European Commission: Strategy Paper and Report 2003

Overall development

In its 1997 Opinions and subsequent Regular Reports, the Commission has been evaluating candidates' progress towards meeting the Copenhagen political criteria. Since 1999, the Commission has judged that all candidates involved in the negotiations meet these criteria. Over the past five years, progress in consolidating and deepening democracy and respect for the rule of law, human rights and the rights of minorities has been considerable.

Over the past year, the functioning of the democratic systems of government in the candidate countries was confirmed. National or local elections, which were free and fair, were held in several countries.

Work continued to consolidate and modernise the public administration. A legal framework for the civil service has now been established in all candidates, and training of civil servants has become the norm. Several countries have progressed with establishing codes of conduct, clear distinctions between political and administrative responsibilities, and putting in place legislation on access to public information.

Most countries have advanced in reforming and strengthening their judicial system, a key factor in ensuring respect for the rule of law and the effective enforcement of the acquis. Decisive steps forward were taken in most countries in adopting basic legislation, strengthening human resources and improving working conditions. In several countries, progress was made in developing and reinforcing mechanisms to ensure that court decisions are duly enforced, and in improving citizens' access to justice. In most countries, further progress was made in tackling the problem of judicial backlogs. Efforts to further consolidate reforms in this area will need to continue.

Progress has been made in the fight against corruption, fraud and economic crime, but this area remains a source of concern. Anti-corruption strategies are now in place in most countries and anti-corruption bodies have been further reinforced. Further progress has been made in terms of legislation, including in such areas as public procurement and the financing of political parties, and significant efforts have been made in terms of awareness raising. There are indications that in a number of countries, popular awareness of the dangers of corruption for the economy and society as whole is increasing. Encouraging developments noted as regards transparency, accountability and efficiency of the public administration are of relevance also in this field. Efforts must be sustained.

In a number of countries further steps were taken to reinforce the legislative and institutional framework for ensuring gender equality. In some countries significant steps forward were taken also to assist victims of domestic violence. Further efforts are needed to promote the economic and social equality between women and men.

In all countries with considerable Roma communities, progress has been made with the implementation of national action plans to improve the difficult situation the members of these communities are facing. Continued efforts are required to ensure that the various action plans continue to be implemented in a sustained manner, in close co-operation with Roma representatives. Adoption and due implementation of comprehensive anti- discrimination legislation, in line with the Community anti-discrimination acquis, would be an important step forward where such legislation is still missing.

Further positive developments can be noted with regard to the protection of minorities. In Estonia and Latvia, continued progress was made in the integration of non-citizens. In several countries, the legal and institutional framework for the protection of minorities was further reinforced. In Bulgaria, Slovakia and Romania members of minority communities continued to play an important role in national political life.

In previous years, the Commission had underlined the problem of childcare institutions in Romania. The legislative, administrative and financial measures taken by the Romanian authorities are beginning to bear fruit. The number of children in residential care has decreased, and their living conditions have improved. Efforts need to be maintained.

---

Next: Conclusions
Up: Political Criteria
Previous: Political Criteria