Brussels, 03/11/2003 (Agence Europe) - The year 2004 will be a key period for the European Union expected to lead to the integration of ten new Member States and define the future form of the enlarged Europe. At the same time, the EU should ensure that its 453 million citizens are able to enjoy good prospects regarding stability and sustainable development. It is in this context that the Prodi Commission, whose mandate expires on 31 October next, has defined its legislative and work programme for 2004.
Adopted on 29 October 2003, the programme defines three key objectives concerning accession. First of all, the accession process must be completed for the ten new Member States joining the EU on 1 May 2004, which implies that the legal obligations of the Union and of the new Member States toward acquis communautaire should be met on the first day of membership. The Commission specifies that the priorities are implementation of legislation, and the extension of existing programmes and instruments to the new Member States, continued development of administrative capacity and the development of an economic convergence strategy. The second objective is to pursue negotiations with the other candidate countries (Bulgaria and Romania), examine the possibility of opening membership talks with Turkey and present a recommendation on this subject, as well as prepare an opinion concerning the request for Croatia's EU membership. Finally, the Commission plans to give shape to the future guidelines intended for the enlarged European Union and to consolidate the institutional and regulatory reform.
As far as stability is concerned, the Commission sets itself two priorities for 2004: 1) to develop a stable and comprehensive political framework for cooperation with neighbouring countries in order to create an area of peace, stability and prosperity and to avoid new dividing lines in Europe subsequent to the enlargement of the Union. 2) to develop internal EU policies that support stability and security, in particular consolidating progress towards creating an area of freedom, justice and security (completing the Tampere agenda) and to integrate those policies effectively in a coherent EU external action. Particular attention will be given to managing the common borders effectively, balancing tough action against illegal immigration with measures on the fair treatment and integration of legal immigrants, and further measures in the fight against crime and terrorism.
Finally, with regards sustainable growth, this is a broad priority that covers the actions designed to promote and develop the European Economic and Social model (prosperity, economic convergence, social cohesion, environmental protection and a better quality of life). The Commission plans to pursue the following aims: - reinforce the effective delivery of the strategic policy goals already set for the enlarged European Union; - highlight a certain number of concrete actions that will help to deliver sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for European citizens; - improve economic and budgetary policy coordination between Member States to secure the smooth functioning of EMU, and continue combating poverty and promoting sustainable growth in the wider world.
The Commission's working programme will be published in full in our series "Europe Documents".