TAIEX Annual Report 2006 by The Crew Communication

TAIEX2006 A

ctivity

Report

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TAIEX ACTIVITY REPORT 2006

Foreword

The accession of Bulgaria and Romania

Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) partner

on 1 January 2007 completed the

countries and Russia. The ENP’s

European

Union’s

fifth

objective is to bring partner countries

reuniting

closer to the European Union, aiming

Western and Eastern Europe after

at gradual economic integration and a

decades of division. Bulgaria and

deepening of political cooperation.

enlargement,

historic,

peacefully

Romania follow the ten countries that joined the EU on 1 May 2004: Czech

TAIEX

Republic,

Neighbourhood

Estonia,

Cyprus,

Latvia,

activity

the

European

Policy

partner

Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland,

countries and Russia has also proved

Slovakia and Slovenia.

very successful in its first months of existence, with almost 50 requests

Following the successful completion

from all beneficiary countries received

of this round of enlargement, the

in the second part of 2006. About

European Union keeps its doors open

11 events already took place in

to South-East Europe. This door is

2006 with above 800 participants.

open to enter for Turkey, Croatia and

Applications

other Western Balkan countries, once

processed by the Commission services

each of them satisfies the conditions

for further assistance to take place in

laid down for membership.

2007.

Turkey and Croatia started accession

I therefore present this report on

Olli Rehn

negotiations in October 2005, and

TAIEX activities in 2006 with great

Commissioner for Enlargement

the former Yugoslav Republic of

pleasure and satisfaction. The results

Macedonia became candidate for EU

underline the increasing importance of

membership in December 2005. The

the TAIEX instrument as a platform for

other countries of the Western Balkans

the constructive interchange of ideas

– Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina,

and expertise across the European

Montenegro and Serbia, including

Union. Ten year after its establishment,

Kosovo1 - are currently at different

TAIEX

stages in their European integration.

essential instrument to support the

are

continues

currently

being

prove

implementation of the EU’s legal order In

2006,

the

TAIEX

instrument

by the new Member States, candidate

mobilised more than 4,000 experts

and

from all Member State Administrations

and other beneficiary countries to

to participate in more than 1,000 events

pursue peace, prosperity, liberty and

attended by above 35,000 officials

democracy.

from all beneficiary countries. These activities - seminars, workshops, study and expert visits and peer reviews facilitate an exchange of best practices and experiences across the entire spectrum of the EU’s legal order. 2006 marked the 10th anniversary of TAIEX and saw, since June, the opening of the instrument to the European

Under UN Security Council Resolution 1244

potential

candidate

countries

TAIEX ACTIVITY REPORT 2006

Content

Foreword

Content

TAIEX Mission

Introduction

TAIEX Beneficiaries in 2006 Welcome to new beneficiaries European Neighbourhood Policy partner countries and Russia

Assistance to the Turkish Cypriot Community

Activity Report

Internal Market 12

Agriculture Veterinary and Phytosanitary issues 14

Infrastructure - Environment, Energy and Transport 16

Freedom, Security and Justice 18

Individual Mobilisation - Expert Missions And Study Visits

Peer Reviews and peer-based missions

Screening

Regional Training Program

Translation

TAIEX Databases

Expert Database, Expert Stock Exchange and Evaluation

Taiex Website

Financial Issues: Finance and Contracts

Summary - Key Statistics

TAIEX ACTIVITY REPORT 2006

TAIEX Mission

For the new Member States, the accession countries, the candidate countries and the potential candidate countries of the Western Balkans and the Turkish Cypriot community in the northern part of Cyprus:

• to provide institution building support with the view to assisting the process of transposing, implementing and enforcing the EU acquis communautaire • to organise centrally managed short-term technical co-operation for the benefit of EU partner administrations calling on public sector expertise in the Member States • to meet demand-driven requests for assistance from the beneficiary countries, and also respond to priorities identified by the Commission and Member States.

For the countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy as well as Russia:

• to provide targeted technical assistance in understanding and drafting legislation related to the action plans and to help them with implementation and enforcement.

TAIEX ACTIVITY REPORT 2006

Introduction

Enlargement has been at the heart of

adoption of the European Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal

the TAIEX events organised for the

the EUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development over several

order. Moreover, in 2006 the TAIEX

Western Balkans and ENP countries

decades. The very essence of European

instrument became available to the

as experts and speakers. Bilateral

integration is to overcome the division

European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)

assistance to the potential candidate

of Europe and to contribute to the

partner countries (Morocco, Algeria,

countries

peaceful unification of the continent.

Tunisia, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt,

140 events, including assistance to

Politically, EU enlargement has helped

Jordan, Israel, the Palestinian Authority,

newly-independent Montenegro. For

respond to major changes such as the

Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia,

the first time, the TAIEX instrument

fall of dictatorships and the collapse

Azerbaijan and Georgia) and Russia.

was available to the ENP countries

of communism. It has consolidated

The ENP aims to enhance prosperity,

and Russia. TAIEX has received more

democracy, human rights and stability

stability and good governance in the

than 50 requests since September

across the continent. Economically,

countries neighbouring the EU through

2006 from these countries. In the

enlargement has helped to increase

a deeper political relationship and

same period around 800 participants

prosperity

reached

economic integration. Bilateral Action

from the administrations of the ENP

Plans mutually agreed between the

partner countries have been trained.

respond better to the challenges of

EU and the partner countries set out in

Substantial assistance has been also

globalisation. This has brought direct

practical terms how to reach this aim.

given to the Turkish Cypriot Community

the

competitiveness,

territories

enabling

and

enlarged

Union

benefits for Europe as a whole.

totalling 57 events.

Enlargement has increased the EUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Overview

weight in the world and made it a

The technical assistance provided

Following the trend of previous years,

stronger international player.

by the TAIEX instrument is largely

the policy areas with the largest

demand driven.

number of activities were: Justice,

2006 was an important year for the

Freedom and Security (183), Internal

enlargement process. Bulgaria and

In 2006, a total of 35, 685 participants

Market (143) and Agriculture (130).

Romania undertook final preparations

from

countries

Study visits were also a very popular

for joining the European Union on

participated in 1,106 events involving

form of assistance (144) as well as the

1 January 2007. Turkey and Croatia

5,144 experts and speakers primarily

Regional Training Programme (153).

also intensified their integration efforts

from Member States administrations.

TAIEX has, over its first decade,

as did the former Yugoslav Republic

These

become

of Macedonia. Continuous work was

constant

carried out to ensure further progress

demonstrates

with the potential candidate countries

TAIEX as an instrument of know-how

accession institution building. It has

- Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina,

transfer and exchange of best practice

remained a highly responsive, fast and

Montenegro,

Serbia

and

Kosovo

all

beneficiary

positive

results

demand the

for

and

the

assistance

usefulness

integral

and

proven

tool for the implementation of the pre-accession

process

and

post-

for introduction and application of the

effective tool for short-term technical

(UNSCR1244).

acquis communautaire.

assistance.

In February 2006 the EU adopted a

Bulgaria and Romania were major

Prospects

Financial Aid Regulation to encourage

beneficiaries

The

the economic development of the

in the run up to their accession to

continue its efforts to provide pre and

Turkish Cypriot community. The overall

the European Union. In these two

post-accession

objective of the financial assistance

countries a total number of 255

the TAIEX instruments during 2007.

is to facilitate the reunification of

events were organised and around

It is expected to play an important

Cyprus by encouraging the economic

10,000

trained.

role in strengthening and assisting

development of the Turkish Cypriot

The other Member States of the

the institution building process in

community with particular emphasis

fifth enlargement were also very

all beneficiary partners - the new

on the economic integration of the

active users. While more specialised

Member States, candidate countries

island, on improving contacts between

requests were received from their

and

the two communities and with the

administrations, the new Member

and territories from the Western

EU, and on preparation for the gradual

State officials also participated in

Balkans. TAIEX will also continue

TAIEX

participants

assistance

were

European

potential

Commission assistance

candidate

will

through

countries

with the introduction of assistance in the ENP partner countries and Russia and will target its activities to help understand, draft and implement legislation related to the Action Plans or the National Indicative Programs. To do so effectively, a close coordination of activities has been put in place within

the

including

European EuropeAid

Commission Cooperation

Office, the Directorate General for External Relations and the European Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Delegations in partner countries. As TAIEX is essentially a demand-driven instrument, a proactive approach from the beneficiary administrations is essential. The demand for short-term technical assistance over the last ten years and the increased number of beneficiary partners demonstrates that TAIEX is well placed to be a valuable and efficient instrument of delivery in relation to the strengthening of the institution building and administrative capacity of the beneficiary countries for the coming years. The

Activity

Report

2006

offers

an annual summary of the TAIEX operation. It includes an introduction of the new beneficiaries, an overview of sector and horizontal activities and key annual statistics. Moreover, it includes some direct feedback from beneficiaries, particularly their quotations

and

comments

from

participating in various TAIEX events organised in the course of 2006.

TAIEX activity report 2006

TAIEX Beneficiaries in 2006

The New Member States

Cyprus Capital: Nicosia 9.000 km2 0.8 million inhabitants

Czech Republic Capital: Prague 79.000 km2 10.2 million inhabitants Estonia Capital: Tallinn 45.000 km2 1.4 million inhabitants Hungary Capital: Budapest 93.000 km2 10.2 million inhabitants

Latvia Capital: Riga 65.000 km2 2.4 million inhabitants

Lithuania Capital: Vilnius 65.000 km2 3.5 million inhabitants

Malta Capital: Valetta 315 km2 0.4 million inhabitants

Poland Capital: Warsaw 313.000 km2 38.6 million inhabitants

Slovakia Capital: Bratislava 49.000 km2 5.4 million inhabitants

Slovenia Capital: Ljubljana 20.000 km2 2.0 million inhabitants

Candidate Countries Bulgaria Capital: Sofia 111.000 km2 7.9 million inhabitants

Romania Capital: Bucharest 238.000 km2 22.4 million inhabitants

Turkey Capital: Ankara 775.000 km2 68.6 million inhabitants

Croatia Capital: Zagreb 56.594 km2 4.4 million inhabitants

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Capital: Skopje 25.713 km2 2 million inhabitants

Potential candidate countries and territories

Albania Capital : Tirana 28.748 km2 4.1 million inhabitants

Bosnia and Herzegovina Capital : Sarajevo 51.209 km2 3.8 million inhabitants

Georgia Capital: Tbilissi 69.700 km2 4.9 million inhabitants

Israel Capital: JĂŠrusalem 20.700 km2 6.3 million inhabitants

Jordan Capital: Amman 92.300 km2 5.1 million inhabitants

Libya Capital: Tripoli 1.759.540 km2 5.9 million inhabitants Lebanon Capital: Beyrouth 10.452 km2 3.8 million inhabitants

Kosovo (UNSCR 1244) 10.887 km2 1.9 million inhabitants

Moldova Capital: Chisinau 33.843 km2 4.3 million inhabitants

Montenegro Capital: Pristina 13.812 km2 620.145 inhabitants

Morocco Capital: Rabat 710.500 km2 33.2 million inhabitants

Serbia Capital: Belgrade 102.173 km2 8.1 million inhabitants

Syria Capital: Damas 185.180 km2 19 million inhabitants

ENP countries

Algeria Capital: Alger 2.381.741 km2 32.9 million inhabitants

Armenia Capital: Erevan 29.700 km2 3 million inhabitants

Azerbaijan Capital: Bakou 86.100 km2 7.8 million inhabitants

Belarus Capital: Minsk 207.600 km2 10.3 million inhabitants

Egypt Capital: Le Caire 995.450 km2 78.8 million inhabitants

Tunisia Capital: Tunis 163.610 km2 10 million inhabitants

Ukraine Capital: Kiev 603.700 km2 48.7 million inhabitants

West Bank and Gaza Strip Capital: Ramalah (interim) 6.200 km2 3.7 million inhabitants

Russia Capital: Moscow 17.075.200 km2 145 million inhabitants

The Turkish Cypriot community

LV LT

BY PL

SK MD

HU SI

HR BA

SCG HE KS MK1

CY LB PL IL JO LY

MK: Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: provisional code that does not affect the definitive denomination of the country to be attributed after the conclusion of the negotiations currentlytaking place in the United Nations.

TAIEX Beneficiaries

Welcome to new beneficiaries European Neighbourhood Policy partner countries and Russia The European Neighbourhood Policy

seminar, in Brussels on Intellectual

and Russia to submit requests for

(ENP) offers new perspectives to

Property Rights.

assistance.

with the European Union, inviting

TAIEX is an effective tool assisting

TAIEX is expected to play an increasing

them to closer political and economic

dissemination of know-how and good

role in facilitating the institution-

cooperation in more areas than ever

practices in various fields, primarily

building efforts in the neighbouring

before. TAIEX is one of the first

for the approximation of the acquis

countries in the years ahead, as

instruments introduced within this

communautaire. Vis-Ă -vis the new

part of the implementation of the

policy framework to improve and

beneficiaries in the neighbourhood, the

new European Neighbourhood and

strengthen relations between the

task of TAIEX is to deliver short-term

Partnership Instrument (ENPI) in force

Union and its neighbours.

technical assistance and expertise

since the 1 January 2007.

the partner countries sharing borders

helping to implement commitments Implemented with the support of

made in the Action Plans and National

EuropeAid Co-operation Office, the

Indicative

TAIEX instrument became available

framework, the TAIEX instrument

to the ENP partner countries and

can in particular provide targeted

Russia following the adoption of

assistance to aid the partner countries

Council Decision 2006/62/EC of 23

January 2006. Since then it has been

legislation, and supporting them with

gradually introduced to the partner

implementation and enforcement.

Programmes.

understanding

and

that

drafting

countries. Almost 50 requests for TAIEX assistance were received during

The opportunities offered by TAIEX

second half the year.

are many and far reaching. TAIEX can quickly and flexibly assist the partner

The

first

events

administrations in their efforts to

September for Jordanian authorities

understand, harmonise or implement

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; EU expertise in Amman in the field

various fields of the acquis and related

of Internal Market on trade issues and

areas and offer a platform for exchange

a study visit in the EU in the field of

of information and best practice

Justice and Home Affairs on counter

between EU Member States and ENP

terrorism. The first bilateral workshop

partner countries and Russia. TAIEX

covered the topic of waste packaging

can also be used to identify possible

and took place in Kiev in November

issues for future Twinning projects. It

2006. In the following month, TAIEX

is mainly a demand-driven instrument

organised

and it is up to the ENP partners

the

took

first

place

multi-country

Seminar on Dialogue and common activities between the OEI Member States, October 2006, Baku, Azerbaijan

TAIEX Beneficiaries

Assistance to the Turkish Cypriot Community 2006 saw the first real steps in

a new environment police strategy

line» in August 2006. It is expected

implementing

Aid

was adopted in April with the help

that this will now lead to increasing

Regulation following its adoption by

of medium term experts following

and stable trading patterns in potatoes

the Council in February. Whilst the

in the coming growing seasons.

emphasis in financial terms will be

Congress. The pursuit of this policy

towards investment in infrastructure

strategy is also expected to be helped

Towards the end of the year first steps

(e.g.

the

water

Financial

supplies

management)

some

TAIEX

sponsored

Environment

and

waste

by the reorganisation in September of

were taken towards the preparation

€11

million

administrative structures responsible

of a «Programme for the Future

for environment matters.

Application of the Acquis» (PFAA).

has been committed to technical assistance to be provided through the

This programme will help to structure

TAIEX programme. The purpose of

Medium term expertise has also

and

this assistance is:

been provided in the agriculture and

technical assistance under the TAIEX

«Preparation of legal texts aligned

veterinary areas where agreement was

programme with a view to supporting a

with

the

acquis

target

the

prioritisation

communautaire

reached to prepare new strategies for

successful reunification. It is expected

for the purpose of these being

the future application of the acquis and

that a first version of the «PFAA» will

immediately

be completed in 2007.

the

the strengthening of the economic

entry into force of a comprehensive

applicable

prospects of the related industries.

settlement of the Cyprus problem»;

Support was given to help manage

Perspectives

and «Preparation for implementation

the outbreak of avian influenza in the

Overall, the assistance provided in

of the acquis communautaire in view

northern part of Cyprus in January

2006 has demonstrated the means to

of the withdrawal of its suspension in

2006.

contingency

allow the delivery and absorption of

accordance with Article 1 of Protocol

plans prepared by Turkish Cypriot

increased technical assistance. This will

N° 10 to the Act of Accession.»

veterinarians with TAIEX support were

require a continued commitment by the

an important factor in the successful

Turkish Cypriot leadership. With these

In order to facilitate the implementation

management of the outbreak. A

challenges

of the total aid programme of €259

follow-up simulation exercise was

it is expected that a comprehensive

million by 2011, an EU Programme

also supported in December to ensure

programme of assistance should be

Support

established

that lessons learnt from the outbreak

established with the Turkish Cypriots

in the northern part of Cyprus in

had been taken on board and that the

in 2007 using the preparation of

September. This will support a more

various stakeholders were well aware

the PFAA as the guideline. Such a

comprehensive approach to technical

of procedures to be followed.

long term and sustained assistance

Office

upon

was

The

veterinary

assistance delivery, as well as enhanced

successfully

managed,

programme will only be possible with

monitoring of the assistance carried

Another priority has continued to be the

the willingness of Member States to

out. It will provide the opportunity

support to the implementation of the

make experts available on a medium

for improved contacts with the local

«Green Line» Regulation. Following

to long term basis. The year ahead

community and for more effective

the completion of training for the

should therefore see a much more

co-ordination between donors and

Chamber of Commerce on rules and

intensive use of experts over a wider

understanding of local needs.

certification for goods traded across

number of areas than has so far been

the line, emphasis has been placed

possible but this will be based on

Priorities

on continued surveillance of citrus

the successful ground-work made in

priorities

and potato production by Commission

2006.

continued to be to support the creation

appointed independent experts from

and

Member

During

2006

the

development

structures development the

coordination

contributing

harmonisation with

main

aid

and

States.

Following

such

towards

surveillance and testing of potatoes

administrative

over two years, the health status of

strategies

consistent

programme’s

potatoes grown from EU originated

aims.

seeds has been confirmed and the

Particular progress has been achieved

first consignments of potatoes were

in the area of environment where

successfully traded across the «green

TAIEX activity report 2006

TAIEX ACTIVITies in 2006 10 Seminar on Fight against fraud in CAP matters (structural funds), March 2006, Bratislava

Workshop on the preparation of the Presidency, October 2006, Prague

Training on Witness protection, February 2006, Budapest

Annual meeting of TAIEX National contact persons, June 2006, Brussels

Seminar on Application of Community law, October 2006, Bucharest

Peer Review on Food processing establishments, February 2006, Sofia

Seminar on Dialog and common activities between OEI Member States, October 2006, Armenia

Workshop pn the preparation of the Presidency, May 2006, Ljubljana

11 Expert Mission on Measuring Instruments Directive, august 2006,Tirana

Workshop on animal welfare, april 2006, Kosice

LV LT

SK HU SI

MD RO

HR BA

KS MK1 AL

GE AM

CY LB PL IL LY

TAIEX ACTIVITies

Internal Market 12

Financial Services Particularly active in this field was Turkey where a series of events covering issues such as insurances, securities or outsourcing of financial services

were

organised.

Similar

events have been organised in Bulgaria and Romania and the Western Balkan countries. The Member States preparing for adoption

the

Euro

requested

assistance on introduction of the Euro. During various workshops a strategy of communication to the public on the Seminar on Rules of origin, October 2006, Belgrade

benefits of the single currency and on

The single market is at the core of the

Rapid Alert System for Non-Food

the issues to be aware of during the

European Union (EU). The creation of

Products (RAPEX) has been one of

transitional period was presented to

the internal market is supported by

the core topics for assistance, with

countries including Slovenia, Hungary

policies and measures at an EU level

the aim of enforcing the right of the

and the Czech Republic.

that Member States have adopted and

citizens to being informed about and

are implementing in order to ensure

protected from dangerous products

Other areas

free trade and free movement within

that may be commercialised on the

In response to an increasing demand

the Union. For this reason, assistance

market. TAIEX also contributed to

especially

that relates to the internal market

strengthen the role of consumer

countries a series of technical events

is of importance, not only for the

organisations in public awareness

were organised in cooperation with

direct beneficiaries of assistance, but

campaigning, consumer education and

the national authorities on competition

also for the continued and improved

safety control. Education of traders in

functioning of the EU as a whole.

order to rebalance the power weight

It is to be expected that a topic as

between consumer organisation and

broad as internal market encompasses

businesses have been topics largely

a broad range of issues. More than

debated in the consumer protection

140 events organised in 2006 clearly

seminars in 2006, while more specific

indicate this diversity. Beneficiaries’

sectoral events have been earmarked

requests for assistance during last

for 2007.

year also reflected the scope of issues

In the field of public health three

covered by the internal market – new

major multi-country events took place

approach directives, financial market

in Brussels. A number of workshops

regulations,

chemical

procurement

policy,

from

the

accession

legislation,

was also organised in the areas

employment,

such as disease prevention policies,

health and safety, social and labour

the creation of synergies between

and state aid. A number of workshops

policy issues and many others.

relevant national bodies for disease

were held in the area of Intellectual

control, blood and organ transplants

Property Rights and related topics.

and European biomedical ethics.

In the field of copyright protection

Consumer Protection

Seminar on Application of Community Law, October 2006, Bucharest

TAIEX organised several series of

and trademarks a new range of

thematic training events on different

beneficiaries

aspects of the consumer policy. The

such as right holders association and

have

been

included

“Interesting speakers and a reactive audience. Enjoyable + informative.” Participant in the seminar on Data protection under the Third pillar: EU Information systems and the protection of individual rights, 21-22 September 2006, Budapest

coalitions,

management

European integration for the National

good practices.

societies and representatives of IT and

Assemblies of the Western Balkans for

Major topics of the assistance in the

cultural industries.

the benefit of the civil servants of the

area of social affairs in 2006 were

assemblies of Bosnia and Herzegovina

labour law, equal opportunities, social

and Republic of Serbia.

dialogue and social security schemes.

Prime Ministers of South Eastern

Health and safety at work constitutes

The inclusion of the ENP partner

European countries and territories in

an important part of the European

countries and Russia among the

December 2006), TAIEX organised

Union’s social policy and accounts for

beneficiaries of TAIEX assistance is

four multi-country Round Tables in

a substantial corpus of the European

a significant step in the area of the

Brussels between June and October.

legislation. In October 2006, a high

internal market, as it forms a key

collective

facilitate

the

preparation

the Central European Free Trade Agreement

(eventually

signed

level seminar on Occupational Health

element of their closer cooperation

The Western Balkans in general

and Safety was organised in close co-

with the European Union.

were given substantial assistance in

operation with the Directorate General

It is expected that an increasing

2006. Besides a considerable number

for Employment, Social Affairs and

number of informative events will be

of events specifically devoted to

Equal Opportunities and hosted by

organised for these partner countries

this region, often officials from the

the Ministry of Labour of Croatia for

to assist in the implementation of

administrations of the these countries

the benefit of all ministries of Social

the Action Plans and of the National

were associated to events organised

Affairs and Labour of the Western

Indicative Programmes.

mainly for new Member States or

Balkans. High level speakers from the

candidate

TAIEX

Commission and from the Member

continued the series of seminars on

States contributed to the exchange of

countries.

Also,

Number of events per country according to host / location New Member States 4

1 5 9 3 3 7

n Czech Republic n Estonia n Hungary n Latvia n Lithuania n Malta n Poland n Slovak Republic n Slovenia

Total: 38 Potential Candidate Countries and Territories 2

Candidate Countries 2

1 8 3

4 2

Total: 17

n Albania n Bosnia and Herzegovina n Montenegro n Serbia n Serbia and Montenegro n Kosovo (UNSCR1244)

n Bulgaria n Romania n Turkey n Croatia n former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Total: 56

“Thank you for the possibility to meet real practitioners! It was very useful to have together the representatives from the municipalities (ones who purchase) and from the enterprises (suppliers)!” Participant in the workshop on EU Public procurement procedures, 25-26 September2006, Dangavpils, Latvia

TAIEX ACTIVITies

Agriculture veterinary and phytosanitary issues 14

In preparation for the accession of

their impending first EU Presidencies,

of actions recommended in the 2005

Bulgaria

support

the

veterinary assessment missions. In

assistance was provided throughout

agriculture and environment ministries

the new Member States actions mainly

the

of the Czech Republic and Slovenia

focused on implementation of animal

to guide them on administrative

health acquis, including avian influenza

requirements and policy issues likely to

and foot and mouth disease, as well as

and

Romania,

agriculture,

intensified

veterinary

and

phytosanitary sectors.

Agriculture

was

provided

for

be on the agenda in 2007-2008. Other

the training of border inspection post

agriculture,

new Member State actions covered

staff.

emphasis was on implementation

practical training on beef carcass

and enforcement of the Common

classification,

Agricultural

marketing

the

domain

Policy

through

Peer

and

vegetable

standards,

fruit

forestry

Phytosanitary Following

last

yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

assessment

Reviews of integrated administration

policy, audit of farm payments and

missions in the phytosanitary and

and control systems (IACS) and market

implementation of rural development

veterinary sectors to the Western

management of the beef, dairy, wine

programmes.

Balkans. 14 reports with extensive

and fruit and vegetable sectors. Actions also

covered

trade

mechanisms,

information on the future needs in its

the sectors have been finalized. A

organic farming, rural development

TAIEX

collaboration with the Joint Research

has

strengthened

series of follow-up meetings or video

and state aids in agriculture.

Centre by facilitating the participation

conferences took place to discuss

of Western Balkan experts in jointly

the future plan of activities for each

organized events covering specific

technical issues in the agriculture and

constitute the basis of the technical

research sectors.

assistance programme for 2006 , 2007

these

countries/entities.

They

and beyond.

Veterinary A host of priority actions were

For the new Member States, Romania

delivered to Bulgaria and Romania

and Bulgaria, a series of seminars in

in the veterinary sector in close

the field of active substances were

cooperation

initiated (comprising general issues, assessment &

the fight against animal diseases such

methods,

as Classical Swine Fever.

assessment of fate and behaviour in

In its

methodologies

are

essential

Directorate

Protection (DG SANCO), not least in

Sound

statistics

the

General for Health and Consumer

Seminar on Dialog and Common activities between the OEI Member states, October 2006, Tbilisi, Georgia

agricultural

with

chemical

identity,

properties, toxicology,

physical analytical residues,

the environment and assessment of 2006

TAIEX

collaboration

strengthened

with

the

ecotoxicology).

World

There was close collaboration with DG

for

Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)

SANCO in the fields of phytosanitary

candidate and potential candidate

and its member countries through

sector, in particular for Romania and

countries alike in their formulation of

including

Bulgaria in view of their accession to

agricultural and trade policies.

opening events in Georgia, Armenia

the EU (registration of plant varieties in

A programme of assistance has been

and

the

the national catalogues). Furthermore,

initiated in this domain in association

collaboration was extended to the

activities for Croatia and Turkey were

with Eurostat with follow up actions

Council of Europe for workshops on

intensified (assessment missions on

foreseen in each beneficiary through

animal welfare.

food and feed).

series

Azerbaijan.

seminars

Furthermore,

2007. Activity In view of the preparations required for

the

Western

Balkans

centred around the implementation

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The event would be on the highest rating from professional view. Excellent event programme, practice and event overall time schedule. Thanks for TAIEX support.â&#x20AC;? Participant in the workshop on Medical devices, 8-10 June 2006, Warsaw

Number of participants per country (participants origine)

New Member States

Candidate Countries

101

164 147

483

760 57

175 26

n Czech Republic n Estonia n Hungary n Malta n Poland n Slovak Republic n Slovenia

799

n Bulgaria n Romania n Turkey n Croatia n former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia 434

828

295

Total: 2708

Total: 1561 Potential Candidate Countries and Territories 29 67

217

n Albania n Serbia & Montenegro n Bosnia & Herzegovina n Serbia n Montenegro n Kosovo (UNSCR1244)

187

214

Total: 863

Assessment Mission in veterinary sector, May 2006, Albania

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I find the seminar extremely useful. Two comments for further improvement: much time was devoted to well known cases and there was no coordination between some of the lectures.â&#x20AC;? Participant in the seminar on Application of Community law in Bulgaria, 11 October 2006, Sofia

TAIEX ACTIVITies

Infrastructure - Environment, Energy And Transport 16

Transport

contributor. Seminars on the big

With the mid-term review of the White

trans-European rail network projects

Paper on Transport Policy in 2006,

(TENs) were organised in Bulgaria in

transport was brought very much to the

March and one on the European Rail

fore in moving mobility to the heart of

Traffic Management System (ERTMS)

the Lisbon Strategy. Some 50 technical

in Poland in January to support the

assistance actions were organised by

implementation and enforcement of

TAIEX in 2006 making up 45% of the

the acquis in the increasingly liberalised

total number of infrastructure events

rail sector market. A number of Road

organised throughout the year. Sectors

events were also organised by TAIEX

covered included maritime, inland

reflecting a modal shift on the part

transport and aviation. Within these

of transport policy towards a more

areas of activity were also jointly-

competitive and efficient transport

programmed

co-organised

policy including Road. In total, 5 Rail

The Infrastructure sector combines

with partners such as the European

and 6 separate Road events were

a number of activities in support

Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), the

organised including the first ever

of transposing, implementing and

European Civil Aviation Conference

TAIEX event in newly-independent

enforcing the acquis communautaire

(ECAC) and EUROCONTROL. TAIEX

Montenegro in June 2006.

for our beneficiaries in the areas

collaborated closely throughout the

covered by transport, energy and

year with the Air Transport Directorate

Energy

environment.

of Directorate General for Energy and

Some 11 technical assistance actions

Transport (DG TREN). In particular,

were organised in 2006 making up 10%

By the end of 2006, TAIEX assistance in

this meant support for a number of

of the total number of Infrastructure

these three sectors involved some 111

multilateral follow up meetings in

events

separate technical assistance actions.

implementing the European Common

year. Energy policy has gained an

A new dimension was also added to

Aviation Area (ECAA) agreement. The

increasingly prominent role throughout

the operation by TAIEX instrument

agreement itself rests on the two

2006 be it on supporting actions to

support with capacity building under

indivisible pillars of aligning aviation

promote renewable sources of energy

the European Neighbourhood Policy

security and safety standards and

to market liberalisation in the oil, gas

(ENP). In 2006 3 events in ENP

regulations and the creation of a single

and electricity sectors and issues on

countries

the

market for aviation by opening up

security of supply. In particular, TAIEX

infrastructure sector: one in Ukraine

market opportunities for the aviation

was called upon to assist in organising

on waste packaging in November;

industry in the Balkans region. 7

a series of multilateral events in

one in Israel on environmental risks by

assessment missions were organised

support of implementing the Energy

financial institutions in December and

aviation

Community Treaty signed in Athens

one in Morocco on afforestation and

administrations complementing the

last year. Under the Treaty, signed

reforestation also in December. ENP

work of the 9 Working Group meetings

between the European Union and 9

participants also attended at 4 other

held throughout the year with 9 more

partners (all TAIEX beneficiaries) in

multi-country aviation safety events

to follow in 2007. Whilst aviation

South-East Europe1 a legal framework

co-organised with the European Civil

took the lion’s share of transport

was created for an integrated energy

Aviation Conference (ECAC).

events, Rail was also an important

market. To help prepare for this, TAIEX

were

organised

Western

actions

Balkan

civil

organised

throughout

the

“I intend to question by email the lecturers, who encouraged the audience to do so. The Bulgarian Public Procurement Agency personnel are helpful also.” Participant in the workshop on EU legislation in public procurement and proposed amendments in the Bulgarian Public procurement law, 7-8 June 2006, Sofia “In spite of some organizational misunderstandings before the seminar, it was in the end very fruitful event with excellent speakers from the Czech Republic, the other EU countries as well as the EC also allowing for open debate on the euro introduction topic. Thank you.” Participant in the seminar on Introduction of the Euro, 2-3 October 2006, Prague Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia , Montenegro, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Romania, Bulgaria and UNMIK/Kosovo (UNSCR 1244). Negotiations with Turkey are still ongoing. 1

was requested to organise workshops

with the Joint Research Centre (JRC).

sector, with a multi-country workshop

in Bosnia-Herzegovina in February and

This level of activity is set to continue

organised in Estonia in December and

in Kosovo (UNSCR 1244) in March

in 2007. Areas of activity covered

a single-country event in Romania in

2006.

included seminars to support the

March. Bulgaria and Romania were

implementation for ratifying the Basel

the largest beneficiaries preparing for

In order to facilitate Turkey’s eventual

Protocol;

EU accession on 1 January 2007.

membership in the Energy Community,

under the Water Framework Directive

Taiex has been requested to support a

(WFD); the Directive covering the

Following on an initiative to support

big EU-Turkey Energy Conference in

prevention

green public procurement co-organised

mid 2007.

dangerous substances (SEVESO II);

with

the Directive on Integrated Pollution

Directorates General for Environment

Environmental Policy

Prevention & Control (IPPC); support

and Internal Market & Services in

Some 50 technical assistance actions

in the proper enforcement of the EU

Brussels in September 2005 for the

were organised in 2006 including

Drinking Water (DW) and Urban Waste

10 new Member States, successful

many programmed actions in close

Water Directive (UWWD) amongst

single-country follow up events were

co-operation

others. Waste and waste shipment

held in both Cyprus in September and

featured

Lithuania in November.

with

Commission’s

the

Directorate

European General

for Environment (DG ENV) and one

groundwater

modelling

accidents

heavily

involving

requests

for

the

European

Commission’s

TAIEX support, including the mining

Number of events per country according to host/location New Member States 2

Candidate Countries 2

4 2

n Cyprus n Czech Republic n Estonia 2 n Hungary n Latvia n Lithuania n Malta n Poland 4 n Slovak Republic n Slovenia

Total: 42

Total: 32 Potential Candidate Countries and Territories 2

Total: 13

n Bulgaria n Romania n Turkey n Croatia n former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

n Albania n Bosnia and Herzegovina n Montenegro n Serbia n Serbia and Montenegro n Kosovo (UNSCR1244)

TAIEX ACTIVITies

Freedom, Security And Justice 18

Free movement of persons, external

Assistance was also given for several

border

countries in the area of fight against

policy,

control, asylum,

Schengen, migration,

visa judicial

drug abuse and precursors.

cooperation in civil matters, judicial cooperation in criminal matters, the

A seminar on the European arrest

fight against organised crime, i.e.

warrant was held in Malta and one

the fight against money laundering,

workshop on seizure of property in

trafficking in human beings, drugs,

criminal proceedings and confiscation

the

fight

against

corruption

and

Visa took place in the Slovak Republic,

in Prague.

fraud, the fight against terrorism and

the Czech Republic, in Estonia and

fight against fraud in the area of

a closer cooperation between police

Latvia. Training for trainers of narcotics

CAP (Common Agricultural Policy),

forces are only some of the subjects

search dogs was delivered as well as

organised together with OLAF (the

dealt with in Title VI of the EU Treaty

information about drug scanners.

European Anti-Fraud Office) took place

- Articles 29 to 42 and Title IV of the

Three workshops on

in Bratislava.

EC Treaty - Articles 61 to 69. European

The Czech Ministry of Interior asked

To explain the nature of the specific

legislation

develop

for assistance in the area of biometric

legal acts of the third pillar a series of

and evolve towards strengthening

continues

E-passports, asylum law including the

seminars were organised in several

the European Union as an area of

country of origin rules, the fight against

capitals. A workshop for prosecutors

Freedom, Security and Justice (JLS).

trafficking in human beings, the fight

on the principles and instruments

against terrorism, the Schengen air

of the third pillar, including the

TAIEX has also increased assistance

borders, the fight against corruption

work of EUROJUST and EUROPOL

in this field. In 2006, 183 events were

and the topic of seizure of proceeds

was held in Bratislava. Prosecutors

organised

covering

of crime. A visit to the Belgium Child

from several new Member States

countries. The target groups included

all

beneficiary

Focus

met in Warsaw to discuss how to

not only officials of the Ministries of

learn about the Belgian experience

improve

Justice and Interior, but also to an

with missing and sexually exploited

border crime. Estonian prosecutors

even larger extent those who have

children.

Centre

was

organised

the

fight

against

cross-

to apply the acquis in their daily work: judges, prosecutors, police officials,

Data protection under the third pillar:

officials from other law enforcement

EU Information Systems and the

agencies, border guards, the migration

protection of individual rights was the

and

title of a seminar organised together

asylum

authorities,

customs

departments.

with the Academy of European Law (ERA). The seminar took place in all

New Member States

the new Member States.

With regard to the new Member States

Police cooperation was a major issue

had an interesting workshop on how

assistance focused very much on the

for all. Topics included the fight

to best investigate environmental

preparation for entering the Schengen

against organised crime, how to better

crime.

Latvian

area. About 1600 police officers were

investigate and combat motor vehicle

about

pre-trial

trained in Latvia and Estonia to be

crime and how to correctly check

proceedings concerning road traffic

able to cope with the requirements of

documents during police controls.

accidents. Slovak and Czech judges

the Schengen agreement. Numerous

Other issues were the electronic

and prosecutors visited Brussels and

seminars related to Schengen as well

monitoring during probation, forensic

The Hague to get acquainted with the

as the implementing agreements,

expertise, criminal analysis and crime

acquis in the area of JLS.

SIS, SIRENE, the Uniform Schengen

prevention.

prosecutors investigation

learnt and

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a lot to be done in the sector of road safety in Poland, therefore further workshops should be organised in order to give all possible help and guidance to the local governments.â&#x20AC;? Participant in the workshop on Road safety in the region of Warmi and Mazury, 19-20 October 2006, Stare Jablonki, Poland

In the area of civil law, a programme on

the

acquis

and

international

conventions in the area of custody of children was received with interest by family law judges in Vilnius, Nicosia,

Bratislava,

Budapest

and

Tallinn. Nicosia also had a general seminar on all the acquis in civil law. A workshop on problems of crossborder insolvency took place in Tartu, Estonia. In Kromeriz, numerous Czech judges came together to learn about the European Enforcement Order, the European Order for Payment and the issue of small claims. Workshop on Firearms, May 2005, Prague

Slovenia and the Czech Republic

problems concerning the rights of

to the political criteria. Themes were

received

residence. Seminars on constitutional

combating ill treatment and torture,

prepare their first Presidencies of

repeated

assistance

matters as well as on the nature of

improving womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights and fighting

the EU.

the legal instruments of the third pillar

domestic violence as well as freedom

were also organised.

of expression. Numerous judges and

Candidate countries

prosecutors and representatives of

In 2006 the acceding states Romania

A joint seminar on fighting corruption

and Bulgaria, particularly Romania,

for officials of both countries took

asked for support. Subjects concerned

place in Rome.

Western Balkans

the country of origin rules, the

Croatia as a candidate country asked

In relation to the Western Balkans,

integration of biometrics in travel

for assistance in the area of drug

Macedonia as well as Montenegro

documents, European standards of

policy, money laundering and the

asked for assistance in the field of anti-

identity cards, forgery of documents,

requirements

money laundering. Representatives

police and judicial cooperation in

external borders as well as CEPOL.

for

controlling

the

relation to Schengen, SIRENE and

NGOs attended these events.

from all Western Balkan countries met in Brussels to learn about biometrics

risk analysis for the border police.

In Turkey, the other candidate country,

in travel documents. In Belgrade a

Workshops took also place in relation

a series from the year 2005 to

seminar on border management took

to witness protection, fighting drug

inform lawyers about the European

place and another one in Subotica

criminality, fighting corruption, joined

Convention on Human Rights continued

on border control issues. Again all

investigation teams, free movement

in several cities. Judicial cooperation in

countries were represented at a

and the right of residence.

family law matters was the issue at a

seminar in Skopje on drug policy and

The Romanian Supreme Court judges

workshop for judges in Istanbul while

in Dubrovnik on the independence of

were introduced to the acquis in the

the acquis in the area of asylum and

the Judiciary. In Skopje, a workshop

area of judicial cooperation in civil and

migration was the topic of a seminar

for all Western Balkan countries was

criminal law matters.

in Ankara. Support was given on the

held on the role of the Ombudsman.

Bulgaria benefited from a series

topics of financing of terrorism, crime

A first event in Kosovo for the legal

of events on police and judicial

prevention,

community presented the EU legal

cooperation in relation to Schengen,

EUROPOL and EUROJUST (CARIN)

visa regulations and the Common

and to prosecution of cyber criminality.

Consular Handbook as well as about

Three major seminars were related

preventing

corruption,

system.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The practice in the field of copyright and related rights in Bulgaria meets different problems and seminars like the one you organised are a step toward a better understanding of the matter.â&#x20AC;? Participant in the seminar on Copyright and related rights, 19 September 2006, Sofia

TAIEX ACTIVITies

Freedom, Security And Justice 20

Czech judges had a seminar on general principles of EU law and the role of the national judge. The preliminary ruling procedure was the subject of a seminar for the Superior Council on Magistracy in Bucharest. The same subject was dealt with at a seminar for representatives from all the highest Administrative Courts of the ten new Member States. Administrative judges also met on two other occasions to discuss their role as a national judge for the EU. Latvian judges attended a training in general EC law and civil and criminal law in Brussels. A seminar on access to justice was

Workshop on the preparation of the Presidency, October 2006, Prague

ENP and Russia Activities

for

Neighbourhood

the

European

Policy

countries

organised in Malta, a project which

false implementation of a legislative

is planned to be offered to all new

measure.

Member States in the course of 2007.

and Russia started with assistance

A «train-the-trainers» approach was

given to Jordan concerning the fight

established together with the National

against corruption and financing of

Institute of Magistrates (NIM). A

terrorism (establishment of a Financial

selected group of seven judges, with

Intelligence Unit). Israel had a first

sound-knowledge in EC law, had on

seminar on fight in trafficking in human

several occasions intensive two days

beings. This was also the topic at a

discussions with EC law experts from

three day conference for high police

the old Member States on topics such

officials coming from several of our

as: Art. 234 EC Treaty, intellectual

beneficiary countries (new Member

property

States, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia,

competition law, civil and criminal law,

Western Balkans, ENP countries and

anti-discrimination law. These judges

Russia that took place in Athens.

will in the future train the Romanian

rights,

trademark

law,

judiciary. Romanian Supreme Court

European Law & Training of the Judiciary

judges received support to inform

The Justice, Freedom and Security

contract law, company law).

team

TAIEX

also

them about substantive EC law (i.e.

organised

assistance on more traditional issues

Training of judges started in cooperation

of European law.

with the Croatian Judicial Academy. 10 seminars took place in five different

A seminar was organised for Slovakia

cities each on general principles of

Procedure

Community law and on the procedures

(Article 226 EC Treaty) informing

before the ECJ. This cooperation will

ministry officials how the European

continue in 2007.

the

Infringement

Commission proceeds against non or

“I was very satisfied, but the topics were very extensive and it would be maybe better to leave more time for discussion.” Study visit to The Netherlands on Judicial review in the area of asylum, 21 September 2006, The Hague

TAIEX ACTIVITies

Individual Mobilisation - Expert Missions And Study Visits Study Visits and Expert Mobilisation

focus on the acceding and candidate

expertise in 2006. France is leading

are tailored instruments designed for

countries which represented more

with 40 % of the events, followed

the training needs of the beneficiary

than the half of the activity (137).

by the United Kingdom with 32%,

authorities. Visits to a Member State

Bulgaria was the first beneficiary with

Germany 28% and Italy 18%. A

or the mission of a Member State

54 followed by Romania 39 events

second group of Member States is

expert are short term activities (one

and Turkey with 21 events. The former

quite active with Denmark (14%), the

week maximum) and they focus on

Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and

Netherlands (14%), Slovenia (13%) and

the implementation of very specific

Croatia increased their participation

Spain (9%). 14% of the experts come

aspects of the EU acquis such as the

in the program with respectively

from the EC Community institutions or

revision of a draft legislation, requests

13 and 10 events. The participation

organisations.

of training on the spot or familiarisation

of the new Member States slightly

with the best practices in a Member

decreased in comparison with the

In terms of projects according to areas of

State administration. The large majority

figures of 2005 (from 38% to 36%).

assistance, the main pattern remained

of requests are made directly by the

The smaller new Member States

the same as for 2005. The main areas

beneficiary authorities.

seem to appreciate the flexibility of

of assistance were the agriculture,

the instruments. Cyprus was the most

veterinary and fisheries sectors with

In 2006, the focus was on further

active beneficiary (13 events) followed

30% of the projects. It was followed

improvement of quality of activities

by Slovenia (11 projects), Estonia

by projects in the field of environment

and their coordination with the other

(10 events) and Lithuania (9 events).

13%, free movement of goods 12%

EU instruments. As a consequence

Participation of the Western Balkan

and transport 11%. Besides these

the

countries increased from 6% to 9%.

main sectors, activity increased in the

assistance in the beneficiary countries

quality

and

the

impact

The participation of the ENP countries

field of telecommunications and in the

has increased. For this reason the total

and Russia is also expected to increase

field of competition law especially in

number of events slightly decreased

in 2007.

the Western Balkans. This structure of

to 250. The two instruments were

assistance is expected to continue in

very highly rated by the beneficiaries

regards

expert

in terms of usefulness and relevance.

participation,

Assistance in 2006 continued to

States have provided the most of the

the

and

larger

speaker

2007.

Member

Training of trainers, RTP Nikosia, November 2006

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just had some problems with check in to the hotel - the reservation was not done properly, but after some assistance from TAIEX the problem was solved. Otherwise everything was perfect.â&#x20AC;? Czech participant in the study visit to Berlin in the area of the fight against corruption, 19-20 September 2006, Berlin

TAIEX ACTIVITies

Peer Reviews and peer-based missions 22

Throughout the accession process,

Between January and March 2006

reviews, these missions nonetheless

peer reviews have served as an

a total of 36 peer reviews were

contributed to the annual reporting of

important tool for acceding countries

conducted in Bulgaria (19) and Romania

the European Commission regarding

and the European Commission. This

(17). These peer reviews concentrated

Justice Freedom and Security in the

has remained the case in 2006 during

on the so called «red areas» that were

countries concerned and provided it

the final phase of the accession

highlighted in the 2005 Comprehensive

with up-to-date information.

process for Bulgaria and Romania.

Monitoring Reports for both countries. The peer review reports served as key

The overall objective of a peer review

contributions to the monitoring reports

is to determine whether adequate

that were published in May 2006 for

administrative

both Bulgaria and Romania.

infrastructure

and

capacity are in place in acceding countries in order to ensure full

Based on the conclusions of the May

implementation of the acquis. The

reports a further 7 peer reviews (4

resulting reports are used to better

for Bulgaria and 3 for Romania) were

target further assistance with the goal

organised in the areas of key concern.

of timely and complete implementation

These final peer reviews contributed to

of the acquis.

the conclusions of the final monitoring reports for Bulgaria and Romania that

Peer reviews have also played a key role

were published in September 2006.

in providing additional information for the Commission’s ongoing monitoring

Three important peer assessment

activities

countries.

missions in the Justice, Freedom and

During 2006 they played a crucial role

for

acceding

Security field to Turkey, Croatia and

in the intensified monitoring process

Kosovo were organised in June and

for Bulgaria and Romania.

July 2006. Though not formal peer

Assessment Mission in Veterinary sector, May 2006, Albania

“Bearing in mind that Kosovo is in the beginning of this process in my view we will need further assistance for translation of the acquis.” Participant in the Technical meeting on translation of the acquis into Albanian language, 30 June 2006, Pristine

TAIEX ACTIVITies

Screening Accession negotiations represent a

and October 2006. In addition to 99

long and complex process and it is

meetings foreseen for the 33 chapters

important that they are concluded on

a well informed basis. To provide all

and 66 bilateral), one meeting was

negotiating sides with a sound and

added during which the Commission

trustworthy basis, the first act of this

explained the «Lisbon process» and

process consists of an exhaustive

its progress and challenges.

analysed

(33

explanatory

analysis of the legal framework which regulates all issues to be tackled.

Falling somehow outside the normal

This first step has become known as

framework of activities performed by

screening.

the TAIEX Instrument, the organisation of 100 screening meetings imposed a

For the purpose of screening, the acquis

supplementary effort, rewarded by the

communautaire has been divided into

general appreciation expressed by the

chapters reflecting the broad sectors

two candidate countries as well as the

coming under the European Union’s

Commission services.

policy framework. For each chapter, two meetings are convened. The first is an explanatory screening meeting, during which Commission officials present to the candidate countries the existing legislative acts and explain their meaning and implications. The second, usually taking place four to six weeks later, is a bilateral screening meeting, involving separately each country, whose officials have the opportunity to inform the Commission about their national legislation linked to the same chapter. These meetings aim to evaluate the degree of compatibility of each candidate country’s legislation with the acquis communautaire and provide therefore a common basis for future negotiations. The

TAIEX

instrument

has

been

involved from the very beginning in the screening process with Croatia and Turkey, as it had been in similar activities conducted with the countries which eventually acceded the EU in 2004 and 2007. In close cooperation with all Commission services involved, one hundred screening meetings were organised between October 2005 “TAIEX part was fully accomplished (excellent interpretation and overview), arrangements were very good. The agenda was met completely.“ Participant in the Regional workshop on translation of the acquis into Albanian language, 26 April 2006, Pristine

TAIEX ACTIVITies

Regional Training Program 24

The rationale behind the Regional

as well as updates on the legislation at

experts led this workshop to be

Training Programme (RTP) is to ensure

both the EU and national level. Through

one of the first steps to be taken in

the smooth continuation between the

this approach the exchange of best

the reduction of the fatalities in this

three phases of the accession process:

practises from and between Member

region.

transposition,

implementation,

State experts is made more effective.

and

acquis

Equally important, these workshops

communautaire by focusing assistance

also contribute in building networks

workshop on animal welfare during

at the regional and local level in order

between the different stakeholders in

transport and the conditions at

to facilitate the implementation and

the regions and beyond.

slaughterhouses

enforcement

the

2. I n

Stara

Zagora

(Bulgaria),

was

organised

enforcement of EU legislation in

together with the local veterinary

the areas where sub-national stake-

service. Combining presentations

holders play an important role.

with a site visit to a local poultry

In order to accomplish its task, the

slaughterhouse,

RTP employs a bottom-up-approach

representatives

designating local and regional public

veterinary services and the local

officials from beneficiary countries to

association of meat processors

be trained in Brussels. Through this

were able to observe how the EU

concept of «training the trainers,» the

legislation was being applied in

selected public officials become RTP

practice. The development of a

experts, and thereafter act as centres

performance assessment checklist

of excellence in a particular area of the acquis in their region. The RTP

Seminar on Air quality prognosis, November 2006, Piresti, Romania

experts fulfil their role by co-organising

To illustrate the activities and success

seminars or workshops on a subject

of the Regional Training Programme

identified as a matter of priority in

(RTP), three concrete examples have

their region. The RTP experts are

been

particularly well-placed to identify and

subjects and countries.

included,

covering

different

highlight the specific challenges facing

the of

the

various regional

during the site visit ensured a more thorough evaluation, which is of future use in this region. 3. A high-level seminar on air quality was organised in Sovata (Romania) with participants from across the regions of Romania. The Member

their respective regions, allowing for

1. In 2006, an RTP expert identified

State experts that contributed to

tailored assistance on the actual needs

the especially high mortality rate

this event came from five different

of each region. In addition, with around

of motoring accidents in the Polish

Member

200 RTP experts spread throughout

region of Warmia and Mazury and set

the audience with a wide set

the new Member States including

up a workshop targeting the relevant

of different examples of good

Bulgaria and Romania, an extensive

stakeholders on the implementation

practices and established the initial

network of experts encompassing

and enforcement of the related EU

contacts for a geographically broad

both the regional and local level has

legislation (Directive 91/67/EEC and

network. This seminar also tied in

been established.

the European Road Safety Action

with an ongoing Twinning project

States

and

provided

Programme). The workshop brought

in Romania, «Implementation and

Learning with impact

together 120 representatives from

Enforcement of the Environmental

The format of the assistance is usually

the local and regional police, Road

Acquis Focused on Air Quality»,

given in the form of a discursive

Traffic Centre, driving schools, and

between the Romanian and German

workshop, which will include case

education institutions to collectively

administration.

studies or site visits to ensure that the

tackle this problem. An exchange of

participants receive practical training

best practices with Member State

“Presentation of the latest situation of EU and Lithuanian policy in air pollution protection, as well as exchange of practical experience with Lithuanian colleagues and experts from Germany and Greece were the most useful outcomes of the seminar. New professional cooperation contacts were established. Very good solution - participants representing different levels (national, regional, local, NGOs, business).” Participant in the RTP workshop on Implementation of EU’s air quality directives at the regional and local level, 18-19 June 2006, Klaipeda, Lithuania

In numbers In

2006,

Number of events by subject over

8,500

relevant

stakeholders in the various acquis chapters participated in at least one RTP event. As in previous years, the

environment and food safety chapters made up the majority of these events,

56 2

n Consumer protection n Environment n Food Safety n Intellectual Property Rights n Public Procurement n Social Policy n Transport

finding especially a great deal of demand in both Bulgaria (18 events) and Romania (21 events). The technical assistance

provided

through

RTP

increased in both of these countries during 2006, in the run up to their

Number of RTP Experts

successful accession in 2007.

Prospects for 2007 and beyond The Regional Training Programme

19 26

will continue to be fully operational in

the new Member States that joined

the EU in 2004. Cooperation will also continue with Bulgaria and Romania.

n Poland n Romania n Slovak Republic n Slovenia nT urkish Cypriot community

21 39

Preparation will be started for the possible extension of the programme

n Bulgaria n Cyprus n Czech Republic n Estonia n Hungary n Latvia n Lithuania

to both Croatia and Turkey, extending the RTP network even further.

Study visit on Air quality, January 2006, Athens

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was my first experience with a workshop like this. I think it was very interesting and useful. Not only for the participants but also for the invited expertsâ&#x20AC;? Participant in the seminar on Implementation and enforcement of the end-of-life vehicles directive (2000/53/EC) in the Zachodniopomorskie Region, 20-21 April 2004 Miedzyzdroje, Poland

TAIEX ACTIVITies

Translation 26

Since it was set up ten years ago,

Bulgaria and Romania on one side, the

organised in June 2006 offered to all

the TAIEX instrument has provided

Western Balkans on the other.

participants the opportunity to inform

assistance to the beneficiary countries

their counterparts in other countries

which engaged in the translation of

With regard to Bulgaria and Romania,

about

the acquis communautaire in their

the basic aim has been to ensure a

problems and envisaged solutions.

languages. Such assistance included

steady flow of translations from the

support for the establishment of

TCUs in Sofia and Bucharest to the EU

In order to tackle the issue of trans-

Translation Coordination Units (TCUs)

Institutions’ departments responsible

border cooperation among countries

in the countries themselves, as well

for the vetting and publication of

and communities sharing the same

as for the cooperation and sharing of

the new linguistic versions of the

language in a more direct and practical

best practices among all stakeholders.

acquis in the wake of accession. The

way, two meetings were organised

Activities performed by the TCUs

TAIEX CCVista database, created as

to prepare the way for a possible

relate

translation

a repository of translations and which

collaboration

of EU primary legislation (namely

software has been constantly updated

departments

the Treaties), but also secondary

to meet specific requirements has

(UNSCR 1244) and the former Yugoslav

legislation (i.e. directives, regulations

once again been instrumental to the

Republic of Macedonia.

and decisions), as well as agreements,

success of the operation.

mainly

the

their

progress,

among of

challenges,

translation

Albania,

Kosovo

court judgements, etc. In the case of the Western Balkans, In this area the initiatives sponsored

the main challenge has been favouring

by the TAIEX instrument have been

regional

during 2006 directed towards two

assistance. In this framework, a Round

main groups of beneficiary countries,

Table on the translation of the acquis

cooperation

and

mutual

“I think these round tables should take place more often, because they represent the opportunity for countries to share experiences and learn from each other.” Participant in the Round table on the translation of the acquis, 29 June 2006, Brussels

TAIEX Databases

TAIEX Databases TAIEX offers access to a range of

as useful working documents.

decisions in the veterinary area have

databases. Some have been available

In preparation for their accession on

been and are subject to repeated

for very long time, while others were

1st January 2007, during 2006 Bulgaria

modifications.

developed more recently. The number

and Romania uploaded into CCVista all

password

of databases accessible is limited, but

their translations of existing EU acts.

to consolidated versions of all EU

the high level of visits per day suggests

Furthermore, the database is currently

veterinary legislation, simplifying the

that they are still very popular among

being used by the candidate countries

daily tasks of veterinary inspectors,

users.

(Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic

border posts’ officials, etc.

VetLex

owners

offers

direct

access

of Macedonia and Turkey) and by other

Progress Database

Similarly, PhytoLex offers consolidated

Western Balkan countries.

The Progress database organises all

versions

phytosanitary

EU legislation in a format which allows

JurisVista Database

legislation, while Avis is a database

a continuous exchange of up-to-date

The Institution Building Unit also

dedicated to animal diseases.

information on newly adopted acts

manages the JuristVista database,

and on the harmonisation of national

designed to host translations into the

legislations. All data collected via the

languages of beneficiary countries of a

Progress Database are shared with

collection of the historical judgments

Commission Services and Delegations,

of the Court of Justice and the Court of

country Missions and the concerned

First Instance. The database is a library

national authorities.

of translations of key judgements of EU jurisprudence; it is mainly used by the

The structure of the database has been

judiciary, by academic institutions such

used by a variety of beneficiaries as a

as new Member State universities, by

model to structure their National Plan

law firms, etc.

for the Approximation of the acquis. The TAIEX instrument offers to some

CCVista Database

categories of officials (in particular staff

CCVista constitutes a repository of all

of the veterinary and phytosanitary

translations of EU legislation produced

services of the beneficiary countries)

by the Translation Coordination Units

free

of the beneficiary countries. It is a vital

developed as commercial products

source of information to all internet

covered by a licence agreement. The

users who wish to consult legislation

Institution Building Unit supplies the

translated into various languages of

pertinent passwords upon justified

the beneficiary countries. Access to

request.

access

some

databases

the database and download of available translations is completely free. The

VetLex

texts in the database, although revised,

Notwithstanding the efforts deployed

have no legal value (only those printed

in recent years by the European Union

in the Official Journal of the European

to codify and reduce its legislation,

Union have legal value) but can serve

existing directives, regulations and

“I think that there was too much topics for one event. If it is possible, you should organize seminars for one or two related topics.” “It was quite a unique complexity of topics; some of the participants were experts in certain areas which automatically excluded the option of their wide knowledge in the other areas. Personally, I liked the diversity of the issues tackled as I am covering the area of public health in general, so I found the variety of information very useful.” Two participants in the Seminar on European health policy, legislation and tools, 4-5 April 2006, Brussels “In general sense it was a valuable meeting. Communication between the speakers and the participants was fine. A detailed seminar on Investment Company will be welcomed since it is a new issue to be introduced in Turkey as for implementing the relevant EU Directive. Thanks.” Turkish participant in the Undertaking collective investments in transferable securities, 9-10 March 2006, Ankara

TAIEX Databases

Expert Database, Expert Stock Exchange And Evaluation 28

Expert Database

to the officials from these countries

allowed TAIEX to assess the quality of

The TAIEX expert database registers

to be eligible to register in the expert

experts used from the database. After

public sector experts with experience

database and participate as experts

each event a message is now sent to

in the field of the acquis coming from

and speakers in TAIEX events.

participants and evaluators to assess

the 25 EU Member States. In 2006

the overall organisation of a seminar

around 2600 experts covering all the

An important evolution of the TAIEX

and to assess the quality of the experts.

fields of the EU legislation could be

expert database was to give access

In 95% of TAIEX events experts

found in the database. Moreover, a

to representatives of the 25 Member

were considered by the beneficiary

new category of institutional contact

States in compliance with the EU

participants to have provided good

points was developed in 2005. Since

regulation

protection

expertise. The evaluation system has

then 400 institutional contact points

of personal data. Since June 2006,

become a means to ensure feedback

have been registered. They play

national

and quality control on an ongoing

the role of entry points within each

Member States have had access to

ministry of the Member States.

the list of experts registered in the

45/2001 contact

persons

the

basis.

TAIEX expert database. The database

Expert Stock Exchange

The Expert Database has largely

is not only a tool to help selection of

Besides the TAIEX expert database,

contributed to increase TAIEX capacity

experts but it is also a communication

the Expert Stock Exchange (ESE)

to identify quickly the experts needed

tool between the Commission and

plays an important role in advertising

for assistance. The objective is to

the administrations of the 25 Member

the events developed by the TAIEX

increase the database next year and

States. This policy of transparency

instrument. The TAIEX ESE is an

especially to increase institutional

should strengthen the relationship

electronic platform that publishes all

contacts in ministries and public

with the national public authorities

the Study Visits and Expert Missions

agencies. A network among the old

and further develop operational co-

for which an expertise is required.

Member States has been developed,

operation.

Experts who registered in the TAIEX

while a stronger network in the new

expert database have access and can

Member States would be useful. The

Evaluation

accession of Bulgaria and Romania to

Another remarkable progress was the

the EU has brought the opportunity

setting up of an evaluation tool that

offer their expertise on-line.

“Excellent meeting to learn best practices in lake management from Denmark, Germany and Latvia both from practitioners as well from theoretical point of wiev. For me personally (I have attended all previous TAIEX seminars organized in Limbazi Distr), it was the best, showing that our audience becomes mature both in legal aspects as well in their capacity to participate in discussions as well transfer knowledge to their respective fields of activities.” Regional expert’s in the workshop on Lake management: best available practice to achieve good ecological condition of lakes, 11-12 October 2006, Pales Parish, Latvia

TAIEX Databases

Taiex Website The TAIEX website (http://ec.europa.

Separate

eu/enlargement/taiex/index_en.htm) is

visitors to the TAIEX Expert Database,

the simplest and most straightforward

reserved for Member State experts

interface for current and potential

who wish to register and offer their

beneficiaries

the

links

direct

interested

short-term

services, and the TAIEX Expert Stock

technical assistance made available.

Exchange, a tool accessible only to

The aim is to describe the scope and

TAIEX contact points in Member

mandate of the TAIEX instrument,

States

and

provide the application forms that

where

information

should be used to require assistance,

requests and subsequent offers is

provide constantly updated information

openly shared.

beneficiary on

countries, assistance

on all events being organised and give the opportunity to download all presentations of past events. Via the main menu available on the home page it is also possible to access all TAIEX databases.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;People are coming and leaving and it is an important reason to repeat similar workshops.â&#x20AC;? Participant in the workshop on RAPEX-Rapid Alert System for Non-Food Products, 28 April 2006, Prague

TAIEX activity report 2006

Financial Issues: Finance And Contracts 30

The Commission has concluded a de-

tion. They consisted of €4,15 million

as from 2007, will become important

legation agreement with the German

from the Transition Facility, €12,28

funding sources for the coming years.

company

Technische

million from the Pre-Accession Funds,

In 2007, another positive perspective

Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), in consor-

Gesellschaft

€3 million from CARDS and €4,2 from

of the TAIEX programme is the further

tium with the Belgian company BCD

the Special Aid Package for the Nor-

involvement of the European Neigh-

(former TQ3 Travel solution), for the

thern Part of Cyprus. It also included

bourhood Policy countries in the pro-

provision of the logistical means (i.e.

€1,6 million from the Euro-Mediterra-

gramme.

travel, accommodation, conference

nean Partnership Programme (MEDA)

venue, interpretation, equipment etc..)

and €1,6 million from the Technical

In 2006, the total budget for the TAIEX

and the procurement of services that

Assistance to the Commonwealth of

operation amounted to €19,1 million

are required for the implementation of

Independent States Programme (TA-

as compared to €23,2 million in 2004

the TAIEX activities. The agreement

CIS) in the framework of the European

and €24,1 million in 2005.

concluded in May 2005 covers a total

Neighbourhood Policy MEDA and TA-

period of 36 months ending in June

CIS beneficiary countries.

2008. The forthcoming application in 2007 Several Commission Financing Deci-

of the new Instrument for Pre-Acces-

sions were adopted in 2006 to ensure

sion Assistance (IPA) and the Transi-

the continued financing of the opera-

tion Facility for Bulgaria and Romania

“Such events are very useful for developing regular contacts between regulators and companies from different countries and building an understanding between them, Particularly in the new members states and accession countries.” Seminar on the New approach directives for the engineering industry, 19-20 April 2006, Sofia

TAIEX ACTIVITY REPORT 2006

Summary - Key Statistics Total number of Events year-on-year

Total number of Participants year-on-year 41 802

42 000

1 500 1 322 1 200 1 008

35 685 4 240 28 721 25 200

600

16 800

2 120

300

8 400

1 060

22 778

2005

2006

3 802

0 2004

4 529

4 382

3 180

900

2003

5 225

5 300

33 600

1 106

1 105

Total number of Experts year-on-year

2003

2004

Total number of participants year-on-year per country

2005

2003

2006

2004

2005

2006

n 2003 n 2004 n 2005 n 2006

New Member States Cyprus

Lithuania

618

2 213

687

2 707 1 339

2 045 1 134

1 420

Czech Republic

Malta

1 628

366

1 919

723

2 371

631

1 176

Estonia

289

Poland

1 243

2 387 3 462

1 551

3 180

1 195

3 072

1 960

Hungary

2 686

Slovak Republic

1 260

2 500

1 524

2 581

1 865 2 193

1 259

Latvia

2 368

Slovenia

1 339

1 830

2 331

1 567

2 465

1 235

2 178

n Total 2003: 16.030 n Total 2004: 18.877

n Total 2005: 19.336 n Total 2006: 16.258

TAIEX ACTIVITY REPORT 2006

Summary - Key Statistics 32

Total number of participants year-on-year per country

Potential Candidate Countries and Territories

Candidates Countries Bulgaria

n 2003 n 2004 n 2005 n 2006

Albania

2 309

604 371

2 726 5 687

Bosnia & Herzegovina

4 917

644 453

Romania

2 401

Montenegro

2 376

37 272

6 822 Serbia

5 512

13 515

Turkey

2 037

Serbia & Montenegro

3 357

1 518 774

4 278 2 150 Croatia

Kosovo (UNSCR1244)

182 397

Total 2005: 2998 Total 2006: 2782

369 1 561 2 353 former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

0 189 845 454 Total 2003: 6.748 Total 2004: 9.017

Total 2005: 19.193 Total 2006: 15.386

Annual breakdown of assistance per sector in 2006

Origin of request according to country 110

130

153

53 59 9 15

314

120 106

183

144

143

425 111

Total: 1 106 n Agriculture n ATCC n Individual mobilisation/Expertise n Individual mobilisation/Sudy visits n Infrastructure/Environment, Energy, Transport n Internal market n Freedom, Security, Justice n Languages/Informatics n Parliaments n Peer reviews n Regional Training Program

Total: 969 n New Member States n Candidates Countries n Potential Candidate Countries & Territories n Others

Number of events according to host/location

n 2003 n 2004 n 2005 n 2006

Member States Austria

Italy

11 15

Belgium

Luxemburg

Denmark

3 12

Portugal

5 10

12 Ă&#x2030;ire Ireland

7 Spain

11 4

17 9 EU institutions

11 Suomi Finland

0 0

4 2

European Commission

Sweden

30 7

10 European Court of Justice

5 8

11 TAIEX Office

165 115

1 0

France

The Netherlands

21 17 25

20 40

Germany

18 17

38 34

19 United Kingdom

33 37

38 25 Greece

12 10 8 5

59 21 Total 2003: 431 Total 2004: 403

Total 2005: 402 Total 2006: 313

TAIEX ACTIVITY REPORT 2006

Summary - Key Statistics 34

Number of events according to host/location New Member States

n 2003 n 2004 n 2005 n 2006 Candidates Countries

Cyprus

Bulgaria

78 38

139 127

27 Czech Republic

Romania

84 141

45 28 Estonia

128 Turkey

73 83

29 25

Hungary

Croatia

54 59

0 4

Latvia

former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

48 46 32

0 4 29 20

33 Lithuania

Total 2003: 137 Total 2004: 243

Total 2005: 428 Total 2006: 355

51 43

Potential Candidate Countries and Territories

20 Malta

Albania

8 24 Bosnia and

Herzegovina

8 Poland

69 68

Montenegro

60 51 Slovak Republic

9 Serbia

0 17

41 28

Serbia and

Montenegro

45 Kosovo

Slovenia

47 48 48 41 Total 2003: 440 Total 2004: 419

Total 2005: 397 Total 2006: 317

(UNSCR1244)

6 11 Total 2005: 60 Total 2006: 68

n 2005 n 2006

TAIEX ACTIVITY REPORT 2006

Notes

TAIEX ACTIVITY REPORT 2006

Notes 36

European Commission TAIEX Activity Report 2006 Brussels: European Commission, Enlargement Directorate-General 2007 21 x 29,7 cm - NI-AC-07-001-EN-C ISBN 92-79-04935-6 The Institution Building unit (IBU) of the European Commission is responsible for the TAIEX Instrument, Twinning and SIGMA. To know more about us: VISIT THE INSTITUTION BUILDING WEBSITE http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/financial_assistance/institution_building/index_ en.htm VISIT THE TAIEX WEBSITE http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/taiex/index_en.htm VISIT THE TWINNING WEBSITE http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/twinning/index_en.htm VISIT THE SIGMA WEBSITE http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/sigma/index_en.htm or CONTACT THE IBU DIRECTLY Tel.: + 32 2 296 73 07 Fax: +32 2 296 68 40 elarg-taiex@ec.europa.eu or elarg-twinning@ec.europa.eu If you are a Member State public official with expertise in specific areas of the acquis communautaire, whether the legislation itself or its implementation or enforcement, and you wish to co-operate with the TAIEX instrument, we invite you to register in the Expert Database: http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/taiex/ExpertDatabase

To know more about Enlargement of the EU: VISIT THE EUROPEAN COMMISSIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ENLARGEMENT WEBSITE: http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/ or CONTACT THE EU ENLARGEMENT INFORMATION CENTRE: Tel.: +32 2 545 9010 - enlargement@ec.europa.eu or CALL EUROPE DIRECT FROM ANYWHERE IN THE EU: Tel.: 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11