Commission Report (2002): Czech Republic

Political criteria

Democracy and rule of law

The reform of public administration, which was in need of particularly urgent action, has advanced with the adoption of the Civil Service Act in May 2002, in line with timetable of the Action Plan. However, entry into force of the Act has been delayed and will mostly begin only in 2004 whilst full implementation is to be achieved gradually over a transition period ending in 2007. For the Act to have a significant impact it will need to be implemented in a constructive and co-operative spirit. As regards the building of information systems, foreseen by the Action Plan, basic informatisation of the regions has been completed in line with the timetable. However, efforts need to be continued. As regards standards of availability of public services, no progress has been made so far in adopting the necessary legal amendments which were indicated in the Action Plan. As regards training, the Institute of State Administration, established in 2001 as noted in the Action Plan, has started operations but will become an ``agency'' only in January 2004 when its activities should increase significantly. Training in European affairs continues, as indicated in the Action Plan, via relevant Ministries under the overall responsibility of the Government Office.

Further progress has been made with judicial reform, in line with the schedule of the Action Plan, in particular as regards administrative law, the organisation and self-administration of the judiciary and the implementation of the new Code of Criminal Proceedings. As regards certain measures highlighted in the Action Plan, the use of alternative punishments needs to be further increased, whilst the law on juvenile offenders is not yet adopted. However, the Probation and Mediation Service is contributing to changes in penal policy. A key area for further improvement remains the reduction in length of court proceedings although some progress has been noted for minor misdemeanours.

The Czech authorities have taken a number of administrative measures to strengthen the fight against corruption and economic crime. In particular, the reform of the Police presidium as well as the implementation of the reform of the Code of Criminal Procedure have greatly contributed to a more effective framework for co-operation between different law enforcement agencies. During 2001 there were a number of high profile prosecutions and judgements for economic crime and a welcome amendment was adopted to reduce the use of ``fast-track'' public procurement procedures. Nonetheless, the capacity to fight corruption remains insufficient.

Human rights and the protection of minorities

The system for redressing police misconduct has been improved through increased training on police ethics and human rights, in line with the Action Plan. Nonetheless, further efforts are needed, for example the adoption of the Code of Ethics for the police.

Some further efforts have been made to improve the condition of the Roma minority, including small projects in the education, cultural and housing spheres. However, effective strategies need to be further developed, as indicated in the Action Plan, to combat structural discrimination in employment, education and housing. Considerable further efforts need to be made to reduce discrimination in this area.

The Accession Partnership priorities have been partially met. Implementation of the measures under the Action Plan is broadly on track, except as regards the Roma minority, where progress is slow.

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