Brussels, 26/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - The second series of negotiating meetings under the Belgian Presidency, at deputy-level on Friday, enabled several of the twelve candidate countries to close additional chapters or make progress in view of closing them soon. Here is an overview:
The Czech Republic closed two chapters (free movement of persons, financial control), taking the number of chapters for which negotiations are now over to 21. Pavel Telicka, Czech negotiator, declared to the press that, even though his country had decided to agree to the new improved EU offer on the free movement of workers, he remained convinced that the transition periods imposed by the EU were unjustified and "bad for the candidates". Prague understands that some Member States (Germany and Austria) are under pressure from public opinion, but "this has not to be repeated in other chapters".
Poland concluded negotiations on the environment, taking the total to 18. Under this chapter, Poland finally managed to secure 9 transitional periods, the length of which varies from 3 to 13 years. Jan Truszczynski, its new negotiator in chief, told the press that he welcomed this closure, "made possible thanks to the flexibility and constructive attitude of both sides". The new Polish Government intends pursuing negotiations with "energy, speed and resolve".
Considerable progress had been made on some chapters (taxation, company law, fisheries, transport, justice and internal affairs) but "hard work" and good will would be needed on both sides to reach "mutually acceptable" results, said Mr Truszczynski. He avoided signalling what solution might be proposed in sensitive chapters such as the free circulation of individuals and capital, saying that the Polish government was preparing a negotiation strategy that it would be unveiling "very, very soon".
Slovakia has closed its 20th chapter, Energy, having gained a 5-year transition period (until the end of 2008) for coming into line with legislation on oil stocks (a minimum of 90 days worth of oil). Bratislava had to confirm its decision to shut down the two old part of the Bohunice nuclear power station by 2006 and 2008.
Romania did not close any new chapters (it is still at 8), but opened negotiations on "taxation" and "social policy".
Slovenia has closed 23 chapters and is currently discussing justice and internal affairs issues. Its negotiator, Janez Potocnik, said that Slovenia was planning to close all chapters (save those having a large-scale financial impact) by the end of the year.
Bulgaria has closed negotiations on the telecommunications chapter and opened two new chapters: social policy and free circulation of individuals. It has now closed a total of 12 chapters.
Latvia concluded the customs union and fisheries chapter. Total number of closed chapters: 18.
Estonia: continued talks on justice and home affairs. Closed chapters remain at 19.
Malta: completed talks on Friday on transport (total number of closed chapters: 18).