CELEX: 52004PC0789
Language: en
Date: 2004-12-09
Title: Proposal for a Council Decision on the position to be adopted by the European Community within the Joint Committee established by the Interim Association Agreement on trade and cooperation with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the EU-Palestinian Authority Action Plan

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
                                                      Brussels, 9.12.2004
                                                      COM(2004) 789 final
                                         Proposal for a
                                    COUNCIL DECISION
                 on the position to be adopted by the European Community
   within the Joint Committee established by the Interim Association Agreement on trade
         and cooperation with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the
                implementation of the EU-Palestinian Authority Action Plan
EN                                                                                      EN
 ---pagebreak---                             EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM
The 2002 Copenhagen European Council, closing accession negotiations with ten applicant
States, recognised that enlargement presented an important opportunity to take forward
relations with neighbouring countries based on shared values, and stated that the Union
remained determined to avoid new dividing lines in Europe and to promote stability and
prosperity within and beyond the new borders of the Union.
The Commission Communication “Wider Europe - Neighbourhood: A New Framework for
Relations with our Eastern and Southern Neighbours” of March 20031 proposed the
establishment of Action Plans with partner countries. On 16 June 2003, the Council welcomed
this Communication and invited the Commission, with the contribution, where appropriate, of
the High Representative, to present proposals for Action Plans for all countries concerned as
appropriate, commencing with Ukraine, Moldova, and Southern Mediterranean partners with
Association Agreements.
On 14 June 2004, the Council welcomed the Commission Communication “European
Neighbourhood Policy – Strategy Paper”2. The Council also welcomed the Commission
proposal to pursue the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) through Action Plans to be
agreed jointly with the neighbouring countries concerned and invited the Commission to
propose such Action Plans. Action Plans should have a minimum duration of three years and
be subject to renewal by mutual consent. They should be based on common principles but be
differentiated, as appropriate, taking into account the specificities of each neighbour, its
national reform processes and its relations with the EU. Action Plans should be
comprehensive but at the same time identify clearly a limited number of key priorities and
offer real incentives for reform. Action Plans should also contribute, where possible, to
regional cooperation. The Council also defined how to advance and monitor implementation
of action plans.
The Commission, in close cooperation with the Presidency and the High Representative on
issues related to political cooperation and the CFSP, has held exploratory talks with the
Palestinian Authority which have resulted in agreement on a draft Action Plan. It covers a
timeframe of three to five years. Its implementation will help fulfil the provisions in the
Interim Association Agreement and will contribute to an increasingly close relationship with
the Palestinian Authority, involving a significant degree of economic integration and a
deepening of political co-operation. Implementation of the Action Plan will significantly
advance the approximation of the Palestinian Authority legislation, norms and standards to
those of the European Union.
In accordance with the Council Conclusions of 14 June 2004, stipulating that the Action Plans
will be approved by the Council and subsequently endorsed by the respective Association or
Co-operation Councils, the Commission attaches the text of a proposal for a Council Decision
on the position to be taken by the Community within the EU-Palestinian Authority Joint
Committee with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the implementation of the
Action Plan in annex.
1
        COM(2003)104
2
        COM(2004)373
                                              2
 ---pagebreak--- The Commission therefore requests the Council to adopt the attached proposal for a Council
Decision.
                                          3
 ---pagebreak---                                             Proposal for a
                                       COUNCIL DECISION
                    on the position to be adopted by the European Community
  within the Joint Committee established by the Interim Association Agreement on trade
         and cooperation with regard to the adoption of a Recommendation on the
                  implementation of the EU-Palestinian Authority Action Plan
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to Article 3 (2), of Council Decision 97/430/EC of 2 June 1997 concerning the
conclusion of the Euro-Mediterranean Interim Association Agreement;
Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, in particular Article 15 thereof;
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission3;
Whereas:
(1)     The Interim Association Agreement on trade and cooperation was signed on 24
        February 1997 and entered into force on 1 July 1997.
(2)     The Parties intend to agree on an EU- Palestinian Authority Action Plan, which will
        support the implementation of the Interim Association Agreement through the
        elaboration and agreement of concrete steps towards attainment of its objectives.
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
                                             Sole Article
The position to be adopted by the European Community within the Joint Committee
established by the Interim Association Agreement on trade and cooperation with regard to the
implementation of the EU-Palestinian Authority Action Plan shall be based on the draft
Recommendation of the Joint Committee annexed to this Decision.
Done at Brussels,
                                                For the Council
                                                The President
3
        OJ C , , p.
                                                  4
 ---pagebreak---                                               ANNEX
                                                draft
                                      RECOMMENDATION
             on the implementation of the EU-Palestinian Authority Action Plan
The EU/ Palestinian Authority Joint Committee,
Having regard to the Interim Association Agreement on trade and cooperation and in
particular Article 63, paragraph 2 thereof,
Whereas:
(1)     Article 63 paragraph 2 of the Interim Association Agreement gives the Joint
        Committee the power to make appropriate recommendations, for the purposes of
        attaining the objectives of the Agreement.
(2)     In terms of Article 70 of the Interim Association Agreement, the Parties shall take any
        general or specific measures required to fulfil their obligations under the Agreement
        and shall see to it that the objectives set out in the Agreement are attained.
(3)     The Parties to the Interim Association Agreement have agreed on the text of the EU-
        Palestinian Authority Action Plan.
(4)     The EU-Palestinian Authority Action Plan will support the implementation of the
        Interim Association Agreement through the elaboration and agreement between the
        Parties of concrete steps which will provide practical guidance for such
        implementation.
HAS ADOPTED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION:
                                             Sole Article
The Joint Committee recommends that the Parties implement the EU-Palestinian Authority
Action Plan in annex, insofar as such implementation is directed towards attainment of the
objectives of the Interim Association Agreement.
Done at [...]
For the Joint Committee
The President
                                                  5
 ---pagebreak---                                              ANNEX
                     EU/ PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY ACTION PLAN
1. Introduction
The enlargement of the European Union on 1 May 2004 has brought a historical shift for the
Union in political, geographic and economic terms. The EU and the Palestinian Authority, as
close neighbours, will reinforce their political and economic interdependence. Enlargement
offers the opportunity for the EU and the Palestinian Authority to create the conditions for
developing an increasingly close relationship in preparation for a future Palestinian State,
going beyond co-operation, to involve a significant measure of economic integration and
deepening of political cooperation.
The European Neighbourhood Policy of the European Union sets ambitious objectives based
on commitments to shared values and effective implementation of political, economic, social
and institutional reforms.
Achieving Palestinian statehood requires full implementation of the Quartet Roadmap and an
end to violence in order to reach a fair and lasting peace in the Middle East, on the basis of the
relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and allowing for the establishment of an
independent, viable, sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state, living side by side with the
state of Israel in peace and security.
The Palestinian Authority welcomes the EU initiative to enter into intensified political,
security, economic and cultural relations, and shared responsibility in conflict prevention and
conflict resolution. The European Union and the Palestinian Authority are determined to make
use of this occasion to enhance their relations and to promote stability, security and well-
being, and to support the Palestinians in their efforts to build their own future. The approach
is founded on partnership, joint ownership and differentiation.
Palestinian participation in the European Neighbourhood Policy takes place in the context of
the overall political situation in the region which affects the scope of actions that can be
feasibly undertaken. There are a number of constraints and limitations resulting from the
ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the continuing occupation, including settlement
activity, restrictions to movement as a result of the closure policy and the separation barrier.
The limitations on the Palestinian Authority pending the creation of a Palestinian state must
also be taken into account. Joint action will be required both to bring about the
implementation of the Roadmap and to continue the preparations for statehood.
The level of ambition of the EU-PA relationship will depend on the degree of commitment to
common values as well as the capacity to implement jointly agreed priorities. The pace of
progress of the relationship will acknowledge fully the efforts and concrete achievements in
meeting those commitments.
The European Neighbourhood Policy is part of the European Union’s response to the
Palestinian Authority’s political and economic reform agenda. This Reform has been
developed to consolidate democracy, accountability, transparency and justice in the West
Bank and Gaza.
This Action Plan is a first step in this process. It covers a timeframe of three to five years. Its
implementation will help fulfil the provisions in the Interim Agreement (IA) and will
                                                 6
 ---pagebreak--- encourage and support the Palestinian Authority’s national reform objectives and further
integration into European economic and social structures. Implementation of the Action Plan
will significantly advance the approximation of Palestinian legislation, norms and standards to
those of the European Union. It will also build solid foundations for further economic
integration based on the adoption and implementation of economic and trade-related rules and
regulations with the potential to enhance trade, investment and growth. It will furthermore
help to devise and implement policies and measures to promote economic growth
employment and social cohesion, to reduce poverty and to protect the environment, thereby
contributing to the long-term objective of sustainable development. The Palestinian Authority
and the EU will cooperate closely in implementing this Action Plan.
New Partnership Perspectives
The European Neighbourhood Policy opens new partnership perspectives:
• The perspective of moving beyond cooperation to a significant degree of integration,
   including through a stake in the EU’s Internal Market, and the possibility for the
   Palestinian Authority to participate progressively in key aspects of EU policies and
   programmes.
• An upgrade in the scope and intensity of political cooperation;
• The opportunity for convergence of economic legislation, the opening of economies to
   each other, and the continued reduction of trade barriers which will stimulate investment
   and growth;
• More targeted financial support: EU financial assistance for the Palestinian Authority will
   be better targeted to support the actions identified in the present document. The
   Commission is furthermore proposing a new European Neighbourhood and Partnership
   Instrument (ENPI), for this purpose, also covering the very important aspect of
   transnational cooperation. There may also be infrastructure investment support through the
   European Investment Bank;
• Possibilities of gradual opening of or reinforced participation in relevant Community
   programmes, promoting, inter alia, cultural, educational, environmental, technical and
   scientific links;
• Support including technical assistance and twinning to meet EU norms and standards, and
   targeted advice and support for legislative approximation through a mechanism such as
   Technical Assistance Information Exchange (TAIEX);
• Deepening trade and economic relations, extending them progressively to cover agriculture
   and the service sector, and to provide the conditions for increasing investment and exports
For the near future the Interim Association Agreement remains a valid basis for EU-
Palestinian cooperation and will permit the implementation of the priorities of the Action
Plan. In the light of the fulfilment of the objectives of this Action Plan and of the overall
evolution of the EU-PA relations, consideration will be given to the possibility of a new
contractual relationship. The Commission has suggested that this could take the form of a
European Neighbourhood Agreement. Upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian
State, this would include the features of a full Association Agreement.
                                                 7
 ---pagebreak--- Priorities for action
The Action Plan sets out agreed priority objectives to be achieved, which have been jointly
agreed by the both the EU and the PA. Many of these priorities are based on the ongoing
Palestinian reform programme which was launched in June 2002. Given the prevailing
political situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, it is not possible to distinguish between
short and medium term actions. In this context the EU and the Palestinian Authority attach
particular importance to:
– Facilitating efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict, and to alleviate the humanitarian
   situation
– Enhancing political dialogue and cooperation, based on shared values, including issues
   such as strengthening the fight against terrorism and incitement to violence, promoting the
   protection of human rights and the rights of minorities, improving the dialogue between
   cultures and religions, co-operating in the fight against racism and xenophobia, in
   particular anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
– Progress on establishing a functioning judiciary and effective enforcement of legislation;
   strengthening the rule of law and respect for human rights
– Strengthening institutions and further reinforcing administrative capacity
– Organisation of elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in accordance with international
   standards
– Building on progress made in establishing an accountable system of public finances
– Developing trade relations with the Palestinian Authority and progress with economic and
   regulatory reform plans; fully implement the Interim Association Agreement
– Enhance cooperation on transport and energy issues with the objective of strengthening
   Palestinian participation in Trans Euro-Mediterranean networks
Progress in meeting these priorities will be monitored in structures under the Interim
Association Agreement. On this basis, the EU, together with the Palestinian Authority, will
review the content of the Action Plan and decide on its adaptation and renewal. Within three
years, decisions may be taken on the next step in the development of bilateral relations,
including the possibility of new contractual links.
                                                8
 ---pagebreak--- 2. Actions
2.1 Political dialogue and reform – building the institutions of an independent,
democratic and viable Palestinian State
Development of enhanced political dialogue and cooperation
(1)    Strengthen political dialogue and cooperation including on foreign and security policy
       issues
Regular EU-PA political dialogue is provided for in the context of the Interim Association
Agreement on Trade and Cooperation. Political dialogue and cooperation should be
strengthened and extended to include the following regional and international issues.
         – Developments in the region and prospects for cooperation to resolve the Middle
            East conflict, including intensified efforts to facilitate the peace process and bring
            about the implementation of the Quartet Roadmap to a permanent two-state
            solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
         – Measures to facilitate improving the overall humanitarian situation
         – Ensuring respect for international law, in particular international humanitarian law
         – Dialogue between cultures and religions
         – Measures in the fight against racism and xenophobia, including anti-Semitism and
            Islamophobia
         – Fight against terrorism
         – Strengthen EU-PA cooperation on the Palestinian reform programme
(2)    Intensify co-operation in the areas of combating terrorism, non-proliferation of
       weapons of mass destruction and illegal arms trade
         – Strengthen EU-Palestinian Authority co-operation on the fight against and
            prevention of terrorism, including the prevention of illicit funding and supply of
            arms;
         – Co-operate to reinforce the role of the UN in the multilateral fight against
            terrorism, including through full implementation of UNSC Resolutions 1373/01
            and 1267/99, through implementation and enforcement of the UN Convention for
            the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism;
         – Ensure respect of human rights in the fight against terrorism.
         – Co-operation on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their means of
            delivery and ballistic missiles, including through implementing UNSC resolution
            1540/04, ensuring full compliance with and national implementation of existing
            international obligations and promoting the accession to and compliance with
            other relevant international instruments and export control regimes
                                                 9
 ---pagebreak---        – Further develop co-operation in the prevention of and fight against the illicit
          trafficking of WMD-related materials
       – Co-operation on establishing effective systems of national export control,
          controlling export and transit of WMD-related goods, including WMD end-use
          control on dual use technologies, and effective sanctions for breaches of export
          controls
       – Apply the risk-based customs control ensuring safety and security of goods
          imported, exported or in transit, and explore possible definitions of standards for
          certification of operators (exporters and transporters) intervening in commercial
          exchanges
       – Improve overall co-ordination in the non-proliferation area ,and examine specific
          threats related to WMD which undermine regional security and the scope for co-
          operation in addressing them
       – Promote the relevant provisions of the political and security partnership of the
          Barcelona Declaration with the objective of pursuing a mutually and effectively
          verifiable Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction.
Democracy and rule of law
(3)  Establishment of an independent, impartial and fully functioning judiciary in line with
     international standards and strengthen the separation of powers.
       – Adopt a coherent strategy for judicial reform
       – Ensure progress on unification of the legal codes of the West Bank and Gaza Strip
       – Ensure effective implementation of the Basic Law, in particular those articles
          relating to Citizen’s Rights and Civil Liberties, and to the respect of provisions
          regarding the Military Courts
       – Progressively improve the courts infrastructure
       – Ensure full implementation of the “Law on the Judicial Authority”, including the
          complete and transparent division of responsibilities between the Supreme
          Judicial Council and the Ministry of Justice and strengthen the administrative
          capacity
       – Improve conditions for training in relevant areas (including human rights) and
          examine possibilities for establishing a Judicial Training Institute
       – Implement reform of the PA security services
(4)  Organisation of transparent general and local elections according to international
     standards
       – Revise the legal framework to ensure compatibility with international standards
          and best practice
                                             10
 ---pagebreak---       – Update the Voter Register for the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem
         (subject to freedom of movement within the Palestinian Territory).
      – Start preparations for polling, counting, observation and party registration
      – Adopt a legal framework for the registration and activities of political parties
      – Ensure the independence of the elections commissions and a fair and free election
         process covering both general and local elections.
      – Guarantee conditions for media coverage preceding and during the election
         campaign
(5)  Acceleration of constitutional and legislative reform
      – Finalise work on the drafting of a democratic Constitution and consultation with
         wider public.
(6)  Public administration and civil service reform
      – Continue implementation of the civil service and public administration reform
         programme, in particular making the non-ministerial public institutions operating
         outside the jurisdiction of the Council of Ministries and the Palestinian Legislation
         Council (PLC) accountable, and continuing the restructuring efforts in various
         Ministries, including the development of mandate, mission statements, and
         development programmes
      – Strengthen the capacity of institutions responsible for implementing the reform
         programme
Human rights and fundamental freedoms
(7)  Strengthen legal guarantees for freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of
     assembly and association in accordance with international standards
      – Ensure effective freedom of the media, including journalists’ rights and allow for
         unhindered functioning of a pluralistic media system
      – Review the legal framework in view of providing for full freedom of the press in
         accordance with international best practices (including possibilities for
         establishing an independent media commission)
      – Ensure full implementation of the 2000 NGO Law according to the by-laws
         adopted in November 2003 and the Basic Law
(8)  Ensure the respect of human rights and basic civil liberties in accordance with the
     principles of international law, and foster a culture of non-violence, tolerance and
     mutual understanding.
      – Adopt and implement an Action Plan on fostering a culture of non-violence,
         tolerance and mutual understanding, covering, inter alia, public institutions the
         education system and the media, including effective measures against incitement.
                                            11
 ---pagebreak---         – Strengthen possibilities for legal redress against violations of human rights and
           civil liberties and access to information on citizens’ rights
        – Promote women’s rights and ensure equal treatment and opportunities for women
        – Strengthen and ensure effective enforcement of legal provisions against torture
        – Provide training for the relevant Palestinian authorities on human rights issues and
           civil liberties
Financial Accountability and Sound Management of Public Finances
(9)   Continue efforts to establish a modern and well-functioning system of financial control
      in line with international best practices
        – Strengthen internal audit within the Finance Ministry and all PA spending
           agencies
        – Provide training in modern methods of financial control (internal and external
           audit)
        – Pursue adoption and implementation of the new law on external audit that
           provides for a modern and efficient Supreme Audit Institution, headed by an
           independent Auditor General, empowered to conduct audits on the public sector
           on a regular basis and accountable to the legislature.
        – Submit annual reports of the General Control Institute to the Palestinian
           Legislative Council, in accordance with legal requirements
        – Continue cooperation on exchange of information between the Palestinian
           Authority’s law enforcement authorities and other relevant authorities (including
           specialised bodies at European level)
        – Continue cooperation with relevant EU institutions and bodies in the case of on-
           the-spot checks and inspections related to the management and control of EU
           funds.
(10)  Continue work to improve transparency of the PA finances and to take concerted
      action to tackle corruption within public institutions and to fight against fraud.
        – Complete the implementation of the Palestinian Reform programme on budgetary
           and fiscal transparency
        – Provide training for public institutions on anti-corruption measures
        – Develop sufficient administrative capacity to prevent and fight against fraud and
           other irregularities affecting national and international funds, including the
           establishment of well-functioning co-operation structures involving all relevant
           national entities.
                                               12
 ---pagebreak--- (11)   Ensure transparency of public procurement operations.
        – Develop conditions for open, fair and competitive award of public contracts in
           accordance with international best practices.
        – Enforce the General Procurement Law
(12)   Put in place a modern and financially sustainable pension system.
        – Adopt an action plan for the reform of the pension system
        – Establish a legal framework for a new pensions system, including the PA security
           services and restructuring and unifying the existing civil service pension schemes
2.2 Economic reform and development
(13)   Improve the conditions for the establishment and functioning of a market economy
        – Carry out necessary legislative reform and ensure adoption and implementation of
           a basic regulatory framework (including: Capital Market Authority Law, amended
           Income Tax Law, Companies Law, Competition Law)
        – Strengthen the administrative capacity of the Palestinian Authority and other
           relevant agencies in the area of economic reform.
        – Strengthen the capacity of the Land Authority
2.3 Trade-related issues, market and regulatory reform
(14)   Develop trade relations between the European Community and the Palestinian
       Authority
        – Proceed with gradual liberalisation of trade in agricultural and fishery products
           and develop the necessary tools for trade control and management, including the
           gathering and analysis of data
        – Implement the Palermo Action Plan approved at the July 2003 Euro-
           Mediterranean Conference of Trade Ministers
        – Examine priorities for veterinary and phytosanitary standards in order to improve
           access to the EU market
(15)   Strengthen regional cooperation with neighbouring countries
        – Reinforce co-operation among the EC, the Palestinian Authority and Israel to
           facilitate implementation of trade-related aspects of the Interim Association
           Agreement
        – Develop competencies, required knowledge and skills for trade negotiations
        – Enable Palestinian participation in the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean cumulation of
           origin.
                                              13
 ---pagebreak--- (16)   Develop the regulatory framework for a modern taxation system and institutions based
       on international best practices.
         – Revise the Income tax law in line with international best practices, and
           encompassing a single tax code for the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
         – Continue efforts to unify the taxation administration in the West Bank and Gaza
           Strip, and to improve the overall effectiveness of revenue collection
         – Improve coordination between the West Bank and Gaza treasuries and tax
           administrations
         – Strengthen administrative capacity of the treasuries and tax administrations
(17)   Revitalise the private sector
         – Provide support for sustainable private sector development, including institution-
           building
         – Strengthen relations between the Palestinian private sector and its institutions and
           EU counterparts
         – Strengthen EU-PA cooperation on enterprise policy, including implementation of
           the EuroMed charter for enterprises
         – Simplify administrative procedures for business
(18)   Further develop the statistics system based on international best practices
         – Reinforce the administrative capacity of the statistics bureau and improve overall
           coordination on collection of data.
         – Ensure the appropriate legal framework for a modern statistics system based on
           impartiality, reliability, transparency and confidentiality of data
2.4 Energy, Environment, Transport and Science and Technology
(19)   Take steps to promote good environmental governance, to aim for prevention of
       deterioration of the environment, and to enhance co-operation on environmental
       issues
         – Review the PA environment policy and prioritise activities included in the
           Palestinian Environmental Law
         – Strengthen administrative capacity and clarify responsibilities between different
           authorities
         – Work towards improvements in the overall water and sanitation management
           system
         – Promote enhanced regional cooperation with neighbouring countries, including on
           the sharing and management of water resources
                                                14
 ---pagebreak---         – Pursue efforts to improve water supply and quality, especially in rural areas, with
           a view to meeting WHO standards
        – Assess possibilities for participation in selected European Environment Agency
           activities
        – Explore scope for strengthening capabilities for the safe disposal of hazardous
           waste
(20)   Enhance cooperation on energy and transport issues
        – Strengthen institutional capacity in the field of energy
        – Develop regional cooperation on, inter alia, electricity and gas; energy and
           renewable energy sources and networks (in particular Euro-Mediterranean, and on
           the basis of relevant agreements, e.g. EC-Israel-Palestinian Authority)
        – Strengthen cooperation on transport and promote Palestinian participation in
           Trans Euro-Mediterranean networks, and on other regional issues
        – Promote participation of the PA in regional transport programmes, including
           satellite navigation
(21)   Science and technology, research and development
        – Evaluate the current situation with regard to research and development
           (infrastructure, human resources, institutional capacity)
        – Promote improved Palestinian participation in the EU Sixth Framework
           Programme on Research and Development (including the establishment of
           national contact points)
2.5 People-to-people contacts, education, and public health
Education, training, and youth
(22)   Develop a modern education system based on peace, tolerance and mutual
       understanding
        – Ensure continued progress on the new Palestinian Authority School Curriculum
           for all grades
        – Upgrade the higher education system
        – Enhance regional cooperation in the field of education and youth;
        – Promote intercultural dialogue, and youth exchanges including cooperation
           through youth and other relevant cultural cooperation programmes
        – Examine possibilities for developing sporting activities
        – Reinforce participation in the EC TEMPUS programme and encourage
           participation in the Erasmus Mundus programme
                                              15
 ---pagebreak---           – Examine ways to implement recommendations on bridging the knowledge gap as
             identified in the UNDP Arab Human Development Reports.
          – Implement the national strategy for technical and vocational education and
             training through capacity building and human resource development
Public health
          – Upgrade the Palestinian Public health system, and examine ways to improve
             sustainability beyond the conflict
          – Strengthen the administrative capacity of the Ministry of Health
          – Strengthen coordination with relevant international organisations and health
             service providers, including NGOs
2.6 European Community-Palestinian Authority Cooperation
(23)    Take concrete measures to implement the Interim Association Agreement on Trade
        and Cooperation between the EC and the PLO (for the benefit of the Palestinian
        Authority)
          – Examine possibilities of greater use of the institutional framework of the Interim
             Association Agreement (e.g. Joint Committee meetings, working groups etc.)
          – Examine prospects of negotiation of a full Association Agreement
(24)    Support the implementation of PA reform programme, focused on the priorities set out
        in the Action Plan.
          – Participate in the Quartet Task Force on Palestinian Reform and the Ad Hoc
             Liaison Committee on Assistance to Palestinians
          – Provide targeted financial assistance and institution building support, focused on
             the priorities of the Action Plan and the overall objective of building the
             institutions of a Palestinian state living in peace and security with Israel
3. Monitoring
The Action Plans will be submitted for formal adoption to the Joint Committees between the
EU and the Palestinian Authority. The Action Plans will guide the work between the EU and
the Palestinian Authority. Should the need arise, on the EU side, for specific measures
necessitating legally binding decisions, the Commission will recommend to the Council the
adoption of the necessary negotiating directives.
The joint bodies established under the Interim Association Agreement will advance and
monitor the implementation of the Action Plan on the basis of regular reports on its
implementation.
A first review of the implementation of the Action Plan will be taken within two years of its
adoption.
                                                   16
 ---pagebreak--- The Action Plans can be regularly amended, on a joint basis, and/or updated to reflect
progress in addressing the priorities.
                                        17