Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Policy achievements in 2006
Date: 2007-02-28
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU action, EU employment policy, EU migration policy, EU policy, EU research policy, European social policy, area of freedom, security and justice, enlargement of the Union, single market, the EU's international role

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 28.2.2007 
COM(2007) 67 final 

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

Policy Achievements in 2006 

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

Policy Achievements in 2006 

1. 

TOWARDS A EUROPE OF RESULTS - A YEAR OF DELIVERY 

The year 2006 saw the Commission moving into a new phase to deliver the objectives which 
it set out at the beginning of its mandate. On 10 May, the Commission proposed an ambitious 
programme of action setting out a series of concrete measures to benefit European citizens: a 
Europe of results. The programme was based on a twin track approach – demonstrating the 
Union's capacity to act while moving towards a settlement of institutional and constitutional 
issues.  

At the European Council of June 2006, the Heads of State and Government of the EU agreed 
to pursue this twin track approach, and reached a consensus on a timetable for continuing the 
institutional  reform  process,  including  a  political  declaration  to  be  adopted  in  Berlin  on 
25 March 2007 by the Member States, the European Parliament and the Commission, to mark 
the 50th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome.  

Citizens want the Union to deliver policies which are relevant to their everyday lives. That is 
why  the  EU  sustainable  development  strategy  and  the  Lisbon  Strategy  for  growth  and 
jobs  are  at  the  heart  of  Commission  priorities,  aiming  to  secure  a  prosperous,  fair  and 
environmentally  sustainable  future  for  Europe.  Following  the  launch  of  the  renewed  Lisbon 
Strategy in 2005, the emphasis in 2006 was on implementation. The new partnership between 
Member  States  and  the  Commission  started  to  bear  fruit  and  contributed  to  improved 
economic performance across Europe.  

The  first  half  of  the  year  was  marked  by  the  conclusion,  in  May,  of  negotiations  with  the 
European Parliament and the Council on the Financial Framework for the Union for 2007-
2013.  Following  this  agreement,  the  Commission  presented  a  package  of  more  than  30 
revised proposals to enable the new generation of financing programmes to start on 1 January 
2007. In addition, a final agreement was reached in November by the Council and Parliament 
to reform the management of the EU budget and to simplify access to EU funding. The new 
rules  will  help  boost  the  delivery  of  the  EU  programmes  under  the  2007-2013  Multiannual 
Financial Framework. 

In  terms  of  policy  delivery,  the  Commission  has  focused  on  implementing  its  Work 
Programme  for  2006,  with  74  headline  Work  Programme  proposals  presented  over  the year 
and one additional item at the start of 2007, leading to an implementation rate of almost 90%. 
This shows that the strategic planning and programming cycle, focused on a limited number 
of priorities, is now thoroughly embedded in the work of the Commission. However, this did 
not  prevent  the  Commission  from  responding  to  a  fast-moving  political  agenda,  in  which 
actions not envisaged at the beginning of the year have had to be delivered swiftly in response 
to pressing needs, for instance during the Lebanon crisis.  

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As a follow-up to the European Transparency Initiative launched in 2005, a Green Paper in 
2006 prompted a broad public debate on how to improve the openness and accessibility of 
EU  institutions.  In  the  same  context,  the  Commission  has  created  a  web  portal  providing 
single access to information on beneficiaries under the programmes it manages directly, and 
published  links  to  those  Member  States  which  already  provide  information  on  end-
beneficiaries  of  agricultural  expenditure  under  shared  management.  The  Commission 
continued  to  foster  its  relations  with  National  Parliaments  by  forwarding  all  its  new 
proposals  and  consultation  documents  directly  to  them,  and  inviting  them  to  submit  their 
comments so as to improve the process of policy formulation.  

The  Commission  decided  to  make  communication  a  central  responsibility  of  the  European 
Union by proposing, in a White Paper, that it becomes a fully-fledged policy of the EU, as a 
service to the citizen and an instrument of democracy. The public consultation on the White 
Paper  ran  successfully  until  September  2006,  and  has  been  complemented  by  four 
stakeholders' fora on specific themes.  

As part of its Plan  D - Democracy, Dialogue and Debate1, launched in October 2005 and 
followed up in November 20062, the Commission organised a wide variety of meetings and 
activities in the Member States to engage in a genuine debate with Europe’s citizens and to 
provide  channels  for  citizens’  concerns  to  be  brought  to  the  attention  of  European  decision 
makers.  

A  key  factor  in  bringing  the  Union  closer  to  its  citizens  is  its  policy  of  multilingualism, 
guaranteeing cultural and linguistic diversity and the right to interact with EU institutions in 
any of its official languages. In 2006 the Commission made arrangements for the introduction 
of three new official languages (Bulgarian, Romanian and Irish) as of 1 January 2007.  

2. 

PROSPERITY 

The Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs 

2006  was  a  year  full  of  action  for  the  Growth  and  Jobs  Strategy.  In  early  2006,  the 
Commission called on Member States to "move up a gear" – and this year's Annual Progress 
Report shows that there has been real progress. Over the year, there has been a perceptible 
stepping  up  of  the  work  to  translate  policy  action  into  actual  results,  to  improve  the 
environment  for  businesses  to  invest  and  for  jobs  to  be  created.  There  is  growing  evidence 
that  past  reforms  are  starting  to  deliver  quantifiable  benefits,  and  confirmation  that  the  full 
implementation of the Lisbon strategy offers the potential for large gains in terms of jobs and 
growth.  

The Commission proposed for 2006 a set of firm commitments to strengthen reform in four 
priority  action  areas:  knowledge  (education,  R&D  and  innovation);  unlocking  business 
potential, especially for SMEs; getting more people into work, in particular young people – in 
line with the European Youth Pact – and older workers; and energy. Those commitments were 
agreed by the Heads of State and Government at the European Council in March. 2006 has 

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The  Commission’s  contribution  to  the  period  of  reflection  and  beyond:  Plan  D  for  Democracy, 
Dialogue and Debate - COM(2005) 494. 
The  Commission’s  Information  note  from  Vice  President  Wallström  to  the  Commission  - 
SEC(2006) 1553: Plan D – Wider and Deeper Debate on Europe. 

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shown  a  perceptible  shift  in  national  commitment  to  implementing  the  Lisbon  strategy, 
particularly in the four areas defined by the European Council as priorities. Member States are 
increasingly  exchanging  experiences  and  good  ideas.  However,  while  all  have  moved 
forward, there remain big differences between Member States in terms of the depth and speed 
of reform.  

Reforms  at  European  level  under  the  Community  Lisbon  Programme  (CLP)  are  making 
good progress. To date, the Commission has delivered over 75% of all the actions announced 
in  the  CLP.  Cohesion  policy  has  confirmed  its  role  as  the  principal  financial  European 
instrument  to  deliver  the  Growth  and  Jobs  Agenda  on  the  ground.  Through  the  National 
Strategic  Reference  Frameworks  negotiated  with  the  Member  States,  it  is  expected  that  the 
'earmarked'  investment  for  'Growth  and  Jobs'  will  be  worth  up  to  €200  billion  under  the 
Structural Funds. Other Community instruments, such as the rural development policy, were 
also targeted to contribute to the Strategy for growth and jobs. Overall, the new partnership 
for growth and jobs is beginning to prove its worth as a vehicle for driving economic reform 
in Europe. 

Innovation 

Responding  to  a  call  from  the  2006  Spring  European  Council,  the  Commission  presented  a 
broad-based innovation strategy that points the way forward to a more operational phase in 
European  innovation  policy.  This  programme  was  supported  by  European  leaders  at  their 
informal Summit in Lahti, Finland, on 20 October 2006. 

A  major  highlight  of  the  year  was  the  adoption  of  the  7th  Framework  Programme  for 
Research  and  Technological  Development  (FP7)  by  the  Council  and  Parliament  and  the 
adoption  of  the  7th  Euratom  Framework  Programme  for  Nuclear  Research  and  Training 
Activities by the Council. FP7 will increase R&D spending between 2007 and 2013 by 41% 
(in current prices). The newly established European Research Council will channel funds at 
EU level towards the best frontier research. For the first time ever, it is expected that the EU 
will  adopt  in  2007  a  new  method  of  financing  key  technological  research  by  launching  the 
first Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs) – long-term public-private partnerships to promote 
Europe's position in strategic technology areas.  

In  order  to  support  innovation,  the  newly  adopted  Competitiveness  and  Innovation 
Programme  (CIP)  aims  to  achieve  a  60%  increase  in  the  financial  instruments  supporting 
entrepreneurship and innovation. The Communication on "Financing SME Growth" pointed 
to further actions to improve access to finance, which could lead to the tripling of EU early-
stage  risk/venture  capital  investment  by  2013.  The  Commission  also  put  forward  ideas  on 
how tax incentives could act as an important policy instrument that Member States can use to 
stimulate more business research.  

2006 paved the way for the establishment of a European Institute of Technology (EIT), as a 
new  pole  of  excellence  in  innovation,  research  and  higher  education  in  Europe.  Following 
wide-ranging consultations with the Member States and stakeholders, a formal proposal was 
presented at the end of 2006.  

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Another  clear  highlight  was  the  conclusion  of  ITER  (International  Thermonuclear 
Experimental  Reactor)  negotiations  which  culminated  in  seven  parties3  signing  the  ITER 
Agreement in November. The ITER project, which aims to demonstrate the potential of fusion 
as an energy source, will be the world's biggest scientific collaboration of its kind and involve 
countries representing over half the world's population. 

The  global  navigation  satellite  system  Galileo  received  its  first  test  signals  from  space  in 
January 2006. In order to make maximum use of Galileo's potential, a Green Paper launched a 
debate  on  what  the  public  sector  can  do  to  create  an  appropriate  framework  for  the 
development of satellite navigation applications.  

The Single Market 

As part of the wide-ranging review of the Single Market, the Commission launched in April 
a consultation on the future Single Market policy. This consultation showed that EU citizens, 
businesses  and  governments  believe  that  the  Single  Market  plays  a  crucial  role  in  meeting 
Europe's  current  challenges,  but  also  that  it can  be  improved  and  demands  a  clear  vision  to 
meet new challenges. The consultation will feed into ideas for improving the functioning of 
the Single Market policy that will be presented in 2007.  

One  of  the  most  significant  events  of  2006  was  the  adoption  of  the  Services  Directive.  The 
Services Directive is a key tool for unleashing the full potential of the European services sector 
and help achieving a genuine Internal Market in services. The freedom of establishment and the 
freedom to provide cross-border services will be facilitated and the rights of consumers as users 
of services will be strengthened through the introduction of a general non-discrimination clause 
and information rights.  

Another  important  milestone  was  the  agreement  between  the  Council  and  the  European 
Parliament  on  the  REACH  Regulation  (Registration,  Evaluation,  Authorisation  and 
restriction of CHemicals), which will enter into force in June 2007. The REACH Regulation 
involves  a  comprehensive  reform  of  manufacturing,  marketing,  import  and  use  of  chemical 
substances.  It  will  improve  health  and  environment  while  safeguarding  innovation  and 
competitiveness.  

The new draft Directive proposing full opening up of the market in postal services by 2009 
would be a further step towards unlocking the full potential of an important sector of the EU 
economy. The proposal would have a direct impact on the fostering of competition, consumer 
choice and sustainable employment, while still preserving a high-quality universal service.  

In  the  financial  sector  an  important  legislative  proposal  was  put  forward  that  sets  out  clear 
criteria  for  Member  States'  supervisory  authorities  to  assess  proposed  mergers  and 
acquisitions  between  financial  institutions.  A  White  Paper  on  investment  funds  set  out 
possible improvements that should benefit both investors and the industry, focusing on cost-
effectiveness  and  disclosure  of  information.  A  Communication  on  deposit  guarantees 
proposed a series of self-regulatory steps for banks designed to protect consumers in the event 
of a bank's failure. The Commission also backed a self-regulatory initiative by the securities 
industry to develop a Code of Conduct that will allow for efficient cross-border clearing and 
settlement. 

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China, European Union, India, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States. 

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Initial steps were taken to create open and fair markets for defence procurement by adopting 
guidelines  to  bring  clarity  to  the  award  of  defence  contracts  under  EU  rules.  In  addition,  a 
proposal  amending  the  Remedies  Directives  was  tabled  with  a  view  to  strengthening  the 
efficiency  of  review  mechanisms  made  available  to  aggrieved  economic  operators  in 
procurement procedures. This should create greater incentives for businesses to make cross-
border bids for contracts.  

The  increased  litigation  brought  by  taxpayers  over  the  last  few  years  has  demonstrated  that 
tax barriers to cross-border movement and investment remain commonplace. As a result, the 
Commission  proposed  a  co-ordinated  EU  approach  to  national  direct  tax  systems. 
Consultations have started with all the parties concerned on how to step up the fight against 
tax fraud, and a new generation of customs and tax programmes was presented to improve 
cooperation  between  national  systems  and  to  simplify  their  operation.  As  regards  indirect 
taxation, the Commission proposed to abolish capital duty on the raising of capital in order to 
support the development of EU companies. 

The  Commission  continued  firm  and  consistent  application  of  Community  rules  on  cartels, 
restrictive  business  practices,  mergers  and  state  aids.  In  the  fight  against  cartels  and 
abuses  of  dominant  position,  the  Commission  imposed  fines  over  €2  billion.  The  revised 
Guidelines for setting fines for antitrust infringements and the revised Leniency Notice will 
strengthen  the  effectiveness  of  the  Commission’s  action  and  offer  clearer  guidance  for 
business. The newly adopted State aid guidelines on R&D and Innovation, Risk Capital and 
de minimis aid constitute an important progress in delivering a framework for "less and better 
targeted"  aid.  Also  in  the  agricultural  sector  new  state  aid  rules  were  adopted  at  the  end  of 
2006.  

The  "i2010  initiative"  –  powering  Information  Society  Technologies  to  help  achieve  the 
Lisbon goals – is in full action. In a drive to make public services more efficient, an action 
plan for the IT-based modernisation of the Member States’ administrative systems by 2010 
was  presented.  Consultations  were  launched  to  review  the  regulatory  framework  for 
electronic communications. In the telecommunications sector, the Commission's initiative to 
reduce excessive roaming charges for mobile communications received widespread support 
in an area of direct benefit for citizens. 

Education and Lifelong Learning  

The  final  step  was  taken  in  the  legislative  process  to  adopt  the  ‘Lifelong  Learning 
Programme’ 2007-2013. For the first time, a single programme covers learning opportunities 
from childhood to old age. The successful  implementation  of the current lifelong learning 
programmes continued with some 280 000 grants awarded in 2006.  

them  motors  of 

In  response  to  the  request  made  at  the  informal  European  Council  at  Hampton  Court  in 
October  2005,  the  Commission  set  out  its  views  on  approaches  to  modernising  European 
universities,  making 
issued  a 
Recommendation  on  the  establishment  of  the  European  Qualifications  Framework  for 
lifelong  learning  (EQF)  to  help  Member  States,  employers  and  individuals  compare 
qualifications across the EU’s diverse education and training systems. The Commission also 
highlighted  the  key  issues  for  effectively  combining  efficiency  and  equity  in  European 
education  and  training  systems  and  the  essential  contribution  of  adult  learning  to 
employability,  mobility  and  social  inclusion.  There  was  also  agreement  on  the  proposed 
Recommendation  on key  competences  for  lifelong  learning,  which  establishes  a  European 

innovation.  The  Commission  also 

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reference  tool  for  the  basic  skills  to  be  provided  through  lifelong  learning,  and  on  the 
Recommendation establishing a European Quality Charter for Mobility. 

Energy and Transport 

Major progress was achieved in 2006 on forging an integrated European energy policy, in 
response to the call made by the Heads of State or Government at their informal meeting at 
Hampton Court in October 2005. Based on the Green Paper presented by the Commission in 
March, the Spring European Council issued a list of the measures to be taken with the aim of 
guaranteeing the EU a secure, competitive and sustainable energy supply. As a follow-up, the 
Commission, acting jointly with the Secretary-General of the Council, presented a document 
entitled  “An  external  policy  to  serve  Europe’s  energy  interests”.  The  Commission  also 
presented an Energy Efficiency Action Plan as the first major step in a package of measures 
to  promote  sustainability,  security  and  competitiveness  in  European  energy.  The  extensive 
work  undertaken  in  2006  paved  the  way  for  the  Strategic  Review  of  the  European  energy 
policy presented early in 2007.  

In  the  transport  field,  the  Commission  reviewed  its  2001  Transport  White  Paper  and 
proposed additional instruments to promote sustainable mobility. One of these new priorities 
here  concerns  the  logistics  of  the  freight  transport  chain,  on  which  a  communication  was 
issued  as  a  first  step  towards  an  action  plan.  The  Commission  also  put  forward  a  series  of 
measures to support the revitalisation of the railway sector.  

As of 1 January 2007, all rail freight services have been opened up to competition. This new 
stage in the process of revitalising the rail industry should mark a turning point for rail freight.  

Enlarging the Eurozone 

On  1  January  2007,  Slovenia  became  the  first  of  the  Member  States  from  the  Union's  fifth 
enlargement  to  join  the  euro  area.  The  2006  Convergence  Report  showed  that  other  EU 
countries  ‘with  a  derogation’  are  making  progress  towards  convergence,  though  at  different 
speeds. A specific report drawn up by the Commission in response to a request by Lithuania 
concluded that this country should retain its present status. This assessment was endorsed by 
the Council. 

3. 

SOLIDARITY 

Social Solidarity 

The  Commission  adopted  in  October  a  communication  setting  out  five  areas  for  concrete 
action  to  help  Member  States  adapt  to  demographic  change  in  their  own  national  context. 
Other  significant  developments  included  the  presentation  of  a  communication  on  Social 
Services of General Interest to clarify existing Community provisions in this area, and the 
proposal  for,  and  subsequent  creation  of,  a  European  Globalisation  Adjustment  Fund 
enabling the Community to support workers affected by the side-effects of globalisation. 

2006  -  the  European  Year  of  Workers'  Mobility  -  saw  the  organisation  of  2 000  events 
across Europe to raise people's awareness of their right to work in another EU country. In the 
area  of  labour  law,  the  Council  endorsed  Commission  proposals  to  promote  decent  work, 
both within the Union and worldwide. The Commission consulted the social partners on better 
ways  to  reconcile  family  and  professional  life  and  on  the  active  inclusion  of  the  people 

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furthest away from the labour market. The social partners were also consulted on the need 
to  incorporate  the  ILO  Maritime  Labour  Standards  Convention  into  European  law.  In 
response to a call from the Spring 2006 European Council, a Green Paper launched a debate 
on  how  labour  law  at  EU  and  national  level  can  help  the  job  market  become  more  flexible 
while  maximizing  security  for  workers  (the  'flexicurity'  approach).  Results  of  this 
consultative process will feed into flexicurity initiatives which the Commission will present in 
2007. 

Preparations  for  the  2008  European  Year  of  Intercultural  Dialogue  continued,  including 
the conclusion of the legislative process for the Decision designating the Year. The legislative 
process was also completed for new programmes in the field of culture, youth and active 
citizenship. 

Fundamental Rights and Civil Justice  

The area of fundamental rights was marked by the political agreement reached in December 
on  the  Regulation  establishing  a  European  Agency  for  Fundamental  Rights.  The 
establishment of this Agency in 2007 will be a milestone for the EU's ability to promote and 
ensure  respect  for  fundamental  rights  in  the  EU.  Another  major  piece  of  work  was  the 
presentation of an initiative to promote and safeguard the rights of the child in the European 
Union's internal and external policies.  

The  Commission  tackled  gender  inequality  in  Europe  with  a  new  roadmap  for  equality 
between women and men 2006-2010, and the creation of a European Institute for Gender 
Equality. In order to enhance European citizenship, the Commission proposed to facilitate the 
exercise  by  EU  citizens  of  their  electoral  rights  in  their  State  of  residence  in  European 
elections. A Green Paper on diplomatic and consular protection for Union citizens in third 
countries  proposed  courses  of  action  for  informing  citizens  more  effectively,  examining  the 
scope of the protection that they should be offered, and improving the structures and resources 
required.  

In  the  field  of  civil  justice,  the  Commission  set  out  options  on  how  to  improve  the 
enforcement  of  monetary  claims  in  Europe.  A  proposal  for  a  regulation  introducing  rules 
concerning  the  applicable  law  in  matrimonial  matters  should  improve  the  situation  for  a 
growing  number  of  international  couples  divorcing  within  the  EU.  Linked  to  this,  a  Green 
Paper  on  conflict  of  laws  in  matters  concerning  matrimonial  property  regimes  launched  a 
reflection process on possible Community action. Finally, a Green Paper on the role of civil 
society in Community efforts to combat drugs explored the scope for involving those most 
directly affected by the drugs problem more closely in the policy process.  

Migration 

Since the Global Approach to Migration was adopted by the European Council in December 
2005, the first tangible steps towards a truly European migration policy have been taken. The 
main  achievements  of  the  Global  Approach  include:  the  launch  of  several  joint  maritime 
operations in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean; the EU contribution to the UN 
discussions on migration and development; agenda-setting with African countries; reinforced 
cooperation with Mediterranean and African countries; and the rapid adoption of Community 
support for further strengthening migration management capacities in Senegal and Mauritania 
to contribute to improved controls of migration by sea. 

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The  Commission  addressed  the  issue  of  illegal  immigration  by  proposing  a  number  of 
practical actions in response to the mounting migratory pressure at the EU´s external borders. 
In  view  of  the  influx  of  illegal  migrants  on  the  Union's  southern  borders,  the  Commission 
proposed an integrated model to improve the EU's capacity to manage its external maritime 
borders. The Commission also proposed ways to step up the dialogue and cooperation with 
Africa on migration issues.  

European Cohesion 

The negotiations on the regulatory package for Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 were concluded 
in  July.  The  Community  Strategic  Guidelines,  approved  by  the  Member  States  in  October, 
established the priorities for future investment, notably in research, innovation, the knowledge 
economy  and  human  capital.  Combined  with  the  allocation  of  Community  resources  by 
Member  State  and  by  priority  Objective,  this  provided  the  frame  for  the  negotiations  of 
approximately 450 operational programmes to be submitted by Member states and regions.  

Protection of the Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Management of 
Resources 

In  June,  the  European  Council  renewed  its  firm  commitment  to  pursue  sustainable 
development with the endorsement of a renewed EU strategy for sustainable development 
for  an  enlarged  Europe.  With  the  adoption  of  the  Thematic  Strategies  on  urban 
environment, soil protection and pesticides in 2006, the Commission has now adopted all 
seven 'thematic strategies' (on air, soil, waste, natural resources, pesticides, environment, and 
marine environment) that form the centrepiece of the 6th EC Environment Action Programme. 
A  Community  strategy  for  encouraging  the  sustainable  production  of  biofuels  from 
agricultural  matter  was  also  presented,  as  well  as  a  Community  plan  for  halting  the  loss  of 
biodiversity in the EU by 2010. 

In 2006, climate change was consistently high on the political agenda. During the year, the 
EU  Emissions  Trading  Scheme  proved  its  durability  in  the  face  of  market  turbulence.  A 
Communication  set  out  the  agenda  for  extending  the  system  to  new  sectors  and  gases. 
Legislation to bring greenhouse gas  emissions from  civil aviation within the EU Emissions 
Trading Scheme was also presented. A major task in 2006 was to check and approve Member 
States’  national  allocation  plans  for  emission  allowances  during  the  second  Emissions 
Trading Scheme trading period (2008-2012).  

On the international front, the Commission played a leading role in the 12th Conference of the 
Parties  to  the  Climate  Change  Convention  and  the  Meeting  of  the  Parties  to  the  Kyoto 
Protocol  (Nairobi,  November  2006).  Progress  was  made  on  several  issues,  including  the 
Special  Climate  Change  Fund;  and  the  path  towards  agreement  on  the  need  for  emission 
reduction commitments after 2012 was established.  

A  Green  Paper  on  a  future  maritime  policy  for  the  Union  launched  one  of  the  largest 
consultation exercises in the EU's history. Its aim is to ask citizens how they want to deal with 
oceans  and  seas,  while  seeking  to  strike  a  sustainable  balance  that  takes  account  of  the 
economic, social and environmental dimensions.  

In  the  area  of  the  Common  Fisheries  Policy,  the  Council  adopted  the  first  comprehensive 
fisheries conservation framework for the Mediterranean as well as the Commission's proposal 
to strengthen control and enforcement by means of modern technology. The Commission also 

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secured the renewal of important fisheries partnership agreements with third countries such as 
Greenland and Mauritania. 

With  regard  to  the  Common  Agricultural  Policy  (CAP),  the  Commission  proposed 
reforming  the  common  organisation  of  the  wine  market  in  order  to  improve  the 
competitiveness  of  this  sector.  In  December,  an  agreement  was  reached  by  EU  agriculture 
ministers  on  a  comprehensive  reform  of  the  aid  scheme  for  banana  producers.  The  reform 
process  was  further  carried  forward  with  the  preparation  of  a  proposal  on  a  more  market-
oriented  policy  for  the  fruit  and  vegetables  sector,  which  was  tabled  in  early  2007.  The 
Council  decided  in  February  2006  on  the  Community  Strategic  Guidelines  for  rural 
development for the period 2007-2013, aiming at meeting the Göteborg sustainability goals 
and  contributing  to  the  renewed  Lisbon  strategy  for  growth  and  jobs.  Together  with  the 
implementing  rules  this  provides  the  framework  for  the  negotiations  of  96  expected  rural 
development  programmes.  In  order  to  simplify  the  CAP  for  the  benefit  of  farmers, 
administrations  and  companies,  the  Commission  proposed  to  establish  a  single  Common 
Market Organisation (CMO) for all agricultural products, to replace the 21 existing CMOs. 

4. 

SECURITY AND FREEDOM 

Justice and Home Affairs  

In  order  to  further  develop  the  area  of  Freedom,  Security  and  Justice,  the  Commission  put 
forward  a  communication  exploring  possible  ways  to  improve  the  functioning  of  EU 
policies on the basis of the existing Treaties. A communication proposed the setting up of a 
comprehensive system for objective and impartial evaluation of EU measures. For the first 
time,  the  national  implementation  of  The  Hague  Action  Plan  was  assessed  and  the  first 
report on its application was published. The December European Council endorsed this mid-
term review of EU policies and called on the Member States to further explore the options to 
improve decision-making. 

Within the context of border management, the Commission proposed creating Rapid Border 
Intervention  Teams  to  provide  assistance  to  Member  States  facing  extreme  difficulties  in 
controlling  their  external  borders.  An  important  step  for  reinforcing  the  coherence  of  the 
common visa policy was the presentation of a proposal for a Community Code on Visas. To 
support  the  extension  of  the  Schengen  area,  the  Council  and  Parliament  reached  political 
agreement  on  measures  preparing  the  legal  framework  for  the  second  generation  Schengen 
Information System (SIS II). An initiative to strengthen European police cooperation was 
taken  through  the  proposal  to  bring  the  European  Police  Office  (EUROPOL)  into  the  EU 
framework, increasing democratic oversight. 

In the field of criminal justice cooperation, the Commission addressed acute problems linked 
to the lack of mutual recognition of pre-trial detention across the Member States by proposing 
a European supervision order in pre-trial procedures between Member States of the EU. 

An important step towards enhancing the EU's preparedness for terrorist attacks was taken 
in  December,  with  the  proposal  on  a  European  programme  for  critical  infrastructure 
protection.  In  a  strategy  document  on  the  security  of  networks  and  information,  the 
Commission  gave  its  backing  for  an  awareness-raising  drive  to  encourage  enterprises, 
individuals and administrative bodies in Europe to take the measures necessary to protect their 
data and equipment.  

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In the field of aviation security, the EU acted to counter new threats from liquid explosives 
by  restricting  the  liquids  that  passengers  can  carry  onto  aircraft.  The  Commission  also 
contributed  to  the  successful  conclusion  of  a  new  agreement  with  the  USA  on  Passenger 
Name  Records,  following  the  European  Court  of  Justice  ruling  of  May  2006  annulling  the 
Decisions  underlying  the  previous  agreement.  Lastly,  the  Commission  adopted  the 
implementing provisions of the "security amendment" to the Community Customs Code, 
which aim at reinforcing the security of the EU supply chain while facilitating international 
trade.  

Health and Safety 

Political  agreement  was  reached  on  the  EU  Health  Programme  2007-2013,  which  sets  the 
framework  for  the  Commission's  funding  of  projects  relating  to  health  over  this  period.  To 
support  cooperation  between  the  health  systems  of  the  Member  States  and  to  ensure  legal 
certainly  under  Community  law,  the  Commission  launched  a  consultation  on  cross-border 
healthcare.  The  recently  launched  Health-EU  portal  will  provide  European  citizens  with 
easy access to comprehensive information on health-related issues. 

In  the  area  of  food  safety,  the  Commission  addressed  the  issue  of  training  the  officials 
responsible  for  carrying  out  controls  and  proposed  new  harmonised  rules  for  the  placing  of 
plant  protection  products  on  the  market.  Rapid  action  was  taken  when  long-grain  rice 
imported  from  the  US  was  discovered  to  be  contaminated  with  unauthorised  genetically 
modified  rice.  Moreover,  the  Commission  designed  a  strategy  supporting  Member  States  in 
reducing alcohol-related harm. A further step towards enhancing European air safety was 
taken  by  the  establishment  of  a  list  or  airlines  considered  to  be  unsafe  and  therefore  not 
permitted  to  fly  in  the  EU.  In  the  field  of  consumer  policy,  negotiations  on  the  new 
programme of Community action (2007-2013) were completed in near record time. 

Substantial efforts were made in 2006 to minimise in the EU the impact and risks attached to 
avian influenza. The Commission sent teams to the Member States to help them review and 
coordinate  their  human  influenza  pandemic  preparedness  plans.  The  EU  Civil  Protection 
Mechanism responded to nearly 20 emergencies in 2006. The  European  Union Solidarity 
Fund granted financial assistance for 9 cases of natural disasters in 2006 (€ 199.24 million). 

5. 

EUROPE AS A WORLD PARTNER 

Enlargement 

2006 has been  a crucial year for enlargement. The accession of Bulgaria  and  Romania  on 
1 January 2007 completed the fifth round of enlargement. On 9 November, the Commission 
proposed a strategy for building a renewed consensus on enlargement, including a special 
report  on  the  Union's  integration  capacity.  This  strategy  was  endorsed  by  the  December 
European Council.  

As  regards  the  three  candidate  countries  -  Croatia,  the  Former  Yugoslav  Republic  of 
Macedonia and Turkey - the Commission continued to monitor progress towards meeting the 
accession  criteria.  In  parallel,  the  accession  negotiations  with  Croatia  and  Turkey  were 
pursued.  In  view  of  Turkey  not  having  fulfilled  its  obligation  of  full  non-discriminatory 
implementation  of  the  Ankara  Protocol,  the  Commission  issued  a  recommendation  on  the 
further  conduct  of  accession  negotiations.  The  December  Council  largely  followed  this 

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recommendation  by  agreeing  that  Member  States  would  not  decide  on  opening  chapters  on 
policy  areas  covering  Turkey's  restrictions  and  on  provisionally  closing  chapters  until  the 
Commission had verified that Turkey has fulfilled its commitments. 

The Commission worked on the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Process 
(SAP)  in  the  Western  Balkans  throughout  2006.  Following  the  referendum  and  the 
recognition of Montenegro's independence, the Council adopted the Commission's proposal 
of  a  new  mandate  to  negotiate  a  Stabilisation  and  Association  Agreement  (SAA)  with  this 
country,  and  negotiations  were  technically  concluded  in  December.  Other  important 
developments include the signature of a SAA with Albania, and the technical conclusion of 
negotiations  on  the  SAA  with  Bosnia  and  Herzegovina.  Negotiations  for  an  SAA  with 
Serbia  were  put  on  hold  by  the  Commission  in  May,  due  to  deteriorating  cooperation  by 
Belgrade with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. In Kosovo, the 
Commission  worked  closely  with  the  two  EU  preparation  teams,  deployed  to  prepare  the 
future international presence and the future European Security and Defence Policy rule of law 
mission, once the status settlement is reached. 

In  2006,  the  Commission  gave  priority  to  communicating  about  enlargement  through 
strategic partnerships, including other EU institutions, regional and local administrations, the 
media, and NGOs. Moreover, the Commission pursued its civil society dialogue with a view 
to improving mutual understanding and addressing citizens’ concerns about enlargement. 

The European neighbourhood 

The  implementation  of  the  European  Neighbourhood  Policy  (ENP)4  made  significant 
progress  in  2006.  Three  additional  Action  Plans  (covering  Armenia,  Azerbaijan  and 
Georgia) were adopted and two more (Egypt and Lebanon) were agreed, with adoption due in 
early  2007.  This  will  bring  to  twelve  the  number  of  partners  with  whom  the  EU  has 
established concrete mutual commitments within the ENP framework. In addition, negotiating 
directives for a new enhanced agreement with Ukraine to replace the existing Partnership and 
Co-operation Agreement were submitted to the Council. A long-term environmental strategy 
for cleaning up and protecting the Mediterranean Sea was adopted in September. 

The  reflection  on  future  steps  of  the  ENP  was  pursued  with  an  ambitious  communication 
setting  out  new  proposals  to  strengthen  and  further  develop  the  ENP.  In  November,  a  new 
dedicated  financial  instrument,  the  European  Neighbourhood  and  Partnership  Instrument 
(ENPI), was adopted. This instrument will significantly improve the quality of our assistance 
and provide more funds to support our partners' reforms.  

The wider world 

In  June  2006  the  Commission  presented  to  the  European  Council  an  analysis  document 
entitled  “Europe  in  the  World",  which  identifies  practical  proposals  for  greater  coherence, 
effectiveness  and  visibility  of  EU  external  action  and  for  reinforcing  the  link  between 
internal and external policies, in particular in areas such as energy security, climate change, 
migration, the prevention of terrorism and economic and financial policy.  

4 

The EU’s policy towards its neighbours: Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Georgia, Israel, 
Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Ukraine. 

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Realising  the  potential  for  developing  relations  with  China  will  be  one  of  the  greatest 
challenges for EU external policy in the years to come. The EU-China Summit in Helsinki on 
9 September 2006 agreed to launch negotiations on a comprehensive new Partnership and Co-
operation  Agreement.  Building  on  the  results  of  this  summit,  in  October  the  Commission 
proposed an ambitious new agenda for EU-China relations. In July, the Commission sent the 
Council  draft  directives  for  negotiating  a  new  Framework  Agreement  on  EU-Russia 
relations. Following the IV EU/Latin America and Caribbean Summit (Vienna, May 2006), 
the  Commission  proposed  starting  negotiations  for  Association  Agreements  with  Central 
America and the Andean Community.  

2006  was  a  year  of  progress  on  some  important  trade  challenges,  supported  by  the 
presentation  by  the  Commission  of  a  new  strategy  'Global  Europe:  Competing  in  the 
World'  which  sets  out  how  the  combination  of  internal  and  external  action  can  reinforce 
growth  and  jobs  in  Europe.  Substantial  efforts  were  made  by  the  Commission  to  carry 
forward  the  multilateral  world  trade  talks  within  the  Doha  Development  Agenda,  but 
regrettably the negotiations reached an impasse in the middle of 2006.  

As part of the Global Europe trade policy framework, the Commission launched a reflection 
on the application of the EU Trade Defence Instruments in a changing global economy. The 
Commission  also  presented  requests  for  negotiating  mandates  for  a  new  generation  of 
bilateral  trade  agreements  with  key  partners:  India,  South  Korea  and  ASEAN  countries. 
These new deals will tackle issues which are not yet ready for multilateral discussion and will 
prepare the ground for the next level of multilateral liberalisation. 

For  the  first  time  ever,  the  Commission  presented  a  new  vision  for  the  Caribbean  and 
Pacific  Regions.  For  the  Caribbean,  the  main  objective  is  to  foster  regional  integration  to 
address  economic  and  environmental  specificities  of  the  area.  With  regard  to  the  Pacific 
Region,  the  key  aim  is  to  broaden  political  dialogue  and  ensure  sustainable  management  of 
natural resources. 

The year 2006 marked the first year of implementation of the EU Strategy for Africa. In this 
context,  the  Commission  proposed  an  ambitious  and  innovative  EU-Africa  partnership  on 
infrastructure  (transport,  energy,  water  and  sanitation,  and  ICT).  The  Commission  also 
presented a Communication on a Strategic Partnership between the EU and South Africa, 
the anchor country on the African continent and an active mediator in African politics; as well 
as an EU Strategy for peace, security and development in the Horn of Africa. 

Poverty  reduction,  sustainable  development  and  peace  can  be  achieved  only  if  significant 
progress  is  made  towards  democratic  governance.  The  Commission  proposed  a  common 
EU  approach  to  encourage  developing  countries  to  step  up  their  reform  efforts,  based  in 
particular on substantial incentives for those governments drawing up ambitious and credible 
governance plans. The recently proposed Global Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 
Fund (GEEREF), a €100m risk capital fund, is designed to supply developing countries with 
clean,  safe  energy  while  helping  them  to  overcome  their  lack  of  venture  capital  in  that 
context.  

The Commission has continued to play an important role in reaction to international crises 
or  unforeseen  political  events,  both  through  its  contribution  to  EU  Common  Foreign  and 
Security  Policy  operations  and  through  responses  under  Community  instruments  such  as 
humanitarian  assistance,  electoral  observation,  or  the  rapid  Reaction  Mechanism.  Examples 
include the establishment of direct assistance channels to the Palestinian people through the 

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Temporary International Mechanism, or by providing swift responses to the conflict between 
Israel  and  Lebanon  or  the  crisis  in  Timor-Leste,  with  a  timely  combination  of  political, 
humanitarian and assistance measures. 

In the field of humanitarian aid, 2006 proved to be particularly challenging notably due to 
the conflict in Lebanon and the worsening of the humanitarian situation in Darfur-Sudan and 
in the Palestinian Territories. As well as dealing with the consequences of natural disasters, 
the  Commission  continued  to  assist  the  victims  of  conflict,  with  particular  attention  to 
‘forgotten  crises’  –  such  as  Algeria  for  Sahrawi  refugees,  India/Pakistan  (Kashmir), 
Myanmar/Thailand, Nepal and Russia for Chechnya. Africa remains by far the continent most 
concerned  by  these  local  and/or  regional  conflicts,  where  the  majority  of  the  victims  are 
civilians. The number and gravity of humanitarian crises in 2006 led to a significant increase 
in the budget for humanitarian aid from €496 million to €671 million. 

6. 

BETTER REGULATION AND ONGOING ACTIVITIES 

The  Commission
presented  in  November  its  strategic  review  of  the  Better  Regulation 
initiative, which assesses the progress to date and makes a number of proposals. The system 
for impact assessment of all major initiatives has been strengthened to ensure quality through 
the establishment of an independent Impact Assessment Board under the direct authority of 
the  President.  More  than  40  new  initiatives  have  been  added  to  the  simplification  rolling 
programme  covering  the  period  2006-2009,  and  simplification  initiatives  were  integrated 
into the Commission's Legislative and Work Programme. Consultation of interested parties 
has been broadened and enhanced, with 129 internet-based consultations.  

The Commission carried out some 67 impact assessments in 2006 and launched an external 
evaluation of its impact assessment system. The Commission also put forward a proposal to 
cut, jointly with Member States, the administrative burden for companies by 25 % by 2012 
and integrated the EU Standard Cost Model for the measurement of administrative costs into 
its impact assessment guidelines. As a practical example of how the Commission intends to 
make  its  commitment  a  reality,  it  set  out  a  strategic  approach  to  continue  reducing  the 
statistical burden on enterprises. This approach was further developed in the proposal for a 
Community Statistical Programme 2008-2012. 

In  parallel  with  the  process  of  modernising  and  streamlining  EU  legislation,  a  great  deal  of 
effort was invested in 2006 in managing existing policies. In particular, 2006 was the final 
year  of  commitments  for  the  previous  generation  of  EU  financial  programmes  under  the 
Financial  Perspectives  2000-2006.  In  2006  the  Commission  strengthened  its  budget 
execution  monitoring  system  so  as  to  ensure  reliable  forecasting  and  improve  budget 
execution.  For  external  aid,  record  levels  of  budgetary  commitments  were  made  under  the 
European  Development  Fund  and  the  EC  budget  totalling  €7.6  billion,  representing  a  57% 
increase since 2001. 

Monitoring the implementation of EU law remained an important focus of the Commission. 
It  continued  to  support  Member  States'  efforts  to  achieve  an  overall  transposition  deficit 
below  1.5%,  as  defined  by  the  European  Council.  In  2006,  the  total  of  number  of  new 
infringement  proceedings  decreased  slightly  compared  to  2005.  As  regards  implementing 
legislation,  the  Commission  brought  to  a  successful  conclusion  the  negotiation  of  the  legal 
framework  for  the  implementing  powers  conferred  on  the  Commission  ("Comitology 

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Decision") and ensured its follow-up, including the adoption of the 26 priority proposals for 
alignment with the new rules.  

Work  towards  a  modern,  effective  and  service-minded  administration  was  pursued,  in 
particular through the establishment of a framework for business continuity management in 
the Commission, the aim of which is to prepare the institution for major potential disruptions 
to  its  activities  resulting,  for  instance,  from  terrorist  attacks,  a  global  pandemic  or  equally 
damaging threats to staff, buildings or IT systems. In addition, two exercises were undertaken 
to test the adequacy of the Commission's crisis management procedures, including a joint 
Council/Commission  exercise.  The  Commission  continued 
the  adequate 
representation  of  the  new  Member  States  among  its  staff  by  meeting  its  2004-2006 
recruitment targets, and took the necessary preparatory steps for the integration of Bulgarian 
and Romanian officials into its staff from 2007 onwards. Finally, progress made in the fields 
of e-administration and communication with national administrations, business and citizens 
have  shown  concrete  results  to  improve  the  overall  efficiency  and  effectiveness  of  the 
administration. 

to  ensure 

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Annex – 2006 Work Programme initiatives adopted by the Commission –  
by strategic objective 

Prosperity 

Reference 

Title 

Adoption date 

COM/SEC References 

2006/INFSO/003 

Communication from the Commission – i2010 e-Government Action Plan: Accelerating 
e-Government in Europe for the Benefit of All 

25/04/2006 

COM(2006)173; SEC(2006)511 

2006/SG/008 

Green Paper – European Transparency Initiative  

03/05/2006 

COM(2006)194 

2006/MARKT/002 

Proposal  for  a  Directive  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  amending 
Council  Directives  89/665/EEC  and  92/13/EEC  with  regard 
the 
effectiveness of review procedures concerning the award of public contracts 

improving 

to 

04/05/2006 

COM(2006)195; SEC(2006)557 
2006/0066 (COD) 

2006/ECFIN/097 

Report from the Commission – Convergence Report 2006 on Slovenia (prepared in 
accordance with Article 122(2) of the Treaty at the request of Slovenia) 

16/05/2006 

COM(2006)224; SEC(2006)615 

2006/ECFIN/020 

Proposal for a Council Decision in accordance with Article 122(2) of the Treaty on the 
adoption by Slovenia of the single currency on 1 January 2007 

16/05/2006 

COM(2006)225 
2006/0077 (CNS) 

2006/TAXUD/001 

Proposal  for  a  Decision  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  establishing  an 
action programme for customs in the Community (Customs 2013) 

17/05/2006 

COM(2006)201; SEC(2006)570 
2006/0075 (COD) 

2006/TAXUD/002 

Proposal  for  a  Decision  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  establishing  a 
Community  programme  to  improve  the  operation  of  taxation  systems  in  the  internal 
market (Fiscalis 2013) 

17/05/2006 

COM(2006)202; SEC(2006)566 
2006/0076 (COD) 

2006/TAXUD/003 

Communication  from  the  Commission  concerning  the  need  to  develop  a  co-ordinated 
strategy to improve the fight against fiscal fraud 

31/05/2006 

COM(2006)254; SEC(2006)659 

2005/TREN/011 

Communication from the Commission – Keep Europe moving : Sustainable mobility for 
our  continent  (Mid-term  review  of  the  European  Commission’s  2001  Transport  White 
Paper) 

22/06/2006 

COM(2006)314; SEC(2006)785 

2006/ECFIN/021 

Conversion rates between the euro and the currencies of the Member States adopting the 
euro 

28/06/2006 

COM(2006)320 

2006/TREN/010 

Communication from the Commission - Freight Transport Logistics in Europe – the key 
to sustainable mobility 

28/06/2006 

COM(2006)336; SEC(2006)818; 
SEC(2006)820 

EN 

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EN 

 
  
 
Reference 

Title 

Adoption date 

COM/SEC References 

2006/INFSO/001 

Communication from the Commission on the Review of the EU Regulatory Framework 
for electronic communications networks and services 

29/06/2006 

COM(2006)334; SEC(2006)816 and 817 

2006/ENTR/007 

2006/INFSO/029 

Communication  from 
Programme: Financing SME Growth – Adding European Value 

the  Commission  -  Implementing 

the  Community  Lisbon 

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on roaming on 
public mobile networks within the Community and amending Directive 2002/21/EC on a 
common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services 

29/06/2006 

COM(2006)349; SEC(2006)841, 842 and 
856 

12/07/2006 

COM(2006)382; SEC(2006)925 and 926 

2006/EAC/006 

Proposal  for  a  Recommendation  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  on  the 
establishment of the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning 

05/09/2006 

COM(2006)479; SEC(2006)1093,1094 

2006/MARKT/007 

Proposal  for  a  Directive  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  amending 
Council Directive 92/49/EEC and Directives 2002/83/EC, 2004/39/EC, 2005/68/EC and 
2006/48/EC  as  regards  procedural  rules  and  evaluation  criteria  for  the  prudential 
assessment of acquisitions and increase of shareholdings in the financial sector 

12/09/2006 

COM(2006)507 

2006/SG+/030 

Communication from the Commission – Putting knowledge into practice: A broad-based 
innovation strategy for the EU 

13/09/2006 

COM(2006)502 

2006/EAC+/004 

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the 
European Institute of Technology 

2006/MARKT/006 

Proposal  for  a  Directive  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  amending 
Directive  97/67/EC  concerning  the  full  accomplishment  of  the  internal  market  of 
Community postal services 

18/10/2006 

18/10/2006 

COM(2006)604; SEC(2006)1313; 
SEC(2006)1314 

COM(2006)594; SEC(2006)1301; 
SEC(2006)1291, 1292 

2006/SG+/016 

Commission  Working  Document  -  First  progress  report  on  the  strategy  for  the 
simplification of the regulatory environment 

14/11/2006 

COM(2006)690 

2006/SG+/029 

Communication  from  the  Commission  –  A  strategic  review  of  Better  Regulation
in the European Union 

14/11/2006 

COM(2006)689 

2006/MARKT/004  White Paper on Enhancing the Single Market Framework for Investment Funds 

15/11/2006 

COM(2006)686; SEC(2006)1451-1452 

2006/ECFIN/019 

Report from the Commission – Convergence Report December 2006  

05/12/2006 

COM(2006)762; SEC(2006)1570 

2006/MARKT+/012 

Interpretative Communication on the application of Article 296 of the Treaty in the field 
of defence procurement  

07/12/2006 

COM(2006)779; SEC(2006)1554-5 

2006/TREN/025 

Green paper on Satellite Navigation Applications 

08/12/2006 

COM(2006)769 

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Solidarity 

Reference 

Title 

Adoption date 

COM/SEC References 

2006/AGRI+/019 

Communication from the Commission - An EU Strategy for Bio-fuels 

08/02/2006 

COM(2006)34; SEC(2006)142 

2006/EMPL/001 

Communication  from  the  Commission  –  A  Roadmap  for  equality  between  women  and 
men 

01/03/2006 

COM(2006)92; SEC(2006)275 

2006/TREN/054 

Green Paper - A European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy 

08/03/2006 

COM(2006)105; SEC(2006)317 

2005/ENV/011 

Communication from the Commission – Halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010 – and 
beyond : Sustaining ecosystem services for human well–being 

22/05/2006 

COM(2006)216; SEC(2006)621; 
SEC(2006)607 

2006/FISH/001 

Communication from the Commission – Towards a future Maritime Policy for the Union: 
A European Vision for the Oceans and Seas 

07/06/2006 

COM(2006)275 

2006/AGRI/003 

Communication from the Commission – Towards a sustainable European wine sector 

22/06/2006 

COM(2006)319; SEC(2006)770; 
SEC(2006)780 

2006/JLS/007 

Green Paper on the role of Civil Society in Drugs Policy in the European Union 

26/06/2006 

COM(2006)316 

2006/JLS/009 

Communication  from  the  Commission  -  Towards  an  EU  Strategy  on  the  Rights  of  the 
Child 

04/07/2006 

COM(2006)367; SEC(2006)888 and 889 

2004/ENV/003 

Communication from the Commission – A Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of 
Pesticides 

12/07/2006 

COM(2006)372 and 373; SEC(2006)894 and 
895; SEC(2006)914 

2005/REGIO+/013 

Proposal for a Council Decision on Community strategic guidelines on cohesion 

12/07/2006 

COM(2006)386; SEC(2006)929 

2003/SANCO/61 

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the 
placing of plant protection products on the market 

12/07/2006 

COM(2006)388; SEC(2006)930 and 931 

2005/JLS/187 

2005/JLS/188 

2006/JLS/005 

Proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 as regards 
jurisdiction and introducing rules concerning applicable law in matrimonial matters 

17/07/2006 

COM(2006)399; SEC(2006)949 and 950 

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

17/07/2006 

COM(2006)400; SEC(2006)952 

Communication  from  the  Commission  on  policy  priorities  in  the  fight  against
illegal immigration of third-country nationals 

19/07/2006 

COM(2006)402;  SEC(2006)964  and  965; 
SEC(2006) 1010 

2005/AGRI/003 

Proposal  for  a  Council  Regulation  amending  Regulations  (EEC)  No  404/93,  (EC)  No 
1782/2003 and (EC) No 247/2006 as regards the banana sector 

20/09/2006 

COM(2006)489; SEC(2006)1106, 1107 

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Reference 

2006/EMPL/004 

Title 

Adoption date 

COM/SEC References 

Commission  Communication  –  The  demographic  future  of  Europe  –  from  challenge  to 
opportunity 

12/10/2006 

COM(2006)571 

2006/REGIO/006 

Proposal for a Council Regulation concerning Community financial contributions to the 
International Fund for Ireland (2007-2010) 

12/10/2006 

COM(2006)564; SEC(2006)1227 

2006/TREN/032 

Communication from the Commission – Action Plan for Energy Efficiency: Realising the 
Potential 

19/10/2006 

COM(2006)545; SEC(2006)1173 to 1175 

2006/JLS/006 

Green  paper  on  improving  the  efficiency  of  the  enforcement  of  judgments  in  the 
European Union – The attachment of Bank Accounts 

24/10/2006 

COM(2006)618; SEC(2006)1341 

2006/EMPL/003 

Green paper - Modernising labour law to meet the challenges of the 21st century 

22/11/2006 

COM(2006)708 

2006/JLS/008 

Communication from the Commission – European elections 2004  

Commission report on the participation of European Union citizens in the Member State 
of  residence  (Directive  93/109/EC)  and  on  the  electoral  arrangements  (Decision 
76/787/EC as amended by Decision 2002/772/EC, Euratom) 

12/12/2006 

COM(2006)790; COM(2006)791; 
SEC(2006)1645-47 

2006/ENV/017 

Proposal  for  a  Directive  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  amending 
Directive  2003/87/EC  so  as  to  include  aviation  activities  in  the  scheme  for  greenhouse 
gas emission allowance trading within the Community 

20/12/2006 

COM(2006)818; SEC(2006)1684; 
SEC(2006)1685 

2006/AGRI/002 

Proposal  for  a  Council  Regulation  laying  down  specific  rules  as  regards  the  fruit  and 
vegetable sector and amending certain Regulations 

24/01/2007 

COM(2007)17; SEC(2007)74 and 75 

EN 

19 

EN 

 
  
 
Security and freedom 

Reference 

2006/INFSO/002 

2006/TREN/007 

2006/JLS/017 

2006/JLS/016 

2006/JLS/002 

2006/JLS/003 

Title 

Adoption date 

COM/SEC References 

Communication  from  the  Commission  –  A  strategy  for  a  Secure  Information  Society  – 
“Dialogue, partnership and empowerment” 

31/05/2006 

COM(2006)251; SEC(2006)656 

Communication  from  the  Commission  under  Article  138(2)  of  the  EC  Treaty  on  the 
strengthening of maritime labour standards 

15/06/2006 

COM(2006)287 

Communication from the Commission - Evaluation of EU Policies on Freedom, Security 
and Justice 

28/06/2006 

COM(2006)332; SEC(2006)815 

Communication  from  the  Commission  -  Report  on  the  implementation  of  the  Hague 
programme for 2005 

28/06/2006 

COM(2006)333; SEC(2006)813 and 814 

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a 
Community Code on Visas 

19/07/2006 

COM(2006)403; SEC(2006)957 and 958 

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a 
mechanism for the creation of Rapid Border Intervention Teams and amending Council 
Regulation (EC) No 2007/2004 as regards that mechanism 

19/07/2006 

COM(2006)401;  SEC(2006)954  and  955; 
SEC(2006) 953 

2005/SANCO/024 

Communication from the Commission – Better training for safer food 

20/09/2006 

COM(2006)519; SEC(2006)1163, 1164 

2005/SANCO/032 

Communication  from  the  Commission  –  An  EU  strategy  to  support  Member  States  in 
reducing alcohol related harm 

2006/JLS/045 

Proposal for a Directive of the Council on the identification and designation of European 
Critical Infrastructure and the assessment of the need to improve their protection  

2006/TREN/005 

Communication  from  the  Commission  –  "Facilitating  the  movement  of  locomotives 
across the European Union" 

24/10/2006 

12/12/2006 

COM(2006)625; SEC(2006)1358; 
SEC(2006)1360; SEC(2006)1411 

COM(2006)787; SEC(2006)1654; 
SEC(2006)1648 

13/12/2006 

COM(2006)782-5; SEC(2006)1640-2 

Proposal  for  a  Directive  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  on  the 
interoperability of the Community rail system 

Proposal  for  a  Directive  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  amending 
Directive 2004/49/EC on safety on the Community's railways 

Proposal  for  a  Regulation  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  amending 
Regulation (EC) No 881/2004 establishing a European Railway Agency 

EN 

20 

EN 

 
  
 
Europe as a world partner 

Reference 

Title 

Adoption date 

COM/SEC References 

2006/DEV/004 

Communication  from  the  Commission  –  An  EU-Caribbean  Partnership  for  growth, 
stability and development  

02/03/2006 

COM(2006)86; SEC(2006)268 

2006/ELARG/001 

Communication from the Commission – Monitoring report on the state of preparedness 
for EU membership of Bulgaria and Romania 

16/05/2006 

COM(2006)214; SEC(2006)595; 
SEC(2006)596; SEC(2006)598 

2006/DEV/002 

Communication from the Commission – EU relations with the Pacific islands : a strategy 
for a strengthened partnership 

29/05/2006 

COM(2006)248; SEC(2006)642 

2006/ELARG/028 

Recommendation  from  the  Commission  to  the  Council  to  amend  the  Negotiating 
Directives for a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia and Montenegro in 
order to continue negotiations with the Republic of Serbia 

Recommendation  from  the  Commission  to  the  Council  to  authorise  the  Commission  to 
negotiate with the Republic of Montenegro a Stabilisation and Association Agreement 

2006/DEV/006 

Communication  from  the  Commission  –  Interconnecting  Africa:  the  EU-Africa 
Partnership on Infrastructure 

2006/DEV/005 

Communication from the Commission – Governance in the European Consensus on 
Development: Towards a harmonised approach within the European Union 

Recommendation  from  the  Commission  to  the  Council  authorising  the  Commission  to 
open negotiations with Ukraine for a new Enhanced Agreement 

2006/RELEX+/019 

2006/TRADE+/003 

2006/ELARG/027 

06/07/2006 

SEC(2006)885 and 886 

12/07/2006 

30/08/2006 

13/09/2006 

COM(2006)376; SEC(2006)896; 
SEC(2006)983 

COM(2006)421; 
SEC(2006)1021 and 1022 

SEC(2006)1020; 

SEC(2006)1105; SEC(2006)1110; 
SEC(2006)1156 

Communication from the Commission – Monitoring report on the state of preparedness 
for EU membership of Bulgaria and Romania 

26/09/2006 

COM(2006)549 

2006/TRADE/001 

Communication  from  the  Commission  –  Global  Europe  competing  in  the  World  -  A 
Contribution to the EU's Growth and Jobs Strategy 

04/10/2006 

COM(2006)567; SEC(2006)1228-1230 

2006/ENV/015 

Communication  from  the  Commission  –  Mobilising  public  and  private  finance  towards 
global  access  to  climate-friendly,  affordable  and  secure  energy  services:  The  Global 
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Fund 

06/10/2006 

COM(2006)583; SEC(2006)1224 and 1225 

2005/RELEX+/040 

Communication  from 
responsibilities 

the  Commission  –  EU–China:  Closer  partners,  growing 

24/10/2006 

COM(2006)631; COM(2006)632 

EN 

21 

EN 

 
  
Reference 

2006/ELARG/002 

Title 

Adoption date 

COM/SEC References 

Communication  from  the  Commission  –  Enlargement  Strategy  and  Main  Challenges 
2006–2007  (including  annexed  special  report  on  the  EU's  capacity  to  integrate  new 
members) 

08/11/2006 

COM(2006)649; SEC(2006)1383-1390 

2006/RELEX/007 

Communication  from  the  Commission  on  strengthening  the  European  Neighbourhood 
Policy 

29/11/2006 

COM(2006)724; COM(2006)726; 
SEC(2006)1504-1512; SEC(2006)1536 

2006/RELEX/022 

2006/RELEX/023 

Communication  from  the  Commission  on  the  general  approach  to  enable  ENP  partner 
countries to participate in Community agencies and Community programmes 

Recommendation  from  the  Commission  to  the  Council  authorising  the  Commission  to 
open negotiations for the conclusion of an Association Agreement between the European 
Community and its Member States and the Central American Republics of Costa Rica, El 
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama 

Recommendation  from  the  Commission  to  the  Council  authorising  the  Commission  to 
open negotiations for the conclusion of an Association Agreement between the European 
Community  and  its  Member  States  and  the  Andean  Community  and  its  Member 
Countries  

06/12/2006 

SEC(2006)1625; SEC(2006)1596-8; 
SEC(2006)1613-5; SEC(2006)1558-1566 

06/12/2006 

SEC(2006)1625; SEC(2006)1596-8; 
SEC(2006)1613-5; SEC(2006)1558-1566 

2006/TRADE/021 

Communication  from  the  Commission  –  Global  Europe:  Europe's  trade  defence 
instruments in a changing global economy A Green Paper for public consultation  

06/12/2006 

COM(2006)763 

EN 

22 

EN