Brussels, 16/07/2001 (Agence Europe) - At its September session, the European Parliament will vote on progress achieved over the past year by the twelve countries candidates for membership of the European Union, on the basis of draft reports that its Foreign Affairs Committee adopted last week. These reports are on the whole very positive, but at the same time express concerns and criticisms, notably on the situation of minorities - especially the Roma -, regarding problems in implementing the acquis communautaire and the level of unemployment. The draft reports stress that:
Poland, according to Jas Gawronski (Italy, Forza Italia), could well, thanks to progress made, join in time to participate in the elections to the EP in 2004. MEPs back the European Commission's position of not allocating all direct aid to Polish farmers upon accession, but to practice gradual allocation, or a phasing-in of aid, and urge the Commission and Poland to find a compromise on that basis. The report stresses the "remarkable efforts" made by the Polish Parliament in rapidly adopting the acquis communautaire.
Hungary, according to Luis Quiero (Portugal UEN), should be offered a firm date for concluding negotiations, so as to avoid discontent among public opinion. The report also calls for the number of Hungarian MEPs to be increased to 22, remedying the discrimination that emerged at the Nice Summit. One of the criticisms is that of discrimination towards the Roma, even though the report does take note of the fact that the Government has begun to implement its medium-term action programme against such discrimination. The report, moreover, takes note of the recent law on Hungarian nationals in neighbouring countries, calling on the European Commission to evaluate this text "from the point of view of its compatibility with the acquis communautaire and with the spirit of good neighbourliness and cooperation".
Romania, according to Emma Nicholson (British, Liberal-Democrat), has still much a great deal of progress to make regarding children's rights. The report approves the "clear and unequivocal" discourse of the Romanian Prime Minister and the action plan for the reform of the child protection system, as well as Romania's suspension of its participation in international adoptions. The MEPs are, however, concerned at the abuse of which children lodged in public institutions are victims and the increase in the phenomenon of street children. The report also calls on Romania to improve the situation of minorities. In addition, it welcomes the stabilisation of the macroeconomic situation (while stressing that many reforms still need undertaking) whereas it is concerned of the "obvious signs of restrictions to the freedom of information and the independent media".
Cyprus, according to the rapporteur, Jacques Poos (Luxembourg, Socialist), "fully meets the political and economic criteria (…) and has made significant progress in adopting the acquis communautaire". The draft resolution reaffirms that that the Government of Nicosia is negotiating on behalf of "all Cypriots", and that there can be no separate negotiations with the two sides of the island, and stresses that the solution to the Cypriot question "in not a precondition for membership". It also states that were Turkey to carry out its threat to annex Northern Cyprus, it would itself be putting an end to its ambitions of becoming a member of the EU.
Estonia, according to Gunilla Carlsson (Sweden, EPP), has made great progress in integrating its Russian-speaking minority and in the fight against corruption. The report welcomes progress made in the adoption of the acquis communautaire, especially regarding the environment, whereas it expresses its concern at social and economic problems in the north-east of the country.
Latvia, according to Elisabeth Schroedter (German, Green), has made great efforts but has still to improve its legal and administrative systems and step-up the fight against corruption.
Lithuania, according to Iaonnis Souladakis (Greek Socialist), has made satisfactory progress, notably in the protection of minorities, but must improve its police and legal institutions, and further combat the trafficking in women and discrimination towards homosexuals. The report welcomes indications by which Lithuania could shut down unit 2 of the nuclear power plant of Ignalia by end-2004.
Bulgaria, according to the report by Geoffrey van Orden (British Conservative), "has set a target-date for ending negotiations in 2004, ambitious but not unrealistic". The report stresses the stability of the Bulgarian political system, but calls on the government to step-up its fight against corruption, and for the integration of minorities. The report welcomes the good macroeconomic results, while stressing that much remains to be done to improve living standards and to combat unemployment.
The Czech Republic, according to Jurgen Schroeder (German, CDU), has stepped-up the rate of its reforms, and one may hope that it will join the EU in 2004. The report calls for solution to the question of the nuclear power plant of Temelin. The Czech Republic is also urged to further tackle trafficking in women.
Malta, according to the report by Ursula Stenzel, is well engaged on the path to membership, but the rapporteur deplores the fact that EU membership has far from unanimous support, as the opposition remains hostile to it. The report also places emphasis on the importance of increased efforts concerning agricultural reforms and environmental legislation.
Slovakia, according to Jan Wiersma (Dutch, PES), has made significant progress in restructuring its industrial and financial sectors, and in reforming its administration. The report calls on the government to implement tougher policy in combating discrimination and, while, welcoming progress in the adoption of the acquis for the internal market, deplores the delays in financial control, the environment, justice, agriculture and home affairs.
Slovenia, according to the rapporteur, Demetrio Volcic (Italy, Democratici di sinistra) has made great political and economic progress, but progress remains to be achieved regarding the transparency of rules relating to foreign investments and the conclusion of an agreement between the political parties on the country's regions.