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Analysis of the 2007 annual action programme for Croatia under the pre-accession instrument in preparation of the review of the relevant multi-annual indicative programme

Croatia has, as a candidate country, access to all five IPA components. The 2007 Annual Action Programme covers solely component I ‘ transition assistance and institution building’ . The total amount of IPA Component I funding comes to EUR 45.4 Million. The political criteria is allocated EUR 5.6 million, funding under the economic criteria gets EUR 1.77 million, EUR 28.5 million is set aside for the ability to assume the obligations of membership and EUR 9.45 is allocated for supporting programmes. Relating to Good governance and the rule of law, further efforts are required in the fight against corruption and this is, correctly, a primary goal. The lack of explicit targeted funding directed towards the sectoral reforms (judicial and public administration reform) needs to be rectified. Both corruption and the sectoral reforms have a bearing not only on good governance and the rule of law, but also on the general business climate. Explicit EU funding is required for an overall action plan on the implementation of the Constitutional Law on national minorities. Efforts also have to be made to align anti-discrimination policies with EU standards and to develop a comprehensive national strategy and action plan, which will also require pre-accession assistance. There is also no explicit funding directed towards aligning antidiscrimination policies with EU standards and to develop a comprehensive national strategy. This is especially important as the 2007 Progress Report observed that existing legislation “ is not being applied vigorously” . Funding also needs to be made available for the development of civil society who can have an important role in this policy area. Overall the parliamentary process has been positive in relation to the implementation of the 2007 Annual Action Programme. Regarding Economic development and social cohesion, the 2007 Annual Action programme only tackles one of the stated Multi-Annual Indicative Programme goals in the improvement of the business environment. Further investment required in the other target areas should be rolled out as soon as possible in order to meet the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme’ s goals. Overcoming these deficiencies is crucial for Croatia’ s progress in negotiations with the EU. In terms of the Ability to assume the obligations of membership, the support under the Component I on European standards is focused on institutional and administrative capacity building for acquis transposition and implementation in particular chapters. The analyses of priorities set in the Croatia 2007 Progress Report and the Accession Partnership with Croatia indicate some areas, such as postal services, food safety, fisheries, social and energy policy, the restructuring of governments role in industry, consumer and health protection and the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessments, which are not currently covered by IPA pre-accession assistance.

European Parliament; IPA; Croatia; Annual Action programme

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