Commission staff working document - Annex to the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - Report on the implementation of The Hague programme for 2006 (Institutional Scoreboard – Table 1) {COM(2007) 373 final} {SEC(2007) 897}
Date: 2007-07-03
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU migration policy, EU police cooperation, EU programme, EU visa policy, European citizenship, customs cooperation, fight against crime, judicial cooperation in criminal matters in the EU, project evaluation, protection of freedoms













EUR-Lex - 52007SC0896 - EN






Important legal notice




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52007SC0896

Commission staff working document - Annex to the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - Report on the implementation of The Hague programme for 2006 (Institutional Scoreboard – Table 1) {COM(2007) 373 final} {SEC(2007) 897}  /* SEC/2007/0896 final */  








[pic] | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES |Brussels, 3.7.2007SEC(2007) 896COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENTAnnex to the COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Report on the implementation of The Hague programme for 2006 (Institutional Scoreboard – Table 1) {COM(2007) 373 final}{SEC(2007) 897}COMMUNICATIONGeneral overview of instruments and deadlines provided for in the Hague Programme and Action Plan in the fields of justice, freedom and security for 2006 (Institutional Scoreboard)No[1] | Action under the Action Plan | Competent body | Deadline | State of play |1. GENERAL ORIENTATIONS 1.1. EVALUATION |1.1. | Communication on and proposal for the creation of an evaluation mechanism, as envisaged by Article III-260 of the Constitutional Treaty | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved The Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on Evaluation of EU policies on Freedom, Security and Justice, proposing an evaluation mechanism at EU level for policies in this area, was adopted on 28th June 2006[2]. |1.2 RESPECT FOR AND ACTIVE PROMOTION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS |- Promotion and protection of women and child rights |1.2. (e) | Study on prevention measures to combat violence against women | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved Several projects have been financed through the programme Daphne II in 2005 on issues related to the prevention of violence against women. |1.2 (f) | Communication on the protection of the rights of children | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved On 4 July 2006 the Commission adopted a Communication "Towards an EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child"[3], which establishes a comprehensive EU strategy to effectively promote and safeguard the rights of the child in the European Union's internal and external policies and to support Member States’ efforts in this field. |- Protection of personal data |1.2. (g) | Communication on the follow-up of the Work Programme for a better implementation of the data protection Directive | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved The Communication was adopted on 7th March 2007.[4] |1.2. (h) | Communication on promoting PETs (Privacy Enhancing Technologies) | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved The Communication was adopted in May 2007. |1.3. EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE |1.3. (a) | Proposal on means to enable the European Court of Justice to handle requests for preliminary rulings concerning the area of freedom, security and justice | Commission | 2006 | ( Delayed Discussions on this issue are ongoing on the basis of two options submitted by the European Court of Justice in autumn 2006 as well as of the Commission's Communication of 28th June 2006[5]. |1.4. EUROPEAN STRATEGY ON DRUGS |- EU Action Plans on drugs 2005 to 2008 |1.4. (a) | Continuous evaluation of the EU Action Plan on drugs 2005 to 2008 | Commission | Annual | ( Achieved On 21 December 2006 the Commission adopted the 2006 progress review of the Action Plan on drugs[6] and sent it to the EP and Council. |1.4. (b) | Green Paper on the role of civil society in formulating policies in the drugs field | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved The Commission adopted on 26 June 2006 a Green Paper on the Role of Civil Society in Drugs Policy in the European Union[7]. The objective was to bring those most directly concerned by the drugs problem more closely into the policy process at the EU level by launching a wide ranging consultation on how to organise a structured and continuous dialogue between the Commission and civil society. The Commission received 65 replies to the open consultation that followed the publication of the Green Paper. All these proposals have been carefully studied and the Commission will set up a Civil Society Forum on drugs. |2. STRENGTHENING FREEDOM 2.1 CITIZENSHIP OF THE UNION |2.1. (b) | Directive 93/109/EC on the right to vote in the European Parliament elections, including in the new Member States and, if appropriate, proposals for the amendment of the latter Directive | Commission | 2005/ 2006 | ( Achieved The Commission adopted on 12 December 2006 a Communication on 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[8] and proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 93/109/EC of 6 December 1993 as regards certain detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for citizens of the Union residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals[9]. |2.1. (c) | Proposal to facilitate diplomatic and consular protection | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved The Commission issued on 28th November2006 a Green Paper on the Diplomatic and Consular Protection of the Citizen of the Union in third countries[10]. A strategic imitative will be presented in 2007. |- Allowing EU citizens and members of their family to move within the European Union on similar terms to national of a Member State moving around or changing their place of residence in their own country |2.1. (f) | Control of transposition, compliance and correct application of Directive 2004/38/EC on free movement and residence | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved The Commission monitors closely the transposition of Directive 2004/38/EC. So far, 13 Member States failing to comply with their transposition obligation were sent a reasoned opinion. See also Table 2, point 2.1. |2.1. (g) | Report on application of Directives 90/364/EEC, 90/365/EEC and 93/96/EEC on free movement and residence and on the situation of the nationals of the new Member States | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved The Third Commission Report on application of the three Directives was published on 5th April 2006[11]. |2.2. ASYLUM, MIGRATION AND BORDER POLICY |- Common analysis of migratory phenomena in all their aspects (reinforcing the collection, provision, exchange and efficient use of up-to-date information and data) |2.2. (b) | Adoption of an EU framework Regulation on the collection of migration and asylum statistics | Council/ Parliament | 2005 | ( Achieved In December 2006, a political compromise was reached between the Council and the European Parliament on the Commission proposal for a Regulation on the collection of statistical data in the area of migration and international protection. Formal adoption is intended to take place at the JHA Council in June 2007. |2.2. (c) | Green Paper on the future of the European Migration Network, possibly followed by a proposal establishing a European Migration Monitoring Centre | Commission | 2005/ 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 On 28 November 2005 the Commission adopted the Green Paper on the European Migration Network.[12] A proposal for a Decision establishing the European Migration Network wills be presented in 2007. |2.3 COMMON EUROPEAN ASYLUM SYSTEM |- Evaluation of the first phase legal instruments |2.3. (c) | Monitoring the transposition and implementation of first phase instruments | Commission | ongoing | A study has been financed by the Commission in 2006 for this purpose (Conformity checking of measures of Member States to transpose directives in the sector of asylum and immigration). The study is currently ongoing and will be completed by the end of 2007. Moreover, in relation to asylum policy, a report on the evaluation of the Dublin system and of the Directive on reception conditions was published in the first semester of 2007. |- Second phase of development of a Common European asylum system, establishment of a common asylum procedure and a uniform status for those who are granted asylum or subsidiary protection |2.3. (d) | Proposal on long-term resident status for beneficiaries of international protection | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved The adoption of the proposal took place on the 6th June 2007[13]. |- Studies on the implications, appropriateness and feasibility of joint processing of asylum applications |2.3. (f) | Study on the joint processing of asylum applications within the Union | Commission | 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 The study is to be carried out by end 2007. |2.3. (g) | Study, to be conducted in close consultation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), on joint processing of asylum applications outside EU territory | Commission | 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 The study is to be carried out by end 2007. |- Cooperation between Member States relating to the common European asylum system, after the establishment of a common asylum procedure |2.3. (i) | Establishment of a European support office in charge of all forms of cooperation concerning a common asylum system on the basis of an evaluation. | Commission | No date | A feasibility study on the possibility of establishing a European support office in charge of all forms of cooperation between Member States relating to the European asylum system is to be carried out in the course of 2007. The Commission will report on the progress achieved on strengthened cooperation in the field of asylum at the end of the first phase of activities (early 2008). |- Establishment of the European Refugee Fund (ERF) 2005-2013 to assist Member States in the processing of asylum applications and in the reception of certain categories of third country nationals |2.3. (j) | Final Report on the European Refugee Fund | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved On 8th December 2006, a Commission staff working document, Final evaluation of the ERF for the period 2000-2004[14], was adopted. |2.3. (k) | Proposal for amending the European Refugee Fund decision to assist Member States in the reception of certain categories of third-country nationals | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved The Commission adopted on 24.05.06 an amended proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and the Council establishing the ERF for the period 2008 – 2013 as part of General the programme Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows[15]. The Council and the European Parliament reached a political agreement on the proposal in December 2006. Formal adoption will take place [in the first quarter of 2007]. |2.3. (l) | Approvals of European Refugee Fund national multi-annual programming | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved All multi-annual programmes were examined by the Commission and adopted in the course of 2005 and 2006. |2.4. LEGAL MIGRATION |- Developing policy on legal migration |2.4. (a) | Assessment and monitoring of the transposition and implementation of first phase directives on legal migration | Commission | ongoing | ( Achieved This is covered by the action under point 2.3.c). |2.5. INTEGRATION OF THIRD-COUNTRY NATIONALS |- Promotion of the structural exchange of experience and information integration |2.5. (b) | Management of INTI preparatory actions | Commission | 2005/ 2006 | ( Achieved The implementation of the selected projects under the 2005 call for proposals is on going. The selection of the projects under the 2006 call for proposals has taken place early 2007 and the selected projects are currently being implemented. |2.5. (c) | Annual reports on immigration and integration | Commission | ongoing | ( Achieved The 2nd annual report on immigration and integration was published on 30th June 2006. Preparatory work on the 3rd annual report, covering the period 1st January 2005 – 30th June 2006, already started in July 2006. Presentation envisaged for mid-2007. |2.5. (d) | Handbook on integration | Commission | ongoing | ( Achieved The 1st edition was made available in all official languages on JLS website in the second semester of 2006 on http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/doc_centre/immigration/integration/doc/handbook_en.pdf . The 2nd edition was issued in May 2007. |2.5. (e) | Development of a website on the integration | Commission | 2006 | ( Delayed The contract was signed in 2006 and the website is currently being developed. |2.6. FIGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION |2.6. (a) | Contribution to management of immigration liaison networks in relevant third countries | Council/ Commission | ongoing | ( Achieved The Commission presented in October 2006 a discussion paper on further development of Immigration Liaison Officers (ILO) networks in third-countries presented in the Strategic Committee for Immigration, Frontiers and Asylum (SCIFA). |2.6. (b) | Annual report on the common policy on illegal migration | Commission | ongoing | ( Achieved The 2nd annual report on the development of a common policy on illegal immigration, smuggling and trafficking of human beings, external border controls, and the return of illegal residents[16] of 19 July 2006 was annexed to the Commission Communication on policy priorities in the fight against illegal immigration of third-country nationals, adopted on 19.7. 2006[17]. |2.6. (d) | Proposal for the conclusion and signature of the Council of Europe Convention on action against trafficking in human beings (Cahteh) | Commission | 2005 | ( Not relevant anymore In the light of developments at Community level, and taking account of legal concerns relating to the preservation of the autonomy of the EC legal order, accession to this Convention is no longer considered necessary or appropriate. |2.6. (f) | Presentation by the Commission of a report which may include instruments for fighting against illegal work | Commission | ( Achieved Building upon the Commission Communication on policy priorities in the fight against illegal immigration of third country nationals[18] and on the European Council conclusions of 15/16 December 2006, a proposal for a Directive on sanctions against employers of illegal immigrants was adopted on 16 May 2007, following an impact assessment[19]. |- Establishment of an effective removal and repatriation policy based on common standards and closer cooperation and mutual technical assistance |2.6. (j) | Conclusion of Community readmission agreements and management of existing agreements | Commission | Timely | ( Achieved EC readmission agreements are in force with Hong Kong, Macao, Sri Lanka and Albania. The Community readmission agreement with Russia was signed on the 25th May 2006 and is in the process of ratification. The agreement with Ukraine was signed on 27th October 2006 and formal signature is expected in June 2007. Negotiations of readmission agreements have been completed in spring 2007 with Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Moldova. |2.7. EXTERNAL DIMENSION OF ASYLUM AND MIGRATION |- Development of EU Regional Protection Programmes |2.7. (f) | Launching pilot protection programmes | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved Pilot projects were started beginning 2007 in Tanzania and in the Western Newly Independent States. |2.8. BORDER MANAGEMENT, BIOMETRICS, INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND VISA POLICY |- Abolition of controls on persons at the internal borders |2.8. (b) | Start of evaluation of the implementation of the non-SIS II related acquis in the new Member States | Council | 2006 | ( Achieved The first round of evaluations has been concluded in 2006. Follow-up to the first round of evaluations will take place in the first half of 2007, in the light of the Council conclusions of 4-5 December 2006. |- Establishment of an integrated management system for external borders |2.8. (g) | 'Handbook for border guards' (after adoption of the Community code on the rule governing the movement of persons across borders) | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved The Commission adopted the recommendation establishing the Practical handbook for border guards (Schengen Handbook) on 6th November2006[20]. |- Partial application of the Schengen Acquis |2.8. (i) | Adoption of a Council Decision on the partial implementation of the Schengen acquis by Ireland | Council | 2006 | ( Delayed The adoption of the Decision is dependant on the overall development of SIS II. |2.8. (j) | Adoption of a Council Decision on the partial implementation of the Schengen acquis (SIS) by the United Kingdom | Council | 2005 | ( Delayed The adoption of the Decision is dependant on the overall development of SIS II. |- Coherent approach and harmonised solutions in the EU on biometric identifiers and data |2.8. (n) | Widespread use of biometric identifiers concerning travel documents, visas, residence permits, EU citizens' passports and information systems | Commission | 2006 onwards | A Commission decision laying down the technical specifications on the standards for security features and biometrics in passports and travel documents issued by Member States was adopted on 28 June 2006. The Commission presented a modified proposal for a Council Regulation concerning the use of biometrics in residence permits on 10 March 2006[21]. Negotiations in the Council are on-going. |2.8. (o) | Communication on enhanced synergies between SIS II, VIS and Eurodac | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved The Commission adopted on 24th November 2006 a Communication on improved effectiveness, enhanced interoperability and synergies among European databases in the area of Justice and Home Affairs[22]. |2.9. VISA POLICY, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE VISA INFORMATION SYSTEM (VIS) |2.9. (a) | Meetings with third countries of the positive visa list in order to ensure visa-free travel for citizens of the Member States to all those third countries in the context of the new reciprocity mechanism soon to be adopted (to be combined with the review of the visa list) | Commission | Ongoing – to be combined with the review of the visa list | The second visa reciprocity report was presented by the Commission on 3rd October 2006[23]. As to the review of the visa list, see below under point 2.9 (c). The third reciprocity report is expected in the second semester of 2007. |2.9. (b) | Proposals relating to the necessary amendments to further enhance visa policies and the establishment of common application centres for visas | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved A proposal on the introduction of biometrics and on common application centres was presented by the Commission on 31 May 2006[24]. |2.9. (c) | Regular review of the visa list Regulation (EC) No 539/2001 | Commission | Ongoing | ( Achieved A Commission proposal for a Council Regulation amending Regulation No 539/2001 was presented on 13th July 2006[25] and was adopted by the Council on 19th December 2006[26]. |2.9. (f) | Proposal amending the Common Consular Instructions on visa fees | Council | 2005 | ( Achieved A decision was adopted by the Council on 1st June 2006[27] amending Annex 12 to the Common Consular Instructions and Annex 14a to the Common Manual on the fees to be charged corresponding to the administrative costs of processing visa applications. |2.9. (h) | Recommendation for negotiating directives for visa waiver agreements between the EC and third countries on the conditions to move freely within the Union for a period between three and six months | Commission | ongoing | Only the European Constitution can provide the legal basis for this. |2.9. (j) | Report on the operation of the Kaliningrad transit scheme | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved On 22nd December 2006, the Commission adopted a Report from the Commission on the functioning of the facilitated transit for persons between the Kaliningrad region and the rest of the Russian Federation[28]. |2.9. (k) | Kaliningrad Facility[29] | Commission/ Lithuania | Ongoing | Pre-financing and balance payments were made in 2006 in accordance with the legal requirements. |2.9. (l) | Schengen facility for seven Member States | Commission/ seven beneficiary Member States | 2004/ 2006 | ( Achieved All Decisions approving the financial contributions for the beneficiary states for 2006 were adopted in time. |2.9. (m) | Specific recommendations for negotiating directives on visa facilitation on a case by case basis with third countries in the context of the EC readmission policy, where possible and on the basis of reciprocity, with a view to developing a real partnership on migration management issues | Commission | 2005 to 2009 | The agreement with Russia was signed in 2006 and will be concluded in 2007. Negotiations with Ukraine were finalised in 2006 and the Commission will present a proposal for Council decisions on signature and conclusion in early in 2007. Moreover, in 2006 negotiation mandates were given by the Council to the Commission for Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, and Moldova. |2.9. (n) | Proposal on the review of the Common Consular Instructions, concerning in particular local consular cooperation | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved A proposal for a European Parliament and Council Regulation establishing a Community code on visas was presented by the Commission on 28th July 2006[30]. |2.9. (o) | Technical implementation of the VIS, starting with the functionalities for processing alphanumeric data and photographs (2006) and adding the functionalities for biometric data (2006) | Commission | 2006 | ( Delayed The Visa Information System (VIS) will go-live with biometric functionalities from the very beginning of its implementation. However the date of start of operations cannot yet be confirmed until adoption of the legal basis for the establishment of the system. The technical project has, however, moved to Phase 2. A finalised schedule will be agreed once the legal basis has been finalised. Political agreement between council and EP was reached in June 2007. |3. STRENGTHENING SECURITY 3.1. SHARING OF INFORMATION AMONG LAW ENFORCEMENT AND JUDICIAL AUTHORITIES WHILE STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN PRIVACY AND SECURITY |- Availability principle and protection of personal data |3.1. (e) | Proposal on access by law enforcement to the VIS | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved On 24th November 2005, the Commission presented a proposal for a Council Decision[31] concerning access for consultation of the VIS by law enforcement. Political agreement between Council and EP on this Decision, linked to the VIS Regulation (see also point 2.9 (o)), was reached in June 2007. |3.1. (f) | Development of the Europol Information System | Europol | 2006 | ( Achieved Europol is developing the Europol Information System (EIS), which has been available in the Member States since October 2005. The system means that a limited number of relevant data – naturally including personal data – will be passed on by national police authorities. The Information System is available to all Member States’ Liaison Bureaux, Europol SC Units and the Europol National units of 19 Member States. In 2006, several versions of the IS have been introduced. Version 1.2 was implemented just before the summer. It featured an improved log-on mechanism, addition of the drugs object and addition of fields in the device object (forgery of money). During the second half of 2006, version 1.3 has been developed and prepared for its release in the first quarter of 2007. The first step in 2007 is the completion and launch of version 1.3. The launch of version 1.4 is expected in October 2007. |3.1. (h) | Implementation of the principle of availability, concerning the following areas: - fingerprints - ballistics - telephone numbers - vehicle registrations - civil registers (2006) | Commission | 2006 | ( Delayed The 2007 German initiative for a Decision to transpose most of the non-Schengen related third pillar part of the Treaty of Prüm into the institutional mechanism of the European Union, including fingerprints, DNA, and vehicle registration data, could be considered as partial implementation of the principle of availability. |3.1. (i) | Communication on enhanced synergies between SIS II, VIS and Eurodac | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved Refer to point 2.8(o). |- Exchange of data on PNR |3.1. (l) | Proposal concerning a common EU approach to the use of passenger data for border and aviation security and other law enforcement purposes | Commission | 2005 | ( Postponed to 2007 An impact assessment to determine the feasibility of a proposal for a European PNR is ongoing. |3.1. (o) | Definition of international guidelines ensuring a high degree of protection of privacy for access to PNR data in the framework of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) | Commission | ( Achieved A Commission staff working paper was issued already on 26th January 2004[32]. On 9th June 2005 the ICAO adopted international PNR Guidelines, taking into account the proposals from the Commission. In April 2006, a circular based on the ICAO Management Board has been published[33]. |3.2. TERRORISM |3.2. (a) | Further implementation of the EU Action Plan on Combating Terrorism | Commission/ Council/ Parliament | The reporting on the implementation of the action plan needs to take account of its multifaceted nature. See below (3.2 b and following) for the concrete actions. |3.2. (b) | Follow-up to the pilot project in favour of victims of terrorism | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved On 7th July 2006, preparatory actions for the victims of terrorist acts have been launched. 1.8M € earmarked for grants resulting from the call for proposals. In December 2006 proposals were selected for co-financing |3.2. (d) | Examination of the necessity and feasibility of the setting up of a European law enforcement network (LEN) for the fight against terrorism (2005) and if necessary proposal for its setting up (2006) | Commission/ Council | 2006 | ( Delayed Discontinued due to lack of Member States support. |3.2. (g) | Proposal for preventing misuse of charitable organisations for the financing of terrorism | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved On the 29th November 2005, the Commission adopted a Communication[34]on the Prevention of and Fight against Terrorist Financing through enhanced national level coordination and greater transparency of the non-profit sector. As a follow-up, the Commission intends to organise a conference on further implementation of proposals laid down in the Communication. |3.2. (h) | Communication on results of the peer evaluation mechanism on terrorism in the 25 Member States | Council Secretariat General | 2006/ 2007 | During 2006 in the framework of the first round of peer evaluation on counter-terrorism measures the Member States responded to the recommendations of the evaluation teams pointing out which general and country-specific recommendations had been fulfilled, which were under implementation and which were not considered relevant. The answers of the Member States were not checked in situ by the peers. A report was drafted by the Council General Secretariat on the basis of the answers of the Member States. The report consisted of two parts: an overall assessment of the implementation of recommendations and an overview of the state-of-play in each Member State. The draft report of the state-of-play of each Member State was sent to the Member States for an update and approval. The report was approved in the Terrorism Working Party in March 2007 and will be forwarded to the Article 36 Committee, Coreper and Council for notation. |3.2. (k) | Development of the ATLAS cooperation and its legal framework | Commission | 2006 | ( Delayed The discussion about the Austrian legislative initiative proposing to develop the ATLAS cooperation and its legal framework is suspended, since Member States consider that its substance is absorbed by the initiative transposing the non-Schengen related third pillar elements of the Treaty of Prüm. However, the Commission insists that this applies only for the Austrian initiative that covers prevention and maintenance of public order and security. |3.2. (l) | Building capacity in third countries to fight terrorism and appropriate clauses on counter-terrorism in the agreements to be concluded by EU/EC with third countries | Commission | The Commission is sustaining institutional/capacity-building measures in third countries in the fields of justice, freedom and security which, at the same time, contribute to fighting against terrorism (e.g. justice, police, money-laundering, etc.). A standard counter-terrorism clause is systematically part of all agreements under negotiation or to be concluded and of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plans. |3.2. (n) | Second report based on Article 11 of the Council Framework Decision of 13.6.2002 on combating terrorism (2005) and evaluation (2006) | Commission | 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 Expected in the 2nd quarter 2007. |3.3. PREVENTION OF AND FIGHT AGAINST ORGANISED CRIME |- Improve the knowledge of organised and serious crime and strengthen the gathering and analysis of information |3.3. (b) | Communication on an action plan — EU Crime statistics | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved The Communication `Developing a comprehensive and coherent European Union strategy to measure crime and criminal justice: an EU action plan 2006-2010 was adopted on 7th August 2006[35] and is now being implemented. |3.3. (c) | Commission working paper on criminal intelligence-led law enforcement | Commission | 2005 | ( Delayed This action had to be delayed, possibly to 2008 or 2009. |3.3. (f) | Organised crime threat analysis by Europol | Europol | 2006 | ( Achieved Europol produced a first Organised Crime Threat Assessment in 2006 and the Council adopted Conclusions setting out strategic priorities in June 2006. |- Strengthen prevention of organised crime |3.3. (g) | Crime-proofing of legislation and the design of crime preventive measures into products and services | Commission | 2005 | ( Delayed A preparatory study on crime-proofing of legislation was delivered in October 2006 (JAI-02/2005/03). |3.3. (h) | Report on the results of a study further to the Council resolution of 2001 on the contribution of civil society in finding missing or sexually exploited children | Commission | 2005 | ( Delayed |3.3. (j) | Improving European coordination and cooperation between high-tech crime units in Member States, and with the private sector (cyber crime intelligence network) including the development of a European cyber crime manual | Commission | 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 A number of actions, presented in the Communication mentioned under 3.3 (k), will be taken in 2007. The concrete actions are still discussed and cannot really be specified now. However, at least two dedicated expert meetings with law enforcement and private sector will be organised in 2007. |3.3. (k) | Communication on cyber crime and cyber security policy | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved The Commission Communication developing a general policy on fighting cybercrime, "Towards a general policy on the fight against cyber crime", was adopted on 22 May 2007[36]. |- Strengthen tools to address financial aspects of organised crime |3.3. (n) | Initiatives to promote use of financial investigation as a law enforcement technique and to establish common minimum training standards | Commission | 2005 to 2007 | A Financial Investigation Steering Group was created on the initiative of the Commission and Europol to implement a European training programme dedicated to financial investigations. This group meets every two to three months. A conference was held on 23 March 2006 and the next will be take place October 2007. Two series of questionnaires which were sent to the Member States and a study carried out in end of 2006 were forwarded at the group's meetings. |3.3. (o) | Common set of training standards in financial investigation skills | Commission | 2005 | ( Delayed Training standards will be developed by external project partners in 2007, with financial support from the Commission. A conference will be held in November 2007 and the publication of two handbooks on financial investigation skills is foreseen for 2008. |3.3. (p) | Recommendation for a Memorandum of Understanding regarding feedback from financial intelligence units to reporting bodies on suspicious transaction reports | Commission | 2006 | ( Delayed A preparatory study is foreseen for 2007 and the Recommendation is expected in 2008. |3.3. (q) | Recommendation and/or proposal to enhance transparency of legal entities to reduce vulnerability to infiltration by organised crime | Commission | 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 The Recommendation is expected in September 2007. |3.3. (r) | Promotion of the establishment of criminal asset intelligence units in EU Member States | Commission/ Council | ongoing | The Commission is continuously promoting the establishment of such unit by the organisation of expert meetings. |- Improve legislation and review existing legal instruments where needed |3.3. (a) | Adoption of a framework decision on participation in a criminal organisation | 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 A political agreement was reached in April 2006, but due to a parliamentary reservation formal adoption will only take place in 2007. |3.3. (d) | Review and, where appropriate further development of present legislation on trafficking in human beings, for example in order to facilitate public-private cooperation, EU-wide coordination and the involvement of Europol | Commission | 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 On 2nd May 2006, the Commission adopted the Implementation Report concerning the Council Framework Decision on combating trafficking in human beings[37]. A Commission decision regarding setting up the experts group on trafficking human beings has been delayed; adoption date cannot be foreseen at the moment. |3.3. (e) | Review and, if necessary, further development of the legal framework preventing and combating trafficking in human organs, tissues and cells | Commission | 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 A Commission Communication on the issue is foreseen in 2007. |3.3. (j) | Examination of the initiative on combating fraud in public tenders | Commission | 2006 | ( Delayed |3.3. (n) | Implementation report framework decision ' Private sector corruption' | Commission/ Council | 2005 | ( Achieved The report will be presented in the first semester 2007. |3.4. POLICE AND CUSTOMS COOPERATION |3.4. (a) | Implementation and evaluation of the work programme concerning customs cooperation approved by the JHA Council on 30 March 2004 following the Council Resolution of 2 October 2003 on a strategy for customs coop | Council | 2004 to 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 An interim report has been presented in the Article 36 Committee and at COREPER on 1st February 2007. |- Improvement of law enforcement cooperation and development of the Schengen acquis in respect of cross-border operational law enforcement cooperation |3.4. (e) | Communication and proposal for a Directive on improved transport safety and increased security through the creation of an area of police and judicial cooperation on the trans-European transport networks | Commission | 2005 | ( Postponed to 2007 Both the Communication and the Directive will be presented in the course of 2007. |3.4. (f) | Updating of the Sirene manual | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved A Commission decision on amending the SIRENE Manual was adopted on 22 September 2006[38] |- Systematic exchange programmes for law enforcement officers' authorities |3.4. (j) | Evaluation of CEPOL (2006) and, if appropriate, further development | Commission | 2006 | ( Delayed An evaluation within the framework of the new general evaluation mechanism (see point 1.1 above) may be considered. |- Improvement of operational cooperation |3.4. (k) | Development of a common methodology and setting up of short-duration joint customs and police operations and/or multidisciplinary joint teams | Commission | Ongoing | Discussions on possible actions in this field have been discussed in 2007 (and 2006) within the Council Customs Cooperation working group and the Police cooperation working group. |3.4. (l) | Elaboration of minimum standards for the cross-border use of investigation techniques | Commission | 2006 | ( Delayed An expert meeting to examine this question was organised in November 2005. The Commission has supported a German initiative regarding cross-border investigations. |3.4. (p) | Definition of the role of the security committee (COSI) | 2006 | ( Delayed Depends on the entry into force of the draft Constitution. |3.4. (q) | Review and, where appropriate, further development of the customs IT systems | Council | Ongoing | A set of recommendations on the Custom IT system was adopted in May 2006. An update is in progress. The work on the FIDE (Fichier d'identification des dossiers des enquêtes douanières) system is in a preparatory phase |3.4. (r) | Implement the conclusions of the Council of 19 November 2004 related to the fight against organised crime in the Western Balkans | Council | Ongoing | The work to strengthen law enforcement cooperation in Western Balkans, with SECI as an important tool, is continuing. The Council adopted the Conclusions on the further development for the SECI on 4-5 December 2006. The Commission is actively participating in the established Council SECI support group. |3.5. MANAGEMENT OF CRISIS WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION |3.5 (a) | Integrated EU crisis management arrangements | 2006 | ( Achieved A Draft Commission Decision on Financing a set of actions with a view to strengthen the European Commission's capacity to contribute to the EU's management of crises, notably those related to terrorist attacks, campaigns or threats[39] (not published) which entails the second phase of the pilot project, i.e. the implementation of the crisis management capacity, back-to-back with the development of the EU-ICMA (EU integrated crisis management arrangements) was adopted on 13th December 2006. |3.5 (c) | Proposal creating a critical infrastructure warning information network (CIWIN) | Commission | 2005 | ( Delayed Expected in the first quarter of 2008. |3.6. GENERAL CRIME PREVENTION |3.6 (a) | Strengthening and professionalising of the prevention of crime, including through the European Crime Prevention Network (EUCPN) | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved Throughout 2006 the Commission has worked to: - establish cooperation and consultation modalities with other networks dealing with crime prevention matters - help to increase the role of the EUCPN with regards to European general crime trends and statistics - assist with the creation subgroups also at local level for the elaboration and dissemination of crime prevention best practices and - co-ordinate promotion of a European mechanism for the evaluation of national crime prevention strategies and - enhance co-operation with EUCPN on different crime prevention issues. |3.6 (b) | Establishment of European instruments for collecting, analysing and comparing information on crime and victimisation and their respective trends in MSs, using national statistics and other sources of information as agreed indicators | An Expert group on policy needs of data on crime and criminal justice was established through a Decision of 7 August 2006; the group will also study the feasibility of using different tools in this respect. See also the action under point 3.3 (b) above. |4. STRENGTHENING JUSTICE 4.1. CONFIDENCE-BUILDING AND MUTUAL TRUST |4.1. (a) | Systematic, objective and impartial evaluation of the implementation of the EU policies in the field of justice with a view to reinforcing mutual trust while fully respecting the independence of the judiciary | Commission | 2006 | ( Delayed |4.1. (b) | Communication from the Commission on judicial training in EU (2005), development on the basis of the pilot project for the exchange of magistrates (2005) and of the preparatory action (2006) | Commission | 2005/ 2006 | ( Achieved The Communication on judicial training was adopted on 29th June 2006[40]. In 2007 the Commission will attend technical meetings organised by the EJTN (European Judiciary Training Network) in order to discuss and define the specific needs of the judiciary. A Commission Decision on the preparatory action to implement the exchange programme for judicial authorities was adopted on 11th July 2006[41]. Exchanges will start in May 2007 and will involve 400 judges and prosecutors. This is the first year that Eurojust and the Court of Justice will also participate in the exchanges. In order to complement the exchange programme and with a view to assist the Commission in future implementation of this activity, an evaluation of the Pilot Project is also scheduled for 2007. |4.1. (d) | EU workshops to promote cooperation between members of the legal professions with a view to establishing best practices | 2006 | ( Delayed |4.2. JUDICIAL COOPERATION IN CRIMINAL MATTERS |- Pursuing the implementation of the mutual recognition principle |4.2. (e) | Communication on the creation of an index of non-EU nationals convicted in an EU Member State (2005) and legislative proposal (2006) | Commission | 2005 | ( Delayed The Commission adopted on 4th July 2006 a Working Document on the feasibility of an index of third-country nationals convicted in the European Union. The legislative proposal has been delayed and is expected during the 1st quarter of 2008. |4.2. (g) | Proposal on mutual recognition of non-custodial pre-trial supervision measures | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved The Commission adopted the proposal on 29th August 2006[42]. It is now in discussion within the Council. |4.2. (i) | Reports on the implementation of the Framework Decision on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States[43] | Commission/ Council | 2005/ 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 The second report on the implementation of the Framework Decision is expected in the forth quarter of 2007. |4.2. (k) | Proposal on driving disqualifications | Commission | 2006 | ( Delayed The proposal for driving disqualifications may form part of future work on mutual recognition |4.2. (l) | Report on the implementation of the framework decision of 22 July 2003 on the execution in the EU of orders freezing property or evidence[44] | Commission | 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 So far 16 Member States have sent their national implementing laws to the COM and the Council. Two have indicated that there was still a need for further legislation in order to fully align with the Framework Decision. The deadline for the 25 Member States was 2 August 2005. Nine Member States have not yet sent to the Commission any implementing laws. A reminder letter to the non-complying Member States was sent in the beginning of 2006. |- Approximation |4.2. (b) | Green paper on presumption of innocence | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved The Commission adopted the Green Paper on 26th April 2006[45]. |4.2. (c) | Second report on the implementation of the framework decision of 15 March 2001 on the standing of victims in criminal proceedings | Commission | 2005 | ( Delayed |4.2. (d) | Third report on the framework decision of 15 March 2001 on the standing of victims in criminal proceedings | Commission | 2006 | ( Delayed |4.2. (e) | Proposal on conflicts of jurisdiction and the ne bis in idem principle | Commission | 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 Further to Green Paper consultation, European action in the area of ne bis in idem is now considered unnecessary. A proposal on conflicts of jurisdiction is currently under consideration, possibly for the second half of 2007. A final decision on adoption will be made after further consultation with Member States. |4.2. (f) | Green Paper on handling of evidence | Commission | 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 The Green Paper is expected to be adopted during the third quarter of 2007. |4.2. (g) | Green Paper on default (in absentia) judgments | Commission | 2006 | ( Delayed |- Other instruments in the field of judicial cooperation in criminal matters |4.2. (a) | Recommendation on minimum standards for capturing and exchanging electronic evidence | Commission | 2006 | ( Delayed |4.2. (d) | Initiative to facilitate the prosecution of road traffic offences | Commission/ Member States | 2005 | ( Postponed to 2007 An initiative is foreseen during the second quarter of 2007. |4.2. (f) | Further development of the European Judicial Network in criminal matters | Commission | Ongoing | ( Delayed |- Eurojust |4.2. (g) | Second report on the legal transposition of the Council Decision of 28 February 2002 setting up Eurojust | Commission | 2005 | ( Postponed to 2007 |- International Legal Order |4.2. (j) | Active involvement of the activities of the Council of Europe and other international organisations and forums (G8, UN, OECD, OSCE, FATF) in criminal matters | Council/ Commission | 2005 to 2009 | Commission (and Council) representatives regularly attend meetings organised by international bodies. |4.2. (k) | Examination of the case for agreements between the EU and third countries on extradition | Council/ Commission | 2005 to 2009 | The Council reached an agreement on the surrender procedure between the Member States of the EU and Iceland and Norway on 27 and 28th April 2006. |4.2. (l) | Examination of the case for agreements between the EU and third countries on mutual legal assistance | Council/ Commission | 2005 to 2009 | The Council reached an agreement on the surrender procedure between the Member States of the EU and Iceland and Norway on 27 and 28th April 2006. |4.2. (m) | Proposal on the conclusion and on the signature of the Council of Europe Convention against money laundering and terrorist financing (Warsaw Convention) on behalf of the EC | Commission/ Council? | 2005/ 2006 | ( Delayed The proposal does not progress in Council due to disagreements between Member States. |4.2. (n) | Inclusion of provisions on counter-terrorist assistance in proposed revision of existing instruments governing external assistance | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved In March 2004 the European Council asked the Commission “to mainstream counter-terrorism objectives into external assistance programmes.” The Commission has been working with country and regional desks in order to introduce counter-terrorism objectives into country and regional strategy papers and action plans. The result has so far been mixed: the number of occurrences of Counter-Terrorism related objectives in such texts has increased but its presence is not yet systematic. |4.2. (o) | Proposal on conclusion of the United Nations Convention against Corruption on behalf of the EC | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved The proposal for a Council Decision was adopted on 2nd February 2006[46]. |4.3. JUDICIAL COOPERATION IN CIVIL MATTERS |- Mutual recognition of decisions and elimination of obstacles to the proper functioning of proceedings |4.3. (f) | Adoption of the Rome II proposal on conflicts of laws regarding non-contractual obligations | Council/ European Parliament | 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 On 7th May 2005, the Commission put forward an amended proposal[47] to take account of the EP amendments. The Council adopted its Common Position on 27th April 2006. On 18 January 2007 the European Parliament has adopted 19 amendments in second reading, which cannot be accepted by the Council. The conciliation procedure is therefore inevitable. An agreement might nevertheless be reached in 2007. |4.3. (g) | Adoption of a regulation establishing a European payment order procedure | 2006 | ( Achieved Regulation (EC) n°1896/2006 was adopted on 12.12.2006[48]. |4.3. (h) | Adoption of a directive on certain aspects of mediation in civil and commercial matters | 2006 | ( Delayed The European Parliament has adopted in plenary its report on 29th March 2007. Adoption is planned by the end of 2007/beginning 2008. |4.3. (i) | Green Paper on the conflict of laws in matters concerning matrimonial property regimes, including the question of jurisdiction & mutual recognition | Commission | 2006 | ( Achieved The Green Paper was adopted on17/07/2006[49]. Consultations on the Green Paper will continue until end first quarter 2007. |4.3. (i) | Green Paper(s) on the effective enforcement of judicial decisions | Commission | 2006 to 2007 | ( Achieved The Green Paper[50] on improving the efficiency of the enforcement of judgements in the European Union: the attachment of bank accounts was adopted on 24th October 2006. |4.3. (l) | Evaluation of the possibility of completing the abolition of exequatur (2006 to 2010), and legislative proposals if appropriate | Commission | 2006 to 2010 | After the adoption of the report on the application of the Brussels I Regulation, foreseen in 2007, a legislative proposal on the modification of the Brussels I Regulation aiming at the complete abolition of exequatur will be presented in 2008-2009. |- Enhancing cooperation |4.3. (n) | Report on the functioning of the European Judicial Network (EJN) in civil and commercial matters (2005) and amendment proposal, if appropriate | 2005/ 2006 | ( Postponed to 2007 The report on the functioning of the EJN was adopted on 16th May 2006[51]. Based on this report, an amended proposal is planned for the 4th quarter 2007. |4.3. (o) | Continued development of the European Judicial Network in civil matters and of the databases on case-law relating to European instruments | Annual | ( Achieved EJN: 6303 pages of 12 300 completed in 2006. 4 meetings of the contact points in Brussels and 1 annual meeting of the Members of the Network organised in Lisbon December 2006. Data base IURE: 604 new judgements delivered in 2006; technical problems are currently being fixed. |4.3. (p) | Constant updating and improvement of the European Judicial Atlas | Annual | ( Achieved Extension to new sections: 85% achieved. Extension to new Member States (following 2004 enlargement): 99% achieved. |4.3. (q) | EU support for networks of judicial organisations and institutions | Annual s | ( Achieved Co-financing of specific projects or NGOs on the basis of the Framework financial Programme "Judicial cooperation in civil matters 2002-2006". 21 specific projects and 3 ONGs selected for co-financing in 2006. |4.3. (r) | EU workshops to promote cooperation between members of the legal professions with a view to identifying best practice | 2006 | ( Delayed |4.3. (s) | Annual European day of civil justice | Annual | ( Achieved In the framework of the European Day of Civil Justice the prize "Crystal Scales of Justice" has been awarded on 26th October 2006 for the second time. |- International legal order |4.3. (a) | Proposal for the conclusion of a new Lugano Convention | Commission | 2005 | ( Achieved Diplomatic Conference on 10-12 October 2006. Finalisation of the text of the future Convention expected in 2007. Possible signature of the Convention in 2007. |4.3. (d) | Accession of the Community to the Hague Conference on private international law | ( Achieved The Council adopted a Decision on 5 October 2006 on the accession of the Community to the Hague Conference on Private International Law[52]. Formal accession is foreseen in May 2007. |[1] Reference is made to the Council and Commission Action Plan implementing the Hague Programme on strengthening freedom, security and justice in the European Union, OJ C 198, 12.8.2005, p. 1.[2] COM(2006)332 final.[3] COM(2006)367 final.[4] (COM(2007) 87)[5] COM (2006) 346 final.[6] SEC (2006) 1803.[7] COM (2006)316 final.[8] Decision 76/787/EC as amended by Decision 2002/772/EC (COM(2006)790 final).[9] COM(2006)791 final.[10] COM(2006)712 final.[11] COM(2006)156 final.[12] COM(2005)606 final.[13] COM(2007)298 final.[14] SEC (2006) 1636.[15] COM (2005) 123 final /3.[16] SEC(2006)1010.[17] COM(2006)402 final.[18] COM(2006)402 final.[19] COM(2007) 249 final.[20] C(2006)5186 final.[21] (COM (2006)110 final).[22] COM(2005)597.[23] COM(2006)568 final.[24] COM(2006)269 final.[25] COM(2006)84 final.[26] Council Regulation (EC)n° 1932/2006.[27] Council Decision 2006/440/EC, OJ L 175/2006, p.77.[28] COM(2006)840 final.[29] The Kaliningrad Facility will be replaced by specific provisions within the proposed External Border Fund for the period 2007 to 2013 as part of the framework programme 'Solidarity and management of migration flows'.[30] COM(2006) 403 final.[31] COM (2005) 600 final.[32] SEC (2004) 99.[33] Circular 309.[34] COM (2005) 620 final.[35] COM (2006) 437 final.[36] COM(2007)267 final.[37] COM (2006) 187 final.[38] OJ L 317/2006, p.41.[39] C(2006)6507 final.[40] COM(2006)356 final.[41] Decision E/1215/2006.[42] COM(2006)final.[43] Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA of 13 June 2002 on the European arrest warrant and the surrender procedures between Member States - Statements made by certain Member States on the adoption of the Framework Decision, OJ L 190, 18.07.2002, p. 1.[44] Council Framework Decision 2003/577/JHA of 22 July 2003 on the execution in the European Union of orders freezing property or evidence, Official Journal L 196, 02/08/2003 P. 0045 – 0055.[45] COM(2006)174 final.[46] COM(2006)82 final.[47] COM(2006)83 final.[48] OJ L 399/2006, p.1.[49] COM (2006) 400 final.[50] COM (2006) 618 final.[51] COM (2006) 203 final.[52][53]8NOPnopq Council Decision 2006/719/EC.