 
without causing significant market disruptions and impeding innovation in the insurance industry. 

financial  sectors  and 

Revision  of  Regulation  (EC)  No  258/97  on  novel 
foods 

Recast 

Revision  of  the  Novel  Food  Regulation  is  needed  to  clarify  the  legislation  after  removal  of  GM  food  from  the  scope, 
create a more favourable environment for innovation for the food industry and facilitate internal and external trade. This 
will:  
-Tighten  and  streamline  the  authorisation  procedure  for  novel/new  foods  and  thus  make  it  more  predictable  for  the 
applicants.  
- Tailor the safety assessment to different types of foods allowing foods with safe history of use outside the EU to enter 
the EU more easily than is presently the case.  

-Take into account new technologies with an impact on food (e.g. nanotechnology, animal cloning). 

Revision of the existing legislation on feed labelling 
feed 
and  authorisation/withdrawal  procedure  of 
materials 
96/25/EC, 
82/471/EEC and 93/74/EEC) 

79/373/EEC, 

(Directives 

Recast 

Recast,  modernisation  and  replacement  of  Directives  79/373/EEC,  96/25/EC,  82/471/EEC  and  93/74/EEC  to  amend 
the existing feed labelling requirements, to extend the non-exclusive list of feed materials and to align the authorisation 
procedures with principles and provisions set out in the General Food Law.  

Revision  of  existing  Regulation  on  general  food 
labelling and nutrition labelling  

Revision and repeal 

The key objective is to update the current rules on general food and nutrition labelling, taking into account the 
experience gained in applying Directives 2000/13/EC and 1990/496/CEC. There is a need to ensure that there is 
legislation that meets consumers’ needs, is not too burdensome for the industry, and that can adapt to a continually 
changing market. This requires a new approach that strikes a balance between flexibility and prescription and between 
action at the national and EU level. 
The proposed Regulation will repeal the above mentioned Directives and will clarify and simplify the laws on general 
food and nutrition labelling. 

Proposal for a Council Directive on the marketing of 
fruit  plant  propagating  material  and  fruit  plants 

Recast 

Recasting  of  Council  Directive  92/34/EEC.  Amendments  concerns  inter  alia  a  new  definition  of  marketing,  as  well  as 

EN 

30 

EN 

 
  
intended for fruit production 

technical measures which will be adopted based on an appropriate evaluation and on technical and scientific progress. 

Review of the Timeshare Directive (94/47/EC) 

Review 

Two  objectives  can  be  identified:  To  clarify  and  simplify  the  regulatory  framework  in  which  business  operates.  To 
improve the legislation based on technical and scientific progress and to the new marketing environment in line with the 
new CAP.  

The objective is to enhance legal certainty for consumers as the same rules will apply to all long-term holiday products. 
Level playing field for business as traders marketing and selling the new products in the market will have to comply with 
the same rules as “classic timeshare”. Update of the list of requirements for the prospectus and the contract will provide 
modernisation. The scope is extended to bring under the Directive other long-term holiday products which have been 
developed since the adoption of the current directive. 

Rules of Origin (based on the Community Customs 
Code) 

Recast 

The  Commission  intends  to  simplify  the  rules  of  origin  by  proposing  new  rules  which  will  determine  the  position  in 
negotiation on GSP as well as in the context of the new Economic Partnership Agreements with the ACP countries. 

Modernisation of VAT provisions relating to financial 
services including insurance  

Revision 

The current provisions are out of date and at the very least need to be modernised.  The overall legal and regulatory 
environment in which the industry operates does not keep pace with the evolution of the industry and conflicts with the 
bias  towards  vertical  integration.  Companies  are  thus  prevented  from  further  refining  their  economic  and  legal 
structures to increase their competitiveness. Changes should be directed towards modernising the rules, ensuring their 
consistency with established policy objectives and reducing the need to seek clarification through litigation  

Recast 

Simplification and modernisation of requirements and computerisation of procedures by  

Revision  of  Directive  92/12/EEC  on  general 
arrangements  for  products  subject  to  excise  duty 
and  holding,  movement  and  monitoring  of  such 
products 

Revision  of  Regulation  (EC)  No  1334/2000  of  22 
June  2000  setting  up  a  Community  regime  for  the 
control of dual-use items and technology 

Recast 

- modernizing and simplifying the provisions of the directive wherever possible 
- integrating into the directive judgements of the ECJ as well as guidelines of the excise committee 
- adapting the directive to support the computerization of procedures for the movement of excise products under 
suspension of excise duty (the EMCS project) 

The  proposal  provides  for  simplification  of  legislation,  and  of  the  administrative  procedures  for  public  authorities.  A 
number of measures will simplify the work for the Community administrations, for example improved system of sharing 
denials using a template provided by the Commission, a comitology procedure for changes to the annexes and for the 
adoption of guidelines); and the work of private entities, such as adoption of best practices for the implementation of the 
Regulation,  harmonisation  of  the  conditions  of  use  of  export  authorisations  and  their  format,  e-systems  for  the 
management of licence applications.  

Recast of Directives 96/26/EC and 98/76/EC on the 
conditions  of  admission  to  the  occupation  of  road 
haulage and road passenger transport operators 

Recast 

The  objective  is  to  ensure  harmonised  application  of  the  rules,  a  clear  understanding  of  what  is  required,  maintain 
mutual  recognition  of  qualifications,  protect  the  right  of  establishment,  rationalise  the  market,  improve  service  quality 
and road safety. 

The  amendment  of  existing  rules  will  strengthen,  clarify  and  simplify  the  application  of  the  three  qualitative  criteria  of 
good repute, financial standing and professional competence, by which operators gain admission to the occupation. 

Recast  of  conditions  of  access  to  road  transport 
market  (Regulations  (EC)  No  881/92,  684/92, 

Recast 

The objective is to ensure a harmonised application of the rules, a clear understanding of what is required, protect the 
right of establishment, rationalise the market, improve service quality and road safety. 

EN 

31 

EN 

 
  
3118/93, 12/98 and 484/2002) 

Revision of Regulation (EC) No 2299/89 on a code 
of conduct for computerised reservation systems 

Revision 

(47 initiatives) 

The amendment of existing rules to strengthen, clarify and simplify the access to the market, conditions for cabotage 
and the applicability of driver attestation to EU drivers. 

Regulation  (EC)  No 2299/89  was  adopted  in  a  market  context  where  almost  all  airline  bookings  were  made  via 
computerised  reservation  systems  (CRS)  and  where  most  CRS  were  owned  and  controlled  by  airlines.  With  the 
divestment  of  airlines  and  the  development  of  internet  bookings,  the  market  context  has  changed  and  the  regulation 
now seems to be standing in the way of an efficient functioning of the market: a revision of the regulation is necessary. 

The main policy objective is to increase market efficiency by giving more room to market forces. Increased competition 
in the sector should make it possible to improve the quality of services offered and to reduce the distribution costs in the 
air transport sector. 

At the same time, careful consideration will be given to potential competition issues and the continued need for sector-
specific safeguard rules will be studied. 

EN 

32 

EN 

 
  
WITHDRAWALS OF PENDING PROPOSALS 

Title 

COM/SEC 
number 

Justification 

Proposal  for  a  Council  Decision  on  the  system  of 
the European Communities’ own resources 

COM(2004)501/1  Obsolete  since  replaced  by  2006  Proposal  for  a  Council  Decision  on  the  system  of  own  resources  and  the  related 
Commission  working  document  on  the  UK  correction  [COM(2006)  99],  which  implements  the  December  2005 
European Council conclusions in the own resources area. 

for  a  Council  Regulation  on 
for 

the 
Proposal 
implementing  measures 
the  correction  of 
budgetary imbalances in accordance with Articles 4 
and 5 of the Council decision on the system of the 
European Communities’ own resources 

Recommendation for a Council Recommendation 
with a view to giving early warning to Italy in order 
to prevent the occurrence of an excessive deficit 

Proposal  for  a  Council  Decision  on  the  position  to 
be  adopted  by  the  Community  within  the  ACP-EC 
Council of Ministers on the amendment of Decision 
No.  1/2003  of  the  ACP-EC  Council  of  Ministers  of 
16  May  2003  regarding  the  accession  of  the 
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the ACP-EC 
Partnership Agreement 

Proposal for a Council Decision adjusting the 
financial resources of the 9th European 
Development Fund further to the accession of the 
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the ACP-EC 
Partnership Agreement  

COM(2004)501/2  See above 

SEC(2004)485 

This recommendation can be withdrawn, as the Council decided not to adopt it (no adoption by the Council 5/07/2004). 

COM(2004)609 

The proposal COM(2005)51/final 2-2 replaces and cancels this proposal related to the accession of Timor-Leste to the 
9th EDF. 

COM(2004)610 

The proposal COM(2005)51/final 2-2 replaces and cancels this proposal related to the financial amount. 

Proposal for a Council Decision to improve co-
operation between police and security services in 
the fight against terrorism 

COM(2005)695 

Taking  into  account  that  the  Situation  Centre  in  the  Council  has  "de  facto"  strengthened  its  role  as  the  focal  point  at 
European level for the pooling of information coming from the security services, and that it has acted upon its existing 
mechanisms to exchange information with Europol, so that in particular the envisaged national contact points no longer 
serve  their  purpose,  the  Commission  now  considers  that  legislation  is  no  longer  necessary  and  has  changed  its 
approach. This has been confirmed by the negative reactions that the proposal has been met with by the Council and 
Parliament. The proposal has therefore become obsolete. 

EN 

33 

EN 

 
  
 
for  a  Regulation  of 

the  European 
Proposal 
Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation 
(EC)  No  1073/1999  relating  to  the  investigations 
carried  out  by  the  European  Anti-Fraud  Office 
(OLAF) 

for  a  Council  Regulation  amending 
Proposal 
Regulation  (Euratom)  No  1074/1999  relating  to  the 
investigations  carried  out  by  the  European  Anti-
Fraud Office (OLAF) 

Proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 
77/388/EC by reason of the accession of the Czech 
Republic,  Estonia,  Cyprus,  Latvia,  Lithuania, 
Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia  

Proposal  for  a  Council  Decision  authorising  the 
Czech Republic and Poland to apply a reduced rate 
of  VAT  on  certain  labour-intensive  services  in 
accordance  with  the  procedure  provided  for  in 
Article 28(6) and (7) of Directive 77/388/EEC 

(10 initiatives) 

COM(2004)103 

Remplacée  par  nouvelle  proposition  adoptée  par  la  Commission  en  mai  2006  (ainsi  que  l'amendement  du 
Regl.1074/1999, voir point suivant). 

COM(2004)104 

Remplacée  par  nouvelle  proposition  adoptée  par  la  Commission  en  mai  2006  (ainsi  que  l'amendement  du 
Regl.1073/1999, voir point précédent). 

COM(2004)295 

Obsolète : Le contenu de cette proposition a été repris par la Directive du Conseil 2006/18/EC du 22/02/2006. 

COM(2004)296 

Obsolète : Le contenu de cette proposition a été repris par la Directive du Conseil 2006/18/EC du 22/02/2006. 

EN 

34 

EN 

 
  
COMMUNICATION PRIORITIES FOR 2007 

The following list of communication priorities are selected on the basis of political priorities, notably as defined in the CLWP 2007 and research and 
analysis of public opinion and media monitoring: 

Prosperity (Growth and Jobs): 

•  Education: 20 years of the Erasmus Programme 
•  Research and Innovation, including the EIT and the ERC 
•  Single Market review 
•  Energy Review for Europe 
•  “Flexicurity” 
•  Immigration 
•  Better regulation and simplification 

Solidarity: 

•  Social reality stocktaking 
•  Cohesion and rural development (2007-2013) 
•  Environmental protection 
•  European Year of equal opportunities  
•  Preparations for the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in 2008 

Security and freedom: 

•  Fight against organised crime and terrorism 
•  Border control 

Europe in the world: 

•  Enlargement 
•  Neighbourhood Policy 
•  Market access strategy 

EN 

35 

EN 

 
  
Future of Europe: 

•  Plan D and the constitutional debate 
•  50th Anniversary of Treaties of Rome  

EN 

36 

EN