| Author (Person) | Cronin, David |
|---|---|
| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.9, No.37, 6.11.03, p2 |
| Publication Date | 06/11/2003 |
| Content Type | News |
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Date: 06/11/03 ALL ten countries due to join the Union next year "must be fully prepared for membership" from day one. This was described as the European Commission's "point of departure" when it launched its 2003 monitoring reports for the ten yesterday (5 November). Although the reports found "great progress" is being made by the incoming states, they observed inadequacies in everything from Poland's food production facilities to Malta's judiciary. The EU executive also published reports on the state of play in the three candidate countries - Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. These contained the message that Ankara risks having its EU entry ambitions thwarted so long as a political settlement in Cyprus remains elusive. Bulgaria Corruption remains a considerable problem in Bulgaria, which is told greater resources need to be allocated to its judiciary. Sofia is berated for its failure to ban the arbitrary detention of the mentally handicapped. And it is rapped for dithering on closure of the controversial Kozloduy nuclear power complex. Cyprus Unless a settlement between Greek and Turkish Cypriots is reached, EU laws will only apply in the southern part of the island. Nicosia is told that its current legislation on maritime safety is inadequate and that it has not done enough to establish a payments agency to handle agricultural aid. Czech Republic Prague needs to implement reforms to its social benefit and pensions system in order to reduce the budget deficit. "Enhanced efforts" on nearly all areas of food safety law are needed, says the Commission, which laments the failure to ensure medical qualifications obtained in other EU states will be recognized. Estonia Ballooning expenditure in 2002-03 "poses a risk to macroeconomic stability". Tallinn's legislation on recognizing health care professionals is deemed deficient - so too are its laws on gender equality. Hungary "Serious concern" is registered over delays in a fully functioning payments agency for EU farm aid. A lack of macroeconomic balance is observed - rising wages continue to outstrip growth. Latvia The sharpest criticism covers inadequate safeguards against mad cow disease (BSE). An unfavourable judgement is made of the technological capacity of its customs services. Lithuania A problem with finding enough competent officials to cope with the extra workload brought about by EU accession is noted. Vilnius' fisheries inspection regime is viewed as falling below the Union's requirements. Malta Valletta needs a comprehensive anti-corruption strategy and improved judicial structures to cut the backlog of cases still pending. Malta has also yet to restructure its shipyards. And its anti-BSE regime is flawed. Poland Warsaw has been told that much more needs to be done to bring its food production plants into line with EU standards. The report states bluntly there is a "high probability" many of these facilities will still fall below those standards next May. Concern is also expressed that a farm database - the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) - will not be in place by the middle of next year. IACS is regarded as essential for the management of agricultural subsidies. Romania Bucharest is on the way to being considered a functioning market economy, although "a vigorous and sustained implementation" of economic reforms is necessary. Yet the report finds corruption is widespread, the civil service is suffering from "limited transparency and a limited capacity for policy execution" and efforts to tackle discrimination faced by Roma gypsies have been hampered by inadequate funding. Slovakia Better anti-corruption laws are sought, especially on the financing of political parties. Fears are raised about the pace of reforms in the steel sector and the upgrading of food production outlets. Slovenia Slovenia comes out top but is warned that "immediate and decisive action" has to be taken on recognizing medical qualifications from EU countries. |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
| Countries / Regions | Cyprus, Eastern Europe, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta |
