Press Release: Acceding countries expected to be ready for accession, urged to tackle remaining issues

In the vast majority of areas of EU legislation, the ten acceding countries are expected to be ready for accession on 1 May 2004, according to the monitoring reports which the European Commission adopted on 5 November 2003. A limited number of issues still raise serious concerns and require immediate and decisive action from the countries in question to fulfil their obligations and enjoy the full benefits of EU membership. The Commission is confident that these remaining gaps can be closed by the time of accession, provided the necessary efforts are made, and is ready to support the acceding countries with targeted assistance that can be mobilised quickly. The Commission will not hesitate to take remedial action in cases where this is required to ensure proper implementation of the Union's rules and policies.

http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/archives/key_documents/reports_2003_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/archives/key_documents/reports_2003_en.htm

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