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Europaudvalget 2005-06
KOM (2005) 0531 Bilag 1
Offentligt

COUNCIL OF

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 27 October 2005 (28.10)

(OR. fr)

13807/05

POLGEN 35

COVER NOTE

from:

date of receipt:

to:

Subject:

Secretary-General of the European Commission,

signed by Mr Jordi AYET PUIGARNAU, Director

26 October 2005

Mr Javier SOLANA, Secretary-General/High Representative

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the

Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the

Committee of the Regions: Unlocking Europe’s full potential

Commission Legislative and Work Programme 2006

Delegations will find attached Commission document COM(2005) 531 final.

Encl.: COM(2005) 531 final

13807/05

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COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, 25.10.2005

COM(2005) 531 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN

PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL

COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

Unlocking Europe’s full potential

Commission Legislative and Work Programme 2006

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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

Unlocking Europe’s full potential

Commission Legislative and Work Programme 2006

INTRODUCTION

The challenges facing Europe are clear, and urgent. Globalisation has brought opportunities,

and new demands. Modernisation is essential to continue Europe’s historically high levels of

prosperity, social cohesion, environmental protection and quality of life, and to create the jobs

we need. Europe can best respond by unlocking the potential of its citizens, and promoting its

common values at home and worldwide. The Commission will take up this challenge in its

programme for 2006.

At the start of its mandate, the Commission set out its key strategic objectives to the end of

the decade: prosperity, solidarity, security, and Europe as a world partner. These objectives

remain relevant and are therefore confirmed to form the core of the Commission’s work. They

point to the balance needed in the Union’s work: a policy mix which allows Europe to pursue

competitiveness and social justice, to protect its citizens and promote their freedoms, to work

inside Europe and to promote its values in the world beyond. Taking concrete steps towards

achieving these goals is the best way to convince Europeans that the Union is an essential part

of the solution in addressing the problems facing Europe.

The Commission Legislative and Work Programme (hereafter “Work Programme”) for 2006

takes full account of current economic and political trends and where Europe stands on

several key strategic dossiers. Progress in these areas will have a key impact on the ability of

the European Union to take a real stride towards its goals in 2006.

The European Commission has strongly supported the ratification of the Constitution and has

offered assistance to all Member States with their information campaigns. The Constitution

would be an important step forward in making the European Union more democratic,

transparent, effective and stronger to the outside world. The Commission therefore regrets the

fact that in the current circumstances, it is unlikely that the Constitution will be ratified in the

foreseeable future. But if the debate on the future of Europe can be pursued actively and

effectively, it will fill an important gap and offer strong foundations on which to build for the

future. Through its “Plan D” for democracy, dialogue and debate, the Commission will

participate actively in the national debates and give them every support. And in the meantime,

the European Union can best show its worth through delivering the policies Europeans need.

An agreement on the Financial Perspectives – on which every effort should be made to

conclude by the end of 2005 – will have a decisive impact on the Commission’s work for the

enlarged Europe. 2006 should see intensive preparations to have the full range of funding

programmes up and running by 1 January 2007.

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The fact that these issues are the subject of fierce debate must not divert us from the pressing

needs for European action. We can best show what Europe can do by delivering action and by

giving citizens tangible proof of what Europe has to offer.

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

•

As regards prosperity, 2006 will be a critical year for turning words into deeds under the

Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs. Europe needs to foster a climate in which citizens and

businesses can reach their full potential.

•

Solidarity means developing a cohesive Union which recognises common responsibilities

and reinforces prosperity. It also requires us to work together to address long-term

challenges like demographic shifts and climate change.

•

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

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

•

In external relations, the Union must continue to promote a strong voice in the world, with

a particular focus on preparing future enlargements, on its neighbourhood and on Africa;

and to use our weight in the global economy to turn globalisation into an opportunity for

all.

The Commission pursues these goals in many different ways. Its regulatory and supervisory

role is critical to the effective functioning of European markets as a level playing field. Its

executive role gives it a special responsibility to ensure that its programmes, from research to

student mobility to development aid, work well on the ground. It negotiates outside the Union

and facilitates cooperation inside.

Many of these ongoing actions will reach a critical phase in 2006. The Lisbon strategy for

growth and jobs will enter a key implementation phase. The scene will be set for a new

generation of programmes in areas like the Structural Funds, rural development, innovation,

research and education. The Doha Development Round should reach a conclusive phase.

The Commission also drives this agenda forward by launching new consultations to gather

opinions and fresh ideas about how Europe can act, and through new initiatives to coordinate

policies where there is a clear European value added. A list of priority actions for 2006 is set

out in the annex to this Work Programme. As in 2005, the Commission is committed to

delivering these actions.

Furthermore, the Commission will focus on ensuring their quality through rigorous

application of better regulation disciplines: simplification, modernisation, consultation, and

careful evaluation of the impact of policies are key objectives which the Commission will

mainstream in all its work. 2006 will see the first year of the Commission’s new

simplification strategy, with a continuous process to fine-tune legislation to meet the changing

needs of regulators and users.

The EU also needs an ambitious agenda to address the “communication gap” on European

issues, to be developed and carried out by all European institutions, Member States and civil

society. This will turn the White Paper on communication into practical steps during 2006:

underpinning the Commission’s commitment to connect to citizens and consolidate the

democratic foundations of the European project.

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The Commission has a key role to stimulate European action. But it is only one actor amongst

many. The European Union will only achieve its goals if these are pursued together by its

institutions, national, regional and local government, and by citizens themselves. Partnership

must be the instinctive reflex for the way the Union develops and implements its policies.

To develop its programme for 2006, the Commission has had the benefit of the reactions from

the European Parliament and the Council to the Annual Policy Strategy for 2006. These

discussions have shown how the three institutions share the same key policy objectives, and

that there is a broad agreement on the main lines of action necessary to deliver these

objectives. The new Framework Agreement between the European Parliament and the

Commission has in particular led to detailed proposals about how these goals should be

worked into concrete actions. The views of the other institutions have been fully taken into

account in developing this programme.

PROSPERITY

An essential function of public policy is to ensure that the conditions to support prosperity are

in place to the benefit of citizens and businesses alike. This means stable regulatory systems,

appropriate economic policies, the provision of economic opportunity, and investing in a

skilled and entrepreneurial population. It means all relevant aspects of the EU’s own work

must be subject to the highest standards of better regulation. More work to develop the

conditions to stimulate growth and create more and better jobs remains central to the

Commission’s tasks in 2006.

The Union has set out its roadmap to growth and jobs in the Lisbon strategy. 2006 will be a

critical year to turn the roadmap into reality. For the Commission, this brings a special role

in monitoring the implementation of the revised strategy at the level of both the Member

States and at Community level. Partnership with the Member States is essential to ensure that

the integrated guidelines on macroeconomic policy, microeconomic reforms and employment

remain valid and are vigorously supported by all key actors. The Commission will report to

the Spring European Council on progress at national level – under the 25 national reform

programmes adopted by Member States – and at EU level, as well as bringing forward the

measures set out in the Community Lisbon Programme adopted in July 2005.

Knowledge and innovation for growth and better jobs

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

more potential to unlock.

•

Knowledge can be stimulated through key infrastructure. A European Institute of

Technology (EIT) could, by building on existing capacities, act as a flagship for

knowledge and innovation in Europe. At the same time, the Commission will take the

necessary steps to have everything in place to launch the new framework programme for

research from 2007. In the context of the i-2010 initiative, an action plan for e-government

will focus on improving the interface between public authorities, citizens and businesses.

•

To have maximum impact, knowledge needs opportunity. The Commission will work to

improve geographical and occupational mobility with the European Year of Mobility for

Workers and through the transparency, transfer and recognition of qualifications in the

Union.

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Making Europe a more attractive place to invest and work

•

Europe’s

business environment

is heavily dependent on making the Single Market work.

This means pressing ahead with action in areas like state aids, entrepreneurship and

strengthening SMEs’ capacity to grow and create jobs. Tax rules in cross-border situations

need simplification and rationalisation, and there will also be a new generation of customs

and tax programmes to ensure that national systems work better together and in a

simplified way, and a strategy on how to step up the fight against tax fraud.

Competitiveness in key sectors such as the automotive and defence industries, as well as

electronic communications networks and services, will be given particular attention.

•

Other key drivers of growth are Europe’s

transport

infrastructure and Europe’s

energy

market. As well as preparing for the new phase for trans-European networks, a new

initiative will promote the use of freight rail across Europe. At the same time as finalising

the internal market for energy, work will continue on the development of new

technological solutions to respond to energy needs, with a focus on clean coal and

renewable energy technologies. The flagship Galileo system will also enter a new phase of

practical development.

•

In the area of the

free movement

within the Single Market, existing law will be scrutinised

for its effectiveness: simplification will be pursued to foster more fluidity in the single

market, and to boost growth. In legislative proposals, the basic principles of the internal

market will be promoted. In addition,

specific sectoral proposals

will be examined on

postal services, public procurement, securities clearing and settlement and the banking

sector. They will be complemented by ongoing analysis in areas such as investment funds,

mortgage credit, solvency of insurance companies and public private partnerships.

Enlarging the Eurozone

•

A stable macroeconomic climate is a prerequisite for growth. The Commission’s

management of the eurozone will reach a new phase by looking ahead to the future

enlargement of the eurozone

and assessing the readiness of new candidates to adopt the

euro.

SOLIDARITY

Solidarity and social justice are critical to the way the EU works. This is about building the

society we want for ourselves and for future generations. It is about fostering quality of life

and recognising shared responsibilities such as protecting the environment. It is about

promoting a healthy society with citizens who remain confident in the face of change, as a

foundation stone for prosperity and security.

However, we are not there yet. Today Europe is faced with a number of challenges, which can

only be met through concerted and determined action. This is where the Union can bring a

clear added value. Effective cohesion and rural development policies are in line with the

Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs. 2006 will be a critical year, with programmes being put

in place to target spending effectively on convergence and competitiveness over the next seven

years. Reforms in agriculture and fisheries have already paved the way for sustainability and

increased competitiveness. Services of general interest are of crucial importance for

European citizens, and the Commission will continue its work to ensure that the needs for

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such services are fully factored into the Union’s policies. Threats to Europe’s environment

have a trans-national and global dimension which requires strong EU leadership.

Tackling long-term problems now

•

The

ageing of Europe’s population

will have major implications for our prosperity, living

standards and relations between the generations. While many of the issues fall under the

responsibility of Member States, the EU must also act. Following on the debate launched

in 2005, the Commission will set out ideas about how the Union can contribute to tackling

the problem of Europe’s demographic ageing.

•

Achieving effective management of migration flows is one of the most pressing issues

Europe faces, in view of the needs of the labour market, but also as regards the fight

against illegal immigration. This requires a response which should be comprehensive and

balanced, while acknowledging Europe's humanitarian traditions.

•

Another long-term challenge is

climate change.

More frequent and more damaging natural

disasters have already pointed to the cost of inaction. 2006 will be a critical year for

multilateral climate negotiations, making commitments under the Kyoto protocol for the

post-2012 period. The EU also needs to maintain momentum in putting climate change

measures in place to meet its targets, through national allocation plans and measures such

as bringing the aviation sector into the emissions trading scheme. It is also time to take

stock of how to build on the existing voluntary agreements with industry to cut CO

emissions from cars.

Sustainable management of resources

•

The

sustainable management of our natural resources

answers long-term social,

economic and environmental interests. Reform of the wine, fruit and vegetables and

bananas sectors will bring the current process of agricultural reform into its final phase and

continue the trend towards increased competitiveness.

•

The recent soaring of oil prices has outlined the importance of secure, competitive and

sustainable

energy

supplies for Europe. Efforts to manage and reduce the risks will be

stepped up, particularly by promoting energy efficiency and renewable sources, and by

exploring all issues involved in the potential development of biofuels.

•

Resource management is also about protecting our natural heritage. European and global

biodiversity

continues to decrease in the face of increasing pressure from mankind: new

measures are needed to meet the set objective of halting biodiversity loss in Europe by

2010. Action is also needed to reduce risks to health and the environment from

pesticides

and to step up action on

air pollution.

Building a more cohesive Europe

•

There is always a risk that public policies are developed in isolation, without full regard for

the knock-on effects from one policy to another. The new

maritime

strategy will pioneer a

new, integrated approach to developing, in an environmentally sustainable manner, a

thriving maritime economy supported by excellence in marine science and technology.

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•

Cohesion implies a responsibility on the Union to ensure the common standards that go

alongside open borders, mobility and a single market. Current

labour law

should be

examined in the light of the main trends and crucial issues for the years to come; and

policies on

gender equality

and

health and safety at work

should be reinforced and

modernised.

•

The streamlining of the open methods of coordination in the

social

area, and the launch of

cooperation on health and long-term care, will reinforce the support the EU provides to

Member States in their efforts to modernise social protection systems and tackle social

exclusion.

•

As citizens become more mobile in Europe, they expect the Union to offer solutions to new

cross-border issues in the area of

civil justice:

areas such as divorce and matrimonial

property regimes and enforcing compensation and other civil decisions across borders.

Special attention should be given to the rights of the child in areas like family

reunification, parental responsibilities and human trafficking.

SECURITY

Scarcely a day passes without a reminder of the threats to citizens’ security. Recent events

have again brought this sharply into focus. The Madrid and London bombings, natural

disasters at home and worldwide, the threat of avian flu and a possible human influenza

pandemic, energy and transport crises: these are just the most obvious examples where daily

life has been turned upside-down or where risk has moved from the possible to the probable.

Citizens rightly expect action to be taken to counter the challenge at home and worldwide. In

all these cases, citizens look to the EU for effective common action: this has most recently

been recognised by Member States through the Hague Action Plan. An efficient and realistic

approach needs action on several different levels and in many different ways, including

prevention, protection and response.

A more secure Europe to protect Europeans against crime

•

Terrorism

is a permanent threat in Europe. Terrorist attacks can strike brutally across

Europe. Better coordination between Member States will help to track down terrorists

more effectively and bring them to justice more easily. Following the London bombings,

work was accelerated and will continue in 2006. Europe needs to act together on terrorist

finance, victim support and better coordination between law enforcement authorities. More

work is needed to improve the effectiveness of cross-border networking to tackle terrorism

at its roots.

•

The cross-border dimension of organised

crime

and the sophisticated means used to

commit modern crime calls for focused and updated European action. This should include

a coherent information system between competent authorities for crime records and a

comprehensive review of cyber-security.

•

In a borderless Europe, the security of

external borders

is of key importance: there is a

common understanding that this needs collective action and common high standards in

surveillance of both goods and persons. Measures to ensure assistance to Member States

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dealing with external borders and the consolidation and updating of the current

acquis

visa policy and customs measures will help to promote effective controls.

•

Europe offers opportunities to support the work of

law enforcement.

Judicial and police

cooperation should be stepped up to reduce legal obstacles, guarantee citizens’ rights and

facilitate the exchange of relevant information and best practice.

Offering better protection for citizens in their daily lives

•

Enhancing health and consumer confidence and confronting

health risks

has clear knock-

on benefits in terms of the European economy and the well-being of citizens. An effective

framework of rules and actions for

consumer

policies is essential at European level.

Special initiatives in the field of

food safety

will aim at developing coordinated cross-

border action to ensure an effective European dimension to tackling threats. Action must

also be consistent and effective: a special training programme on food safety will aim to

ensure a virtuous spiral of high standards in implementing controls.

•

Maritime, air and road accidents have shown how shortcomings in

transport safety

have a

direct impact on those who use and work on transport systems, as well as leading to

environmental damage. This can result in serious economic costs. Developing the role of

the Air Safety Agency and the Railways Agency makes a real contribution to safety across

Europe.

•

Trustworthy, secure and reliable

communication networks and information systems

also

need to be assured as crucial prerequisites for the take-up of converging digital services.

•

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

rapid response

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

EUROPE AS A WORLD PARTNER

To reach its strategic objectives, Europe cannot work alone. The recent textile negotiations

with China, the latest famine in Niger, the security situation in Iraq, the Middle East Peace

Process: external events constantly remind us that prosperity, solidarity and security might be

European objectives but cannot depend only on what we achieve at home. Europe must do

more than simply react to the external world: it must also contribute more proactively to

shaping it.

Stability and prosperity at our borders

•

In the area closest to our borders,

enlargement negotiations and stabilisation and

association processes

for candidate and pre-candidate countries must continue. The

monitoring reports on Bulgaria and Romania to be issued in the spring will put the

spotlight on the final stage of the accession process. Accession negotiations with Turkey

and Croatia will continue as will the monitoring of progress in all candidate and pre-

candidate countries. On the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, further

developments will depend on the Commission’s Opinion on the accession request

Negotiations on a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Serbia and

Montenegro and with Bosnia and Herzegovina will be pursued with the aim of concluding

before the end of 2006.

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•

In our

neighbourhood,

the Commission and partner countries will deliver on the existing

action plans, whose implementation will be analysed at the end of 2006. The

neighbourhood policy is a key priority for external relations and will be enhanced and

completed by a set of new action plans with Caspian and Mediterranean countries that will

spread the commitment to stability and prosperity to new partners. Particular attention will

be paid to developing integrated energy markets with neighbouring countries. The

Commission will also prepare the ground for a renewed institutional arrangement with

Russia and Ukraine, including looking towards a free trade agreement with Ukraine.

Global responsibilities

In relations with the

developing world

the European Union must live up to our fresh and

ambitious commitments: if 2005 was the year to commit to development, 2006 must be the

year to deliver. In the wake of the G8 Summit and the renewed commitment to the

Millennium Development Goals, the EU needs to start work today to meet our objectives of

increased financial effort (an extra €20 billion a year by 2010) and to improve coherence and

aid effectiveness of the EU donors as a group, on the basis of the new Development Policy

Statement proposed by the Commission in July 2005. To this end, the Commission will

pursue its approach through the mapping of EU aid, harmonization of procedures and by both

geographic strategies for ACP partners and key themes such as human rights and democracy.

•

The core target for action is

Africa.

Building on the new Africa strategy and the new EU

Development Policy Statement, the Commission will propose to step up its partnership

with Africa in two priority fields, governance and infrastructure. As proposed under the

revised Cotonou agreement, dialogue on security issues will be intensified. Negotiations on

Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) will enter into their decisive phase and a

comprehensive review of the arrangements will be conducted.

•

Support

reconstruction and political transition

will move into a new phase, with

enhanced cooperation in Iraq, as well as support to development in Gaza and the West

Bank, work in Afghanistan and in the wake of the tsunami. Europe will also continue to

provide humanitarian assistance to victims of crises throughout the world.

•

Closely linked to the above is

security,

with new initiatives on non-proliferation and

disarmament, human security and counter-terrorism in line with the European Security

Strategy.

A globalised economy

•

Globalisation is a reality that we must embrace to restore dynamic growth and quality jobs

in Europe. Foreign

trade and investment

goes hand in hand with economic integration

inside Europe. It is time to highlight the external dimension of competitiveness by making

recommendations on trade and trade-related policies. The Hong Kong Conference in

December 2005 should set the stage for an ambitious outcome of the Doha Development

Agenda by end 2006, including tangible results for poor developing countries. As our

second trading partner, China offers both major challenges and opportunities and a

comprehensive review will be undertaken 5 years after its accession to the WTO.

•

Europe will make a contribution to an efficient multilateral approach to

sustainable

development

worldwide, notably though the elaboration of a policy framework for actions

on global public goods, such as deforestation and water management. European experience

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in the environmental field, together with innovative ways of combining public

development aid and private investment, will come together in a renewable energy fund to

help developing countries reach millennium targets on sanitation and energy.

•

In all areas, a real

partnership between European institutions

is the only way to ensure a

stronger and more coherent European voice in the world. The European Union should

strive towards more coherence and efficiency of Europe’s external action, whether in

Brussels, New York or around the world, notably through exchange of officials.

DELIVERY AND BETTER REGULATION

Effective policy delivery is central to the credibility and legitimacy of the European Union.

But it is not only about what policies are chosen: how policies are developed and how they are

implemented is equally important.

In 2005, the Commission stepped up its existing work on better regulation to ensure that the

regulatory framework in the EU meets today’s requirements. This aims to reinforce the

contribution from better regulation to growth and jobs while continuing to take into account

the social and environmental objectives and good governance.

Impact assessment became standard for Work Programme priorities and new guidelines were

agreed

. The Commission undertook an intensive screening of proposals already on the table

of the Parliament and the Council for compatibility with better regulation principles, with 68

proposals to be withdrawn as a result

. This adds up to Commission action on one third of all

of its pending proposals dating from before 2004. This is now being followed up with a major

effort to simplify existing rules. The result should be an important step forward in making

what we do at the EU level much easier for EU citizens and businesses to work with, and to

understand. In this new operational phase, the Commission will establish internally a

dedicated structure to step up implementation of Better Regulation principles, thus ensuring

policy coherence, quality control, and upstream assessment of regulatory issues.

•

Subsidiarity and proportionality.

The Commission’s work will be tested against the

requirements of subsidiarity and proportionality: the EU should only act when necessary

and in the lightest form consistent with achieving its objectives. The Commission will pay

particular attention to ensuring full respect for subsidiarity and proportionality.

•

Value for money, transparency and accountability.

The EU Budget should only be used

when it can offer better value for money than spending at national level. Spending must

also be clearly accountable, with effective inter-institutional mechanisms in place to make

this work. Adequate audit and control systems must be ensured, and the roadmap aiming at

a positive declaration of assurance from the European Court of Auditors will be pursued.

The protection of the financial interests of the Union remains a primary concern. Likewise,

the Commission will pursue its European Transparency Initiative in 2006.

•

Consultation.

Policy initiatives need to be well prepared and targeted to respond to the

real needs of Europeans today. Consultation is therefore central to how the Commission

develops policy. Many of the proposals put forward in the annex to this Work Programme

SEC(2005) 791.

In addition, the economic analysis will be buttressed in the case of a further 5 dossiers.

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are the fruit of consultation; others will launch new consultations. The Commission will

continue to make the widest use of existing tools to involve citizens in the decision making

process and will encourage new forms of consultation, such as citizens’ panels.

•

Impact assessment.

Impact assessment ensures that policy is made in full knowledge of

the facts and awareness of the implications. It also guides the policy-making process

through an open analysis of the options and provides a discipline to ensure that economic,

social and environmental factors are fully taken into account, including the impact on

competitiveness. The impact assessment should also guide the inter-institutional decision-

making process and it provides a clear and accessible public explanation of why a proposal

is being made. Impact assessment will therefore remain a standard feature for all legislative

and policy-defining proposals contained in the Work Programme for 2006

: and may in

certain cases lead to a decision to pursue the objectives in a different way, or not to

proceed. In addition, impact assessments conducted during 2006 will prepare the 2007

programme. The counterpart of impact assessments are ex post evaluations which, at

regular intervals, examine whether EU policies and programmes have achieved their

objectives.

•

Transposition and implementation.

The Commission will intensify its efforts to

implement the new approach to the application of Community law

, in particular through

more effective cooperation with the Member States, preventative measures and the

rigorous treatment of infringement when necessary.

•

Simplification

EU laws and procedures need to avoid excessive complexity: this brings

with it real costs to citizens and businesses. Proposals for new legislation will be rigorously

tested, and existing legislation also needs a fresh look. In October 2005, the Commission

launches a

new phase in simplifying legislation

(with a sectoral approach and a more

systematic stakeholder consultation), and set out a 3-year rolling programme to examine

legislation which may be disproportionately burdensome for EU citizens and businesses

This continues and reinforces the Commission’s framework for simplification set up in

2003. In the first phase, the focus will be on the automotive, construction and waste

sectors.

•

Administrative simplification:

The Commission has started a review of its internal

procedures to deliver significant internal simplification: 2006 will see the first results of

this simplification initiative, notably regarding administrative, financial management, and

tendering and public procurement.

As work continues on the priority initiatives listed in the annex, and on other policy

initiatives, these better regulation principles will be central to the Commission’s work. A mid-

term review of the Work Programme in summer 2006 will allow the Commission to take

stock of these changes and, where appropriate, to amend the priority list.

The only cases where an impact assessment is not necessary is for Green Papers and consultations with

the social partners. In these cases, an impact assessment will follow at a later stage if the initiative is to

be pursued.

COM(2002) 725.

Communication of the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic

and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – A strategy for the simplification of the

regulatory environment - COM(2005) 535.

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ANNEX : PRIORITY ITEMS FOR ADOPTION IN 2006

PROSPERITY

Title English

Type of proposal

or act

Proposal

Description of scope and objectives

Reference

number

Proposal for a Council Regulation Legislative

establishing the European Institute Regulation

of Technology (EIT)

/ This proposal will be presented only if the 2006 Spring European Council asks for it in the light of the Commission 2006/EAC+/004

Communication on the same theme that will be annexed to the Commission report on the implementation of the

Lisbon Strategy. In this case, the proposal will aim to establish the EIT (main functions and characteristics,

structures and bodies, budget, etc.).

Recommendation for a European Non-legislative action / The main policy objective is to establish - on a voluntary basis - a European reference framework that will facilitate 2006/EAC/006

Qualifications Framework

Recommendation

transparency, transfer and recognition of qualifications in Europe. A set of common reference levels will facilitate

the comparison of education and training provisions and be supported by principles for quality assurance,

validation, guidance, key competences etc. The EQF will support the comparability and thus eventually also the

recognition of qualifications, provide a framework for development of qualifications at sector level and support the

lifelong learning of individual citizens.

Convergence Report 2006

Non-legislative action / At least every two years, the Commission and the ECB each prepare a convergence report in accordance with the 2006/ECFIN/019

Commission

procedure laid down in Article 121(1). The reports examine to which extent the Member States with a derogation

Communication

have achieved a high degree of sustainable convergence on the basis of the 4 convergence criteria. The

compatibility of their national legislation with Community law also forms part of the assessment.

Proposal

/ If one or more Member States are deemed to fulfil the conditions for euro adoption, their derogation is abrogated 2006/ECFIN/020

by the Council.

Proposal for a Council Decision Legislative

under Art.122(2) abrogating the Decision

derogation for certain Member

States

Proposal for an amendment of Legislative

Regulation (EC) No 2866/98 on Regulation

conversion rates to the euro

Legislative Proposal consolidating Legislative

and strengthening new approach Decision

directives, policies and principles

Proposal

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

2006/ECFIN/021

Proposal

/ The main operational objectives are: Consolidating and reviewing key definitions; Enhancing mutual confidence in 2006/ENTR/001

conformity assessment bodies and increasing transparency of the notification process by defining a Community

policy on accreditation and by consolidating and reviewing designation requirements; Facilitating the notification

process concerning notified bodies; Reviewing the existing conformity assessment modules; Clarifying the

meaning of the CE marking and its relationship to voluntary marks; Establishing a Community framework

consisting of essential requirements for national market surveillance activities; Enhancing cooperation of national

market surveillance authorities; Improving the safeguard clause mechanism

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Community Regulation concerning the free movement of Legislative Proposal / The main policy objective is improving the functioning of mutual recognition in the non- 2006/ENTR/002

goods in the non-harmonised area

Regulation

harmonised area, by finding a solution for most of the problems set out above. Mutual

recognition in the non-harmonised area of goods needs more structure so as to enhance

transparency and to encourage national authorities to act more ‘European’. It is also important

that, in cases where mutual recognition is refused, the possibility for companies to demonstrate

that the disputed product is indeed lawfully marketed elsewhere in the EU is clearly set out.

Communication on a competitive automotive regulatory Non-legislative action The main objective is to enhance the EU industry’s global competitiveness and employment, 2006/ENTR/003

framework

Commission while sustaining further progress in safety and environmental performance of vehicles at a price

Communication

affordable to the consumer. The main policy areas involved therefore are better regulation,

competitiveness, environment and road safety.

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

Legislative Proposal / The main policy objectives are the simplification of the current legislation, the improvement on 2006/ENTR/004

Directive

the safety of toys by clarifying essential safety requirements, the improvement in the functioning

of the Internal Market by developing conditions for a better common approach by national market

surveillance authorities in the implementation of the legislation in force.

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive Legislative Proposal / To ensure that the Lisbon agenda goal of ensuring a smooth functioning of the Internal Market 2006/ENTR/006

amending Directive 98/34/EC laying down a procedure for Directive

for services by 2010 is achieved. To eliminate potential obstacles to the Internal Market for

the provision of information in the field of technical

services even before they appear, thus avoiding a posteriori and lengthier interventions and

standards and regulations and of rules on information

increasing the competitiveness of EU enterprises. To adjust the standardisation part of the

society services

Directive to the latest developments in this area.

Communication Financing Growth - the European Way

Non-legislative action The Communication aims at specifying concrete actions contributing to the growth of the 2006/ENTR/007

Commission European innovative firms, in particular SMEs and mid-sized firms, by spreading good practices

Communication

and policy learning in access to finance. In particular the new Member States, where the financial

sector development is behind that of EU-15, can benefit from an open policy dialogue process.

The Communication also aims to outline actions that would contribute to enhancing the single

market by identifying and removing obstacles from cross-border investment. So far, the Member

States have regularly confirmed their commitment to ease the access to finance, but have mainly

focused on national solutions.

Communication on Defence Industries and Markets

Non-legislative action The Commission wants to encourage the competitiveness of the European defence sector.

2006/ENTR/008

Commission

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

Communication

this objective.

Communication on the functioning of the regulatory Non-legislative action Provides a report on the functioning of the regulatory framework for electronic communications 2006/INFSO/001

framework for electronic communications and services

Commission and services and launches a public consultation on possible review.

Communication

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Communication on eGovernment

Non-legislative action / The objective is to propose an Action Plan for 2006-2010 widely supported by Member 2006/INFSO/003

Commission

States and Commission services that work on eGovernment related activities, as

Communication

announced in the i2010 Communication.

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Legislative Proposal / L'objectif est d'encourager davantage les entreprises communautaires à soumissionner 2006/MARKT/002

Council amending Directives 89/665/EEC and 92/13/EEC as Directive

dans n'importe quel Etat membre de l'Union, en leur donnant la certitude qu'elles

lastly modified, on the coordination of laws, regulations and

pourront, si nécessaire, engager des recours efficaces dans le cas où leurs intérêts

administrative provisions relating to the application of review

auraient été lésés lors de procédures de passation de marchés de travaux, de fournitures

procedures to the award of public contracts

ou de services.

La proposition de directive vise à améliorer certaines dispositions des directives « recours

» sans changer les principes qui ont inspiré leur adoption. En outre, la proposition de

directive prendra essentiellement la forme d’un renforcement des procédures ou

mécanismes existants en particulier par la mise en place de recours efficaces contre les

marchés passés illégalement de gré à gré. Par ailleurs, les développements

jurisprudentiels récents appellent une clarification voire une précision du cadre législatif

existant, afin d’assurer une sanction effective, proportionnée et dissuasive des violations

du droit communautaire des marchés publics.

Commission White Paper on the Integration of the EU Non-legislative action / White Paper on mortgage credit announcing any initiatives to be proposed by the 2006/MARKT/003

Mortgage Credit Market

White Paper

Commission to promote the creation of an EU mortgage credit market, based on the

results of wide-spread consultation following the 2005 Green Paper 'Mortgage Credit in

the EU'.

White Paper on the next steps towards an efficient investment Non-legislative action / The Green Paper on the enhancement of the EU framework for investment funds was 2006/MARKT/004

fund market

White Paper

published in July 2005. It presented an analysis of the European market for investment

funds and an assessment of the ability of the EU regulatory framework in the area (UCITS

Directives) to achieve its objectives in the current context. It also launched a debate on a

series of options that could improve the functioning of the fund market.

Drawing on a long process of consultation, research and impact assessment, the White

Paper will present the concrete actions to be taken in order to achieve a more efficient

market for investment funds.

Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Legislative Proposal / The proposal could provide a common regulatory framework to achieve an efficient, 2006/MARKT/005

clearing and settlement in the securities field

Directive

integrated and safe market for securities clearing and settlement, thus increasing market

liquidity, reducing costs of capital and increasing EU growth. Currently several barriers, of

different nature, generate inefficiency and increase costs for most of the cross-border

securities settlements.

Proposal for the full accomplishment of the Internal Market for Legislative Proposal / The objective of the proposal is to progress the accomplishment of the internal market for 2006/MARKT/006

Postal Services

Directive

postal services while ensuring the provision of universal postal services for all users,

irrespective of their location in the Union. The scope of the proposal will include, if it is

appropriate, confirmation of the date of 2009 for the full accomplishment of the postal

internal market (i.e. opening of remaining postal monopolies to competition) and may

include, in addition, measures intended to ensure the provision of universal postal

services, the protection of users in conditions of undistorted competition in the market.

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Proposal to review Article 16 of Directive 2000/12/EC of 20 Legislative Proposal / Article 16 of the European Banking Directive allows supervisors to effectively block 2006/MARKT/007

March 2000 relating to the taking up and pursuit of the business Directive

proposed mergers and acquisitions of banks in their jurisdiction on prudential grounds.

of credit institutions (review of the supervisory approval process

The review of Article 16 seeks to clarify the process and procedures that should be

for major shareholdings)

followed by supervisors, in order to ensure clear, transparent and equitable treatment by

all European supervisors in relation to proposed mergers and acquisitions of banks.

Recommendation from the Commission - Fair compensation Non-legislative action / Reform of copyright levies applied to equipment and media used for private copying by 2006/MARKT/008

for private copying: copyright levies reform

Recommendation

consumers and others.

Interpretative Communication on the application of Article 296 Non-legislative action / The fragmentation of the European defence market is among other things due to the 2006/MARKT/012

of the Treaty to Defence Procurement

Commission

uncertainty on how to apply article 296 of the Treaty, which allows MS to derogate from

Communication

Public Procurement rules when essential security interests are at stake. In the context on

a more global initiative aimed at opening up defence procurement markets, an

Interpretative Communication would clarify the criteria to be used in order to asses

whether the conditions for the application of this derogation are met.

European Transparency Initiative

Non-legislative action / The goal of the initiative is to increase transparency (e.g. use of Community funds, 2006/SG+/008

other

lobbying)

Decision on the renewal of an Action Programme for Customs Legislative Proposal / The Customs 2013 programme is the successor of the Customs 2007 programme and 2006/TAXUD/001

in the Community (Customs 2013)

Decision

has as objective to further improve cooperation between tax administrations. The

Customs programme will continue to develop and modernise the trans-European

computerised systems that underpin the implementation of customs policy. The Customs

2013 programme will tackle a number of new challenges, such as securing the supply

chain and support for the use of a common risk management system, while promoting the

incorporation of risk management into all aspects of customs work. Customs 2013 will

continue to support activities to protect traders from piracy and counterfeiting. The

Customs programme will also support the further development of initiatives to set up a

paperless electronic customs environment while underpinning indispensable initiatives

such as modernisation and simplification of the customs legislation.

Decision on the renewal of a Community programme to Legislative Proposal / The Fiscalis 2013 programme will continue to support initiatives that focus on improving 2006/TAXUD/002

improve the operation of the taxation systems in the internal Decision

the proper functioning of taxation systems in the internal market by increasing

market (Fiscalis 2013)

cooperation between participating countries, their administrations and officials. It will raise

awareness of relevant Community law and encourage Member States to share

experience of implementing Directives. The programme will also encompass tools to help

combat harmful tax competition and tax fraud, both within the EU and in relation to third

countries. To support administrative cooperation and mutual assistance between tax

administrations, the programme will develop and modernise the trans-European

computerised networks required for the exchange of information for control purposes,

such as the VAT Information Exchange System (VIES) and the Excise Movement Control

System (EMCS).

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Communication to the Council and Non-legislative action / The purpose of the communication is to launch a debate on an overall anti-tax fraud strategy at EU level.

2006/TAXUD/003

the European Parliament on a Commission

The responsibility for control and anti-fraud work is clearly a matter for the Member States. The role of the

strategy to improve the fight against Communication

Commission is to provide an appropriate legislative framework at Community level and to facilitate co-operation

tax fraud

between Member States.

A communication is therefore the appropriate tool to launch the debate. However, achieving the objective of the

anti-fraud strategy will probably require both legal and non-legal activities at a later stage

Commission Communication on the Non-legislative action / Promoting the development of the rail transport (in particular the rail freight transport) and creating an integrated 2006/TREN/003

implementation of a dedicated Commission

European railway area. Facilitating the internal rail freight market. Developing performing rail freight corridors on the

European rail freight network

Communication

trans-European rail network. Focusing Community funding on identified bottlenecks. Encouraging cooperation

between infrastructure managers to increase the quality and efficiency of cross-border rail freight traffic by

developing international timetabling, tailor-made paths.

Communication on transport logistics Non-legislative action / Freight Transport is more crucial for Europe's industrial competitiveness than for its international competitors 2006/TREN/010

because of our unique geography; mountains, seas, peripheral regions, location of production and population etc.

to facilitate intermodal transport

Commission

The growth in international trade, enlargement and changes in logistics processes mean that freight transport

Communication

continues to grow faster than GDP. Action that could be considered includes:

- Support the development and use of advanced ICT,

- Set standards for intermodal transport and logistics systems and services,

- Improve intermodal liability,

- Examine means (technical, legal, financial) to promote intermodal transport more actively,

- Improve logistics education and training,

- Ensure fair competition between the modes,

- Expand support for alternative services and innovation,

- Enhance co-operation between industry, service providers and policy makers,

- Ensure widespread dissemination and take up of best practice.

Galileo future applications

Non-legislative action / The European satellite navigation infrastructure will provide initial positioning services as from 2008. The use of this 2006/TREN/025

Commission

technology in all sectors of modern economies will generate by 2020 a global market of some 300 billion euros,

with 3 billion receivers in use in a wide range of electronic devices. Some 150.000 highly qualified jobs will be

Communication

created, contributing to the Lisbon objectives.

Applications spanning the whole EU territories can easily be implemented in view of the exploitation phase.

Coordinated actions and standards have to be developed in order to take the full benefits of this pan-European

positioning and timing technology. Public administrations can make use of the positioning service through a set of

regulated applications. An assessment of the feasibility of several regulatory measures and their impact is

necessary.

Communication

Technologies

Clean

Coal Non-legislative action / Stimuler le développement technologique et la démonstration à l'échelle commerciale des nouvelles technologies 2006/TREN/026

Commission

du charbon propre et, en particulier, par l'amélioration du rendement énergétique des centrales électriques utilisant

Communication

ce combustible ouvrant la voie à la capture et au stockage du CO2.

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Intermediate overall assessment of the Non-legislative action

measures advocated in the White Paper Commission

"European Transport Policy for 2010: time to Communication

decide"

/ The Commission's White Paper established a mid-term review in 2005 to check whether its objectives 2005/TREN/011

and precise targets were being attained or whether adjustment need making. As the original instrument

used was a Communication from the Commission, the mid-term review has to be same kind of

instrument

SOLIDARITY

Title English

Type of proposal

or act

Description of scope and objectives

Reference

number

Council Regulation amending Regulation Legislative Proposal / A review of the common market organisation (CMO) for bananas is envisaged based on the findings of an 2005/AGRI/003

(EC) No 404/93 on the common market Regulation

ongoing evaluation, in particular as concerns the aid scheme to the EU banana producers, also taking

organisation for bananas

account of the new import system to be in place as of 2006.

The main objectives of the review are to maintain an acceptable balance at the level of marketing of the

three sources of supply of the Community market (EU production, ACP and dollar banana imports), to

improve the efficiency of EU production, to provide fair prices to EU consumers, to support the sustainable

development of the producing areas and to promote environmentally-friendly methods of cultivation and

processing.

Council Regulation amending Regulations Legislative Proposal / The reform of these sectors is part of the overall CAP reform process.

2006/AGRI/002

Nos 2200/96, 2201/96 and 2002/96 on the Regulation

The main objectives of the reform are to improve the competitiveness of processed fruits and vegetables

common market organisation of fresh and

industry through a more market orientated policy, while taking into account the important role of the sectors

processed fruit and vegetables

concerned in employment in rural areas; to update and upgrade the current instruments of the Common

Market Organisation (CMO) for fresh products; to decrease trade distorting agricultural support; to remove

useless rules, to simplify and clarify the remaining regulations.

Commission Communication on reform of the Non-legislative action / The common market organisation for wine is one of the last agricultural sectors to undergo a significant 2006/AGRI/003

common market organisation for wine

Commission

reform in order to address a number of problems. The Commission Communication will set out orientations

Communication

for the legislation aiming mainly to improve the competitiveness of the EU-produced wine, to reach a

balance between supply and demand, to develop better instruments for a better knowledge and monitoring

of the market, to simplify and clarify legislation, to ensure that wine production in Europe is sustainable, and

to preserve the authenticity and character of the product. The Communication will be accompanied by an

impact assessment and will later be followed by a proposal for a Council Regulation.

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Communication from the Commission to the Council and the Non-legislative action The Communication will present the result of reflections on the question of measures to 2006/AGRI/019

European Parliament on the future prospects for biofuels

Commission promote the production of biofuels, including such production in less developed third

Communication

countries.

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the Non-legislative action

European Parliament, the European Economic and Social /

Commission

Committee and the Committee of the Regions "Growth, Communication

prosperity and solidarity in an equal and democratic society:

a roadmap for equality between women and men"

Despite progress made in the last decades towards equality between women and men, 2006/EMPL/001

several gender gaps in employment, unemployment, pay, decision making positions, as well

as the phenomenon of violence against women and trafficking still remain. This

Communication will represent the road map on gender equality and will define objectives and

actions for EU policies in order to achieve gender equality, and to tackle remaining problems

and obstacles.

Communication from the Commission on a new Community Non-legislative action The new Community strategy on health and safety at work for the period 2007-2012 will build 2006/EMPL/002

strategy on health and safety at work 2007-2012

Commission on the current strategy and on the evaluation of its results by combining a variety of

Communication

instruments: up-dating and simplifying legislation, social dialogue, progressive measures,

development of new instruments to help the implementation of legislation, economic

incentives and on building partnerships between all players in this policy area. The objectives

will be increased productivity and quality of work, in line with the Lisbon strategy, through a

reduction of occupational accidents and absenteeism due to poor health.

Green Paper on the evolution of labour law

Non-legislative action As announced in the Social Agenda, the Green Paper is expected to launch a wide debate in 2006/EMPL/003

/ Green Paper

Europe involving EU institutions, Member States, social partners and experts with the aim of

establishing conclusions about the main trends in the recent evolution of labour law, both at

EU and national level, and identifying the most crucial and urgent issues.

Non-legislative action The Communication will present a synthesis of the replies to the 2005 Green Paper on 2006/EMPL/004

Commission ageing, the first results of the analytic studies prepared under the pilot action of the EP

Communication

(Walter initiative) and the Commission's proposals for further action in this domain.

Legislative Proposal / The Strategy will propose a number of measures and initiatives with the objective of a 2004/ENV/003

Directive

reduction of the impacts of pesticides on human health and the environment in order to

achieve a more sustainable use of pesticides as well as a significant overall reduction in risks

and of the use of pesticides consistent with the necessary crop protection.

Justification for rescheduling: postponed from 2005 awaiting revision of SANCO directive

91/414 which is now foreseen for 2nd qtr 06 (Ref. 2003/SANCO/061).

Communication with proposal for Framework Directive (Communication - option consultation

ESC/CoR; Framework mandatory)

Communication - Halting the decline of biodiversity by 2010

Non-legislative action The Communication will lay down a road map on priority objectives and actions to meet the 2005/ENV/011

Commission EU and global objectives, set by heads of state and government, relating to halting (EU) and

Communication

significantly reducing (global) the decline of biodiversity by 2010. The European Council

2003 and 2004 has called for accelerated action in this regard. ENV Council (28 June 2004)

called for a report to Council and Parliament as early as possible in 2004, taking account of

the ongoing biodiversity policy review process and in particular the 'Message from Malahide'

(which comprises stakeholder consensus on objectives and targets towards achieving the

overall 2010 objective).

Communication on the demographic future of Europe

Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides

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Green Paper on adaptation to climate change

Non-legislative action The Green Paper will help identify areas where action is needed at Community level to 2006/ENV/012

/ Green Paper

support the EU's adaptation to the increasing adverse effects of climate change. The need to

consider EU-level action on adaptation was flagged in the Commission Communication

"Winning the Battle against Global Climate Change".

Communication from the Commission to the Council and the Non-legislative action The Community's strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from cars will be reviewed and new 2006/ENV/013

European Parliament: Results of the review of the /

Commission options to complement existing measures, including the current voluntary agreements with

Communication

car manufacturers will be examined. The aim is to reach an improved fuel efficiency. The

Community Strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from cars

results of this review will be presented and proposals on the way forward will be made.

Revision of Directive 2001/81/EC of the European Parliament Legislative Proposal / The revision of the NEC Directive is the key legislative initiative that will make concrete the 2006/ENV/016

and of the Council of 23 October 2001 on national emission Directive

environmental and health objectives set out in the Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution up to

ceilings (NEC) for certain atmospheric pollutants

2020. Limit emissions of acidifying and eutrophying pollutants and ozone precursors to

improve the protection in the Community of the environment and human health against risks

of adverse effects from acidification, soil eutrophication and ground-level ozone and to move

towards the long-term objectives of not exceeding critical levels and loads and of effective

protection of all people against recognised health risks from air pollution by establishing

national emission ceilings, taking the years 2010 and 2020 as benchmarks, and by means of

successive reviews.

Modification of Directive 2003/87/EC in order to include Legislative Proposal / Amend the existing legislative framework to incorporate aviation emissions into the EU 2006/ENV/017

aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme

Directive

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Green Paper on a future European Union Maritime Policy

Non-legislative action The Green Paper on an all embracing EU Maritime Policy will present the state of the art of 2006/FISH/001

/ Green Paper

integrated sea related policies. It shall set out options for a more holistic approach of the EU

and its Member States for policies relating to the sea.

Proposal for a Regulation on the applicable law and Legislative Proposal / There are currently no Community rules in the field of applicable law to divorces. The main 2005/JLS/187

jurisdiction in divorce matters

Regulation

policy objective is to provide solutions that enhance legal certainty and flexibility and meet

the legitimate expectations of the citizens according to the Hague Programme. The choice of

the Regulation will ensure the achievement of these purposes.

Green Paper on the conflict of laws in matters concerning Non-legislative action The objective is to launch a wide consultation of interested subjects on legal and practical 2005/JLS/188

matrimonial property regimes, including the question of / Green Paper

issues arising in international situations in the area of property rights of married and

jurisdiction and mutual recognition

unmarried couples.

Communication from the Commission to the European Non-legislative action The strategic objectives of an efficient handling of the EU borders and ensuring the highest 2006/JLS/005

Parliament and the Council on future priorities for the /

Commission level of security at the external borders are partially fulfilled through the objectives of this

common policy on illegal immigration

Communication

legal instrument. The operational powers, which should be conferred to the seconded

national experts/border guards, are a minimum requirement in view of providing effective

assistance to the requiring, host MS. With these powers the guest border guards contribute

to reduce the risks and prevent the threats at those stretches of the EU external borders,

which are under more intense threat.

Green Paper on Enforcement: A European system for the Non-legislative action The objective is to launch a wide consultation of interested parties on how to improve the 2006/JLS/006

attachment of bank accounts

/ Green Paper

enforcement of monetary claims in the EU. The Green Paper describes the current legal

situation and proposes the creation of a European System for the attachment of bank

accounts as a possible solution. Different options are proposed as to the specific features of

such a system.

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European elections 2004: Commission Communication on Non-legislative action

the participation of the Union citizens in the Member State of /

Commission

residence (Directive 93/109/EC) and on the electoral Communication

modalities (Decision 76/787/EC as amended by Decision

2002/772/EC)

Firstly, the Communication will assess the application of Directive 93/109/EC on the voting 2006/JLS/008

rights of the Union citizens in their Member State of residence in the June 2004 elections to

the European Parliament.

The Report will draw the attention of the European Parliament to the question concerning

publication of results of elections in Member States with the view of amending the relevant

provision to be clear and to be implemented in a uniform way, which is not the case at the

moment. It will be up to the European Parliament to contemplate the appropriateness of any

legislative initiative.

Communication on the implementation of the rights of the Non-legislative action The Communication intends to set a framework where concrete actions will allow the 2006/JLS/009

child

Commission implementation of the rights of the child within the European Union. Also, the defence of

Communication

children’s rights in the external Policy of the Union will be included.

The action plan included in the Communication should help the Union and the Member

States to fulfil their obligations vis-à-vis the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child.

Green paper on drugs and civil society in the EU

Non-legislative action Produce a Green paper to provide a framework for working with the civil society in the drugs 2006/JLS/007

/ Green Paper

field at the EU level. Ensure effective implementation of actions n° 3 (1) and 3 (2) of the EU

Drugs Action Plan 2005-2008.

Proposal for a Council Regulation concerning Community Legislative Proposal / Article 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 177/2005 of 24 January 2005 establishes that by 31 2006/REGIO+/006

Financial Contributions to the International Fund for Ireland Regulation

March 2006 the Commission shall submit a report to the Budgetary Authority, assessing the

(2007-2008)

results of the activities of the Fund & the need for continuing contributions beyond 2006.

Proposal for a Council Decision on Strategic Community Legislative Proposal / Définition des priorités de la Communauté en matière de cohésion économique, sociale et 2005/REGIO+/013

Guidelines on Cohesion

Decision

territoriale.

Proposal for a Directive amending Council Directive Legislative Proposal / Adaptation to technical progress and re-organisation of regulatory provisions concerning the 2003/SANCO/61

91/414/EEC concerning the placing of plant protection Directive

placing of plant protection products on the market.

products on the market

Commitment of the Commission in its progress report to Council and European Parliament

(COM 444(2001)final).

Package of proposals aiming to reinforce the position and the Legislative Proposal / Le renforcement du cadre institutionnel, p.ex. l'établissement d'une Agence européenne pour 2006/TREN/009

normative framework of inland waterway transport, namely: Regulation

la navigation intérieure, devrait inscrire le transport fluvial dans le cadre d'une politique des

transports plus stratégique. Une telle agence devrait concentrer les aptitudes et ressources

(1) Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and

disponibles et éviter les doubles emplois dans les travaux de différents organismes, tout en

of the Council establishing a European institutional

combinant des missions différentes afin de susciter des synergies. En utilisant le cadre

framework for inland waterway transport;

communautaire comme seul cadre approprié, la prise de décisions et l’établissement de

règles communes seront facilités.

(2) Proposal for a negotiation mandate aiming at allowing

third countries to participate in the institutional framework

Dans l’objectif de permettre la participation des Etats tiers intéressés dans les travaux de

and, if possible, to establish a common normative framework

l’agence, et de parvenir à un cadre réglementaire harmonisé en Europe, l’établissement de

between the EU and third countries

l’Agence devra être accompagné par des accords bi- ou multilatéraux avec des pays tiers.

Action Plan on energy efficiency

Non-legislative action L'énergie est au cœur de notre système économique et pourtant l'Europe doit importer 50% 2006/TREN/032

Commission de ses besoins énergétiques, soit une facture annuelle de 240 milliards d’euros. Si rien n’est

Communication

fait, ce sera 70% en 2030 alors que le prix du pétrole s’envole. La maîtrise de notre

consommation d’énergie est indispensable si l’on veut réduire cette dépendance

énergétique. C’est pourquoi l’efficacité énergétique est une des priorités de la stratégie de

Lisbonne pour une Europe plus compétitive. Suite au débat public lancé cette année avec le

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Livre vert sur l’efficacité énergétique, cette communication définira un plan d’action visant

des économies d’énergie de l’ordre de 20% d’ici 2020.

Green Paper on a secure, competitive and sustainable Non-legislative action The Green Paper will prepare the Communication on this subject which will be issued later in 2006/TREN/XXX

energy policy for Europe

the year. The intention is to give the widest possible consultation pursuant to Better

Regulation.

III

SECURITY

Title English

Type of proposal

or act

Description of scope and objectives

Reference number

Communication on a strategy for a secure Non-legislative action / The strategy will propose a general framework for future activities in the field of internet, network 2006/INFSO/002

information society "Strengthening Trust in ICT" Commission

and information security. It will take stock of actions already taken and identify areas where an

Communication

action at EU level can provide particular added value, while respecting subsidiarity and activities

already undertaken by Member States. It will also provide a link to further security related

activities planned for 2006.

Proposal for a Decision on a computerised Legislative Proposal / La décision aura pour objectif de créer les bases nécessaires à la mise en place d'un mécanisme 2004/JLS/116

system of exchange of information on criminal Decision (CFSP/JHA) européen informatisé permettant d'échanger les informations contenues dans les registres

convictions

nationaux.

Council Decision creating a European Law Legislative Proposal / Pursuant to the Communication of the European Commission on Preparedness and the 2005/JLS/077

Enforcement Network in the fight against Decision

Consequence Management in the Fight against Terrorism the Commission proposes additional

terrorism (LEN)

measures to strengthen the existing instruments on civil protection and consequence

management. The intention of the Commission is to establish a law enforcement alert mechanism

(the Law Enforcement Network, LEN) to be hosted by Europol and connected with other

European rapid alert and rapid response systems managed by the Commission (notably ARGUS)

whilst respecting national competences.

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Legislative Proposal / One of the fundamental components of further development of the common visa policy as part of 2006/JLS/002

Parliament and of the Council establishing a Regulation

a multi-layer system aimed at facilitating legitimate travel and tackling illegal immigration through

Community Code on short stay visas

enhanced harmonisation of national legislation and handling practices at diplomatic and consular

posts (as defined in the Hague Programme), is the establishment of a "common corpus" of

legislation. Therefore it is necessary to consolidate, update and develop the current acquis. As

current legal instruments is a mixture of Community rules and administrative and practical

provisions, a proper "Visa Code" is to be drafted and accompanied by practical guidelines for the

operational implementation of these rules.

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Legislative Proposal / Based on the results of the study on the powers of the MS border guards, whose final report 2006/JLS/003

Parliament and of the Council in view of setting Regulation

should be ready end of 2005, the proposal of the EP and Council legal instrument aims to set up

up the powers and the financing of teams of

powers and financing for the border guards, when seconded in another MS. The objective is to

national experts of Member States to provide

enable the MS border guards to provide effective assistance to their colleagues of the requesting,

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technical and operational assistance to Member

States in the activities dealing with the control

and surveillance of the external borders in the

framework of the European Agency for the

Management of Operational Cooperation at the

External Borders of the Member States of the

European Union

host MS, since they should receive the appropriate powers in view of executing the regular tasks

linked with the control and surveillance of the external borders. Furthermore the draft act should

define the financial framework for enacting such a programme of technical assistance between

the MS border guards.

Proposal for a Framework Decision on Conflicts Legislative Proposal / The proposal aims to create a mechanism which would facilitate the choice of jurisdiction in 2006/JLS/010

of Jurisdiction and the Principle of ne bis in idem Framework

decision criminal proceedings in situations where two or more Member States could be interested to

in criminal proceedings

(JHA)

prosecute the same case.

It would also aim to clarify the scope, applicability and the interpretation of certain elements /

definitions of the current rules on the trans-national EU principle of ne bis in idem, which are

found in Articles 54-58 of the Convention Implementing the Schengen Agreement (CISA).

EU Action Plan on public private partnership for Non-legislative action / To establish a recommended model for public private partnerships against crime and terrorism at 2006/JLS/012

combating crime and terrorism

Other

the EU level.

Proposal for a modification of the Council Legislative Proposal /

Framework Decision on Combating Terrorism, in Framework

decision

particular to make the transmission of expertise (JHA)

explosives/bomb-making

for

terrorist

purposes a crime

The proposal is intended to continue making life difficult for terrorists or would-be terrorists by 2006/JLS/013

making the intentional transmission of expertise in the making of bombs and explosives for

terrorist purposes a crime under the Framework Decision.

This Proposal would also tie in with the policy being developed by the Commission in the field of

violent radicalisation as the transmission of such expertise could be one aspect transforming

persons having violently radical views into terrorists or as a way for terrorist groups/networks to

recruit new people.

Communication on a European Cyber-security Non-legislative action / A comprehensive update of the Commission's cybercrime policy, including issues related to 2006/JLS+/015

and Cybercrime policy

Commission

protection of the critical information infrastructure, terrorist use of the internet, identity theft, pan-

Communication

European admissibility of electronic evidence, combating on-line child pornography, etc.

First implementation report of the Hague Action Non-legislative action / The objective is to develop and produce a yearly report that focuses on the correct and timely 2006/JLS/016

Plan – Scoreboard Plus

Other

transposition of legislative acts adopted and on the effective implementation of measures agreed.

Communication on the objective and impartial Non-legislative action / The main objective is to improve policies in the area of freedom security and justice through the 2006/JLS/017

evaluation of the implementation of EU Commission

establishment of a mechanism, which provides for effective evaluation of the implementation and

measures in the field of Freedom, Security and Communication

results of policies in this area.

Justice.

Commission Communication on organ donation Non-legislative action / Organ transplantation is currently a common technique used in medicine. Transplants are in 2005/SANCO/006

and transplantation in the EU

Commission

many cases the only treatments to end stage organ failures. This process is not risk free to the

Communication

donor and the recipient. The Commission, under article 152 of the Amsterdam Treaty, has the

right to establish the necessary measures for setting high standards of quality and safety of

organs. Organ transplantation is a very complex area that only could be addressed successfully

taking into account all the elements.

White Paper on "Better training for safer food"

Non-legislative action / The heart of the problem is a lack of a harmonised approach to the design and developments of 2005/SANCO/024

White Paper

national control systems. The WP on Food Safety placed particular emphasis on this and clearly

indicates the need to address the issues with appropriate actions to achieve a high standard of

consumer protection across the EU. The EP and the Council, on 29 April 2004, adopted

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Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 on official controls which identifies training as a key issue. Article

51 of the Regulation empowers the Commission to develop training programmes for staff of

competent authorities of the Member States, which may be open to participants of third countries,

in particular developing countries. This action will develop a White Paper on a Community

training strategy in the area covered by Regulation (EC) No 882/2004.

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Legislative Proposal / The key objective is to review the health rules on ABPs taking into account the experience gained 2005/SANCO/058

Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation

in applying Regulation 1774/2002. Removing disproportionate provisions and clarifying the scope

Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 on animal by-

of the Regulation would lead to a clear text, making the measures more effective and efficient.

The review will reduce unnecessary burden and negative impacts, increasing benefits by

products

simplifying and avoiding duplication of administrative procedures for national authorities and

operators.

2006/SANCO/007

Green Paper on the Review of the consumer Non-legislative action / Green paper will launch the public consultation in order to allow the Commission to:

protection regulatory framework (acquis)

Green Paper

- analyse the transposition and application of the eight consumer directives constituting the

acquis by the MS

- start a comparative law analysis of the relevant national laws

- identify regulatory problems and internal market barriers.

The final purpose is: to rationalise and simplify the acquis in order to get rid of possible

inconsistencies, overlaps, internal market barriers and distortions of competition, in order to

complete the internal market and achieve better consumer protection.

Commission Communication on a coordinated Non-legislative action / Council Conclusions of 5 June 2001 on Community strategy to reduce alcohol-related harm 2005/SANCO/032

approach in Europe to tackle alcohol-related Commission

invites the Commission to come forward with measures in this respect. The Council reiterated the

harm

Communication

invitation on 2 June 2004. The main policy objective is to reduce the health and social harm due

to alcohol consumption and contribute to higher productivity and a sustainable economic

development in EU in line with the objectives set out in the Lisbon Strategy.

Extension of the competences of the European Legislative Proposal / La longueur et le coût des procédures nationales d'homologation des locomotives ne sont pas 2006/TREN/005

Rail Agency - Amendment of Directive Directive

optimales. Il convient d'examiner les modalités de participations de l'agence ferroviaire pour

2004/59/EC

faciliter/améliorer les procédures actuelles en favorisant les reconnaissances mutuelles.

Communication on the protection of critical Non-legislative action / To reduce the likelihood of European critical transport and energy infrastructure being lost or 2006/TREN/011

transport and energy infrastructure

Commission

damaged by identifying it and ensuring its adequate protection.

Communication

Communication on minimum maritime labour Non-legislative action / The general objective is to explore the integration of ILO consolidated Convention, possibly 2006/TREN/007

standards

Commission

through an agreement of social partners, in order to be able to extend the port state control to

Communication

labour standards applied on board all ships calling at European ports regardless of the flag and

the nationality of seafarers.

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Legislative Proposal / The extension of EASA's tasks related to rulemaking (safety & interoperability), certification, 2006/TREN/033

Parliament and of the Council modifying Regulation

licensing and standardisation of services and organisations across Member States, in the

Regulation (EC) No 1592/2002 with a view to

domains of ATM, ANS and airports.

extending the tasks of the European Aviation

Safety Agency (EASA) to the domains of Air

Traffic Management (ATM), Air Navigation

Services (ANS) and airports

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IV EXTERNAL

Title English

Type of proposal

or act

Description of scope and objectives

Reference number

Communication from the Commission to the Non-legislative action / The EU will back African-owned efforts to improve governance. The EU must encourage and 2006/DEV/005

Council and the European Parliament on an "EU Commission

support African countries to systematically develop good governance plan within their national

Communication

Governance Facility for Africa"

PRSP. A powerful tool to further boost efforts is, in particular, the voluntary African Peer Review

Mechanism (APRM) and the reforms that it will trigger. To this aim, the Commission will launch a

Governance Initiative that will encourage participation in the APRM process and provide further

support to African countries for the implementation of their APRM-driven reforms. This support

should be additional to, and fully in line with, Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers and should

respect African ownership both of the process and the reforms pursued.

EU-Africa partnership on infrastructure. A Non-legislative action / Ongoing efforts to develop and sustain Africa's infrastructure and access to services must 2006/DEV/006

response to Africa's strategy for regional Commission

accelerate for economic growth that contributes to reduce poverty. The Commission proposes to

Communication

economic growth and integration

establish an EU-Africa Partnership for Infrastructure to support and develop sustainable Networks

that facilitate interconnectivity at a continental level for the promotion of regional integration. The

Partnership for Infrastructure should encompass investments in trans-boundary and regional

infrastructure and their regulatory frameworks in the widest sense. African ownership will come

through close engagement with African continental and regional institutions – the AU/NEPAD and

the RECs.

Communication to the Council and the Non-legislative action / Update of EU/EC policy vis-à-vis the Pacific region to enhance efficiency of EC assistance.

European Parliament on a EU Development Commission

Support Strategy for the Pacific Region

Communication

Communication from the Commission to the Non-legislative action

Council, the European Parliament and the Commission

European Economic and Social Committee on Communication

an EU development support strategy for the

Caribbean

Communication from the Commission to the Non-legislative action

Council and the European Parliament on the Commission

monitoring of Bulgaria and Romania composed Communication

of:

• Summary Paper on the Comprehensive

Monitoring Reports for Bulgaria and Romania

• Comprehensive Monitoring

Bulgaria and Romania

Reports

for

2006/DEV/002

/ The Communication will provide for a political and implementation strategy framework to ensure 2006/DEV/004

that the EU supports the efforts of the Caribbean to tackle their vulnerabilities, complete their

regional integration process and reposition themselves as a high potential added value region.

The strategy will also contribute to the creation of a single coherent and comprehensive EU policy

towards the Caribbean.

/ The Summary Paper for Bulgaria and Romania will specifically focus on the final preparations for 2006/ELARG/001

accession by identifying the main gaps and make recommendations, if appropriate. The

comprehensive monitoring reports cover the progress made by the 2 countries towards accession

(Commission staff working papers - 100 pages)

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Communication from the Commission to the Non-legislative action / The Strategy Paper contains the main findings of the Progress and Monitoring Reports and 2006/ELARG/002

Council and the European Parliament on the Commission

includes proposals for policy recommendations.

2006 Enlargement Package composed of:

Communication

The Progress Reports contain the progress made by Croatia and Turkey towards accession as

• Strategy Paper on Enlargement

well as the progress made in implementing the Stabilisation and Association process by Albania,

Bosnia & Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia & Montenegro

• Progress Reports on Croatia, Turkey, Albania,

including Kosovo (Commission staff working papers).

Bosnia & Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav

Republic

Macedonia,

Serbia

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

Montenegro/Kosovo

towards accession.

• Comprehensive Monitoring

Bulgaria and Romania

Reports

for

/ The Communication will provide an outline of the key features of the proposed innovative public- 2006/ENV/015

private financing mechanism which aims to (1) create affordable "patient" risk capital so as to

increase access to risk capital for renewable energy entrepreneurs and project developers, (2)

increase engagement of private sector experts and investors, and (3) increase the leverage of

public sector funds. In addition to the strong focus on Developing Countries, Europe and its

neighbouring countries will also be considered.

Communication concerning the Establishment of Non-legislative action

The Global Renewable Energy Fund of Funds -- Commission

Innovative

Public-Private

Financing Communication

Mechanism in support of the Global Sustainable

Development Agenda

Communication on a EU External Relations Non-legislative action / The communication is intended to develop a horizontal strategy to encourage projects aimed at 2006/RELEX/012

Strategy to Counter Terrorism

Commission

countering terrorism in third states through the appropriate legal instruments under the new

financial perspectives (2007-2013).

Communication

Communication on a Strategy for non- Non-legislative action / The communication is intended to define a strategic framework for initiatives and projects against 2006/RELEX/014

proliferation and disarmament of WMD and Commission

the proliferation of WMD, to be implemented through the appropriate legal instruments under the

Programming of the Community contribution

Communication

new financial perspectives (2007-2013).

Commission Communication: "Conventional Non-legislative action / The communication aims at extending the scope of the Anti-Personnel Landmines Regulations 2006/RELEX/013

Disarmament as contribution to Human security" Commission

(1724/01 and 1725/01), which provide a stepping stone for a wider action on weapons removal.

Communication

This Communication will pave the way to the Multi-annual Programming exercises under

appropriate legal instruments (e.g. Stability, Pre-accession, Neighbourhood and Development

Instruments).

Proposal for a Council decision establishing

negotiating directives for an enhanced

agreement to replace, or amend, the

Partnership and Co-operation Agreement

between the European Community and its

Member States and Ukraine

Agr.

with

third Content to be defined, subject to further discussion with Member States and Ukraine. Objective is 2006/RELEX/019

countries / Draft or to define the overall framework for EU - Ukraine relations after the end of the initial 10 year period

recom. for a neg. of the PCA.

mandate

New ENP action plans and first reviews of ENP Non-legislative action / Action plans will be set up with Egypt, Lebanon, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. For Algeria a 2006/RELEX/007

Action Plan Implementation

Commission working country report will be established. Première évaluation de la mise en oeuvre des plans Politique

paper

Européenne de Voisinage pour la Moldavie, l'Ukraine, le Maroc, la Tunisie, la Jordanie, Israël et

l'Autorité palestinienne. Une communication accompagnera le document des services présentant

les conclusions de cette évaluation.

The EU and China

Non-legislative action / China’s rise as a major global player and the development of its relations with the EU make it 2005/RELEX+/040

Commission

necessary to define a new comprehensive strategy over the next five years. This strategy will

Communication

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bring together, in a single framework:

–

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

years and updating the 2003 Communication.

A specific Communication offering a pro-active vision for trade and investment relations with

China for the next five years. 2006 will be the final year of the 5 year transition period

granted to China to fully implement her WTO commitments in most areas: a timely

opportunity to comprehensively review China’s implementation of her WTO commitments and

to propose a forward- looking strategy to "close the gaps”

–

Communication of the Commission to the Non-legislative action

Council, the European Parliament and the Commission

European Economic and Social Committee on Communication

External Aspects of Competitiveness

/ The top priority today is to restore sustainable dynamic growth and jobs in Europe with a view to 2006/TRADE/001

put Europe back on track to long term prosperity, in accordance with the new Lisbon strategy. In

the last decade, Europe's growth and productivity gains have failed to match those of its major

economic partners. A low labour force participation and employment ratio give rise to sluggish

internal demand, low investment and innovation, and directly feed oppositions to structural

change as well as to open and competitive markets. Greater openness to trade and investment

represents a major engine of growth and productivity gains through greater competition, better

specialisation based on comparative advantage, innovations generated by greater competition,

the technology included in foreign imports and investments, and increased economies of scale.

Trade negotiations can offer new opportunities to open new markets for European exports and

better rules to improve fair competition with a view to develop qualified jobs in Europe.

The Communication will assess a critical review of the current trade policy impact on European

competitiveness and make some recommendations on trade and trade-related policies to

maximise their contribution to the main objectives of the new Growth and Jobs Strategy. The

Communication will represent a general framework for new initiatives in trade and trade-related

policies and will pave the way for more specific Communications and EU actions.i

Communication of the Commission to the Non-legislative action

Council, the European Parliament and the Commission

European Economic and Social Committee on Communication

the renewed Market Access Strategy

/ L'adaptation des modalités d'action de la Stratégie Européenne d’Accès aux Marchés est 2006/TRADE/002

nécessaire pour développer l'ouverture des marchés mondiaux, au bénéfice de l'Union

européenne comme des pays tiers. Il s’agit d’utiliser au mieux l’ensemble des instruments de

politique commerciale, qu’ils impliquent des négociations aux niveaux multilatéral régional et

bilatéral ou qu’ils prennent la forme d’instruments spécifiques tels que le dialogue réglementaire

qui vise à suivre la bonne mise en œuvre des engagements pris par nos partenaires.

L’interactivité avec les entreprises européennes découlant de l’utilisation de la Base de Données

Accès aux Marchés constitue à cet égard un atout qu’il convient d’exploiter plus finement.

En termes de politique commerciale, les objectifs concernent la facilitation des exportations de

biens et de services, et des investissements, notamment dans les pays émergents à fort potentiel

de croissance Il s’agit aussi, en levant les barrières à l’accès aux marchés où qu’elles se

trouvent, d’aider les entreprises européennes travaillant dans les secteurs à plus fort potentiel, à

tirer profit de la spécialisation sectorielle mondiale par des économies d’échelle. Il est prévu que

les critères d’importance de ces pays et secteurs soient énoncés dans une communication de la

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

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with

third

Draft recommendation for a negotiation Agr.

Mandate. Economic integration and free trade countries / Draft or

agreement with the Republic of Ukraine

recom. for a neg.

mandate

The proposal will request a mandate from the Council to negotiate an economic integration and 2006/TRADE+/003

free trade agreement with the Republic of Ukraine. The objectives of the agreement are to foster

trade, investment and economic ties between the EU and Ukraine, which is an important

neighbour of the enlarged EU.

Communication to the European Parliament and Non-legislative action / La communication portera sur la création d'un marché de l'énergie avec les pays voisins fondé 2006/TREN+/015

the Council on the development of energy Commission

sur la complémentarité des stratégies énergétiques de l'Union et de ses voisins immédiats, qu'ils

markets with neighbouring countries

Communication

soient producteurs, consommateurs, ou pays de transits.

L'objectif est de concourir par la création de ce marché à la sécurité de l'approvisionnement

énergétique de l'Union Européenne qui, dans les décennies à venir, devrait demeurer fortement

dépendante des sources externes d'énergies fossiles.