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Agriculture

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Agriculture

Agriculture Contents

  • General framework: Financing, Rural development, Direct support, Structural operations, Competition, Information and statistics
  • Markets for agricultural products: Direct support schemes, Common organisation of agricultural markets (CMO), Sectoral applications, Other products
  • Food:  Food quality, Organic farming, Genetically-modified organisms
  • Environment: Management and conservation of resources, Forest resources and non-food products, Pollution from agriculture
  • Agriculture: enlargement: Pre-accession, On-going negotiations, 2004 and 2007 enlargements

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Agriculture

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Agriculture

Agriculture

The common agricultural policy (CAP) dates back to the early days of European integration, when Member States made a commitment to restructuring and increasing food production, which had been damaged as a result of the Second World War. Today, the CAP still has a pivotal role in the European Union, not just because farmland and forests account for more than 90 % of land within the EU, but also because it has become an essential mechanism for facing new challenges in terms of food quality, environmental protection and trade. The 2003 reform was a key moment in the CAP’s development, adapting the policy to meet the new requirements of farmers, consumers and the planet. This approach continues to form the basis of the future development of the common agricultural policy of an enlarged Union present on the world stage.

Agriculture Contents

  • General frameworkFinancing, Rural development, Direct support, Structural operations, Competition, Information and statistics
  • Markets for agricultural productsDirect support schemes, Common organisation of agricultural markets (CMO), Sectoral applications, Other products
  • FoodFood quality, Organic farming, Genetically-modified organisms
  • EnvironmentManagement and conservation of resources, Forest resources and non-food products, Pollution from agriculture
  • Agriculture: enlargementPre-accession, On-going negotiations, 2004 and 2007 enlargements

See also

Overviews of European Union: Agriculture.
Further information: European Commission Agriculture and Rural Development Directorate-General.

Agriculture: enlargement

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Agriculture: enlargement

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Agriculture: enlargement

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Agriculture > Agriculture: enlargement

Agriculture: enlargement

The recent enlargements of the European Union have had the effect of increasing the significance of agriculture and have resulted in new economic and social challenges for the common agricultural policy (CAP). The new Member States have huge agricultural potential in terms of human resources and providing further farmland. However, this potential has yet to be fully realised. There is a considerable socioeconomic divide between the old and the new Member States in the agricultural sector. Through its intervention, the EU aims to prepare candidate countries for implementing the CAP, specifically by adapting their infrastructure and reducing the disparities between Member States upon their accession.

SYSTEM OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT

  • Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA)
  • Pre-accession agricultural instrument (SAPARD)

ONGOING ENLARGEMENT

  • The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – Agriculture, fisheries and food safety
  • Croatia – Agriculture, fisheries and food safety
  • Turkey – Agriculture, fisheries and food safety
  • Iceland – Agriculture, fisheries and food safety

JANUARY 2007 ENLARGEMENT

  • Bulgaria
  • Romania

MAY 2004 ENLARGEMENT

  • Cyprus
  • Estonia
  • Hungary
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Malta
  • Poland
  • The Czech Republic
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia

Agreement with Bangladesh on partnership and development

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Agreement with Bangladesh on partnership and development

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Agreement with Bangladesh on partnership and development

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External relations > Relations with third countries > Asia

Agreement with Bangladesh on partnership and development

Document or Iniciative

Council Decision 2001/332/EC of 26 February 2001 concerning the conclusion of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on partnership and development.

Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on partnership and development.

Summary

The cooperation put in place between the European Union (EU) and Bangladesh should contribute to the sustainable development of the country and the fight against poverty. Bangladesh is one of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Areas of cooperation

Special attention is paid by the partners to the fight against drugs and against HIV/AIDS. Their actions comprise:

  • prevention measures, monitoring and fighting AIDS;
  • information provision and educational activities;
  • improving access to health services and treatment for the sick;
  • the rehabilitation of drug addicts.

Trade cooperation aims at the expansion of trade and the opening up of markets. It takes place in compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements. The partners therefore need to make progress towards removing trade barriers and resolving transit or re-export issues. They must improve customs cooperation and information sharing.

Moreover, the country must make progress in its undertakings as regards the protection of intellectual, industrial and commercial property rights.

Economic cooperation aims particularly at:

  • facilitating contacts between economic operators, business communities, enterprises and investors;
  • improving the business environment and conditions for investment, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises;
  • promoting technology transfer.

The agreement enshrines the principle of reciprocal access by the partners to their respective public works contracts. They apply the principle of free access to international maritime transport contracts.

In the area of the environment, cooperation must make it possible in particular to:

  • reduce the risks of natural disasters, and combat soil degradation in particular;
  • develop environmental policy and workers’ training;
  • promote sustainable and non-polluting energies.

The partners share knowledge in the field of science and technology. They cooperate in combating the production of drugs and money laundering.

A key point of the partnership is the development of workers’ rights and skills. International Labour Organization (ILO) instruments are to be implemented (in the areas of child labour, forced labour, freedom of association, trade union rights, etc.). Furthermore, measures are to be taken to foster education and vocational qualifications, particularly for the poorest population sectors.

Regional cooperation

Cooperation actions may be undertaken with other countries in the region, as a priority in the fields of:

  • technical assistance and workers’ training;
  • the promotion of intra-regional trade;
  • support for regional cooperation organisations (such as the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC));
  • examining questions with a regional dimension, particularly in the sectors of transport, communications, the environment and health.

Agenda 2000: for a stronger and wider Union

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Agenda 2000: for a stronger and wider Union

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Agenda 2000: for a stronger and wider Union

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Enlargement > Enlargement 2004 and 2007

Agenda 2000: for a stronger and wider Union

With the adoption of about twenty legislative measures, the Union completed its “Agenda 2000” project in 1999. The original Commission Communication on which the project was based, “Agenda 2000: For a stronger and wider Union”, comprises a single complete framework offering a clear and coherent vision of the Union’s future on the threshold of the 21st century. Its primary aim was to ready the Union for its greatest challenges: the reinforcement of its policies and the accession of new members, within a strict financial framework.

The measures adopted, using the communication as a basis, are in line with the Agenda guidelines: the budget effort has been consolidated, there is a greater concentration of resources, stricter implementation (simplification and decentralisation), good preparation for the integration of the new Member States.

Background

The Agenda 2000 legislative package results from the combined effort of all the institutions; it was conceived at the Madrid European Council in December 1995.

At that meeting, and with a view to opening accession negotiations with the applicant countries, the Heads of State and Government invited the Commission to submit its opinions on the various applications, together with a composite paper on enlargement. At the same time, the Commission was invited to prepare, on the basis of a thorough analysis of the Union’s financing system, a communication on the Union’s future financial framework, having regard to the prospects of enlargement.

The communication “Agenda 2000 : For a stronger and wider Union” [COM(97) 2000], which the Commission presented on 16 July 1997, was a comprehensive response to these requests. The communication describes, in a single text, the overall prospects for the development of the European Union and its policies, the horizontal problems occasioned by enlargement and the shape of a future financial framework for the first seven years of the new millennium, in the context of an enlarged Union. The Commission simultaneously made known its opinions on the accession applications of the ten countries of central and eastern Europe.

The Commission communication highlighted a number of priorities in particular: the need to maintain the policy of economic and social cohesion, to pursue the reform of the common agricultural policy, to strengthen growth, employment and living conditions through the Union’s internal policies and to allow the accession of new members, while maintaining budgetary discipline.

To translate these priorities into legal instruments, on 18 March 1998 the Commission presented legislative proposals on the various topics set out in its communication. At its meeting in Berlin on 24 March 1999, the European Council reached a political agreement on the Commission’s proposals, so allowing the institutions to continue examining the Agenda 2000 legislative package and to adopt the final measures before or immediately after the election of the new Parliament in June 1999.

The resulting package of legislation covers four main, closely related areas: the reform of the common agricultural policy, structural policy reform, the pre-accession instruments and the new financial framework. The Commission has also proposed an amendment to the financial regulation on trans-European networks. Some other priority areas covered in the original Commission Communication – internal policies, external action, administrative reforms – did not necessitate a translation into specific legislative measures. They have, nevertheless, an important position in the financial perspectives.

The reform of the common agricultural policy

The agricultural reforms are continuing and they consolidate the changes introduced by the reforms of 1988 and 1992. The reforms have many aims: to increase the competitiveness of Community agricultural products on the domestic and world markets, to integrate environmental and structural considerations more into the implementation of the common agricultural policy, to ensure a fair income for farmers, to simplify agricultural legislation and decentralise its application, to improve food safety, to strengthen the Union’s position in the new round of WTO negotiations and to stabilise agricultural spending in real terms at its 1999 level.

Two types of measures will assist in achieving these objectives. Firstly, new regulations amending the common organisations of the markets in wine, arable crops, beef and veal and milk and, secondly, measures of a more horizontal nature.

Both the arable crops and milk sectors will see gradual reductions in their intervention prices. In the case of beef and veal, the basic price will be reduced, while the intervention price will be maintained at its existing level, as a safety net.

These reductions will be partly offset by a series of direct aids to farmers, calculated on the basis of the annual production of the agricultural product involved. In the beef and veal sector, slaughter premiums and an increase in extensification and suckler cow premiums are also provided for. The reform of the milk sector will enter into force in the 2005/06 marketing year, with a three-stage reduction of 15 % in the intervention price and an increase in the quotas of 1.5 %.

The new regulation governing the market in wine will ensure a controlled increase in production potential by maintaining the current ban on new plantings until 2010. Some less-favoured regions may, however, qualify for an exemption from this ban. The new rules also replace the various existing forms of distillation with one kind, called “crisis distillation”, applicable on a voluntary basis where the market is exceptionally disrupted. Furthermore, to simplify matters, the 23 regulations that previously governed the wine sector have been consolidated into a single new regulation.

The Community premiums can be supplemented by national aids, within limits.

A horizontal regulation, applying to the various common market organisations, urges the Member States to take account of the farmers’ compliance with environmental requirements and employment thresholds when granting their direct aids.

The reductions in the market support prices are accompanied by an increase in aids to farmers with a view to improving competitiveness on both domestic and world markets, thereby reducing the risk of a return to costly overproduction, some of which cannot be sold.

A second horizontal regulation aims to decentralise the management of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF). Under this new regulation on the financing of the common agricultural policy, the Member States will be able to administer their share of the EAGGF appropriations, while having to comply with certain Community criteria.

The Agenda 2000 package for agriculture has been supplemented by a Regulation on rural development, a genuinely second pillar of the common agricultural policy, which will secure the future of the Community’s rural areas by promoting:

  • the accompanying measures introduced in 1992 (early retirement, agro-environmental measures and forestry);
  • measures to diversify agricultural holdings (support for the processing and marketing of agricultural products, vocational training, promotion and diversification of agriculture, etc.);
  • structural adaption of the holdings and the installation of young people.

The common agricultural policy has been one of the bedrock policies of European integration since its inception. Placed as it is at the heart of the social model advocated by the European Union, it will remain important for the construction of Europe.

Structural policy reform

As the Berlin European Council has stressed, improving the effectiveness of the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund is the cornerstone of the Agenda 2000 reforms. This means ensuring that structural assistance is more concentrated both in geographic terms and in terms of the object of assistance and it means improving the management of the Funds, while continuing to pursue the objective of economic and social cohesion in an increasingly diverse Union. The funding ceiling for the structural policy has been set at EUR 213 billion for the 2000-06 period for the current Member States; this represents a slight increase on the preceding period (1994-99: EUR 208 billion).

The policy changes agreed upon relate to the Structural Funds proper (the European Social Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance, the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund, Guidance Section), and to the Cohesion Fund.

The new general conditions applying to assistance from the Structural Funds are laid down in a horizontal regulation containing general provisions on the Structural Funds.

Under this regulation, Community aid will henceforth concentrate on three priority Objectives instead of the previous six:

  • the development and adjustment of regions whose development is lagging behind (Objective 1),
  • the economic and social conversion of regions experiencing structural difficulties (Objective 2),
  • the adjustment and modernisation of education, training and employment policies and systems (Objective 3).

The principle of greater concentration has also been applied to the Community Initiatives, which fall in number from 13 to 4. The only Initiatives kept are Interreg (cross-border cooperation), Leader (rural development), Equal (the fight against discrimination in the labour market) and Urban (regeneration of cities, towns and suburbs in crisis).

The regulation also provides for more decentralised management of the Structural Funds by the Member States under the Commission’s general supervision, as well as greater participation on the part of civil society, the regional and local authorities and the social partners in drawing up and implementing the structural programmes.

The general regulation on the Structural Funds is supplemented by three more specific regulations setting out, for each of the Funds involved (the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance) the aims to be achieved and the types of measure qualifying for assistance. The Guidance Section of the EAGGF is henceforth covered by the new regulation on rural development.

Like the Structural Funds, the Cohesion Fund will continue to be a central pillar of economic and social cohesion in the Union in the period 2000-06.

The Cohesion Fund ‘s main objective remains unchanged: to fund environmental and trans-European transport projects in those Member States with a gross national product (GNP) below 90 % of the Community average. An additional criterion for eligibility, requiring the beneficiary Member States to draw up and comply with an economic stability programme, will continue to apply.

A mid-term review, planned for 2003, will decide which Member States no longer meet the eligibility criteria.

Internal policies

The general thrust of Agenda 2000 as regards the Union’s internal policies has been kept.
The allocation for internal policies in the perspective has been increased and should grow gradually each year from EUR 5.9 billion in 2000 to EUR 6.2 billion in 2006. Expenditure will focus on the following priorities: research, training and major networks. In the case of trans-European networks (transport, energy and telecommunications infrastructure), the new financial regulation adopted under Agenda 2000 encourages private investment and the use of venture capital for financing projects of common interest. It also encourages multi-annual programming. The networks will thus be able to mobilise enough funding to help to improve competitiveness and strengthen economic and social cohesion in the context of enlargement.

External action

The European Union will become a global player in the 2000-06 period and its commitments for foreign policies will grow gradually, from EUR 4.55 billion to EUR 4.61 billion. These resources will be mobilised through an approach that integrates all the policies while ensuring a well balanced geographic distribution, having regard to the political commitments and to the priorities given to those countries in greatest need.

Maintenance of the financial resources as a percentage of GDP will ensure a strong European presence on the world stage. The Union will continue to be the largest donor of international aid, whether humanitarian, development or reconstruction aid.

Administrative expenditure

Rising from EUR 4.56 billion in 2000 to EUR 5.1 billion in 2006, administrative expenditure will be subject to the same constraints as those imposed on the administrative budgets of the Member States; this discipline will apply equally to all the institutions.

As in the case of the other headings of the financial perspective, the intention is to add value to, and mobilise better, the human resources of a public service founded on competence, independence and permanence. The new Commission’s priority will be to rethink its own role and redefine its mission on the basis of what has already been undertaken.

The challenge of enlargement

The prospect of Union enlargement to take in ten countries of central and eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia) and Cyprus was one of the main reasons for the Agenda 2000 reforms.

In Part Two of the 1997 Agenda 2000 communication, the Commission included, along with its opinions on the various accession applications, recommendations on reinforcing the applicant countries’ preparations.

The main element of this “reinforced pre-accession strategy” – the conclusion of the Accession Partnerships with the eleven applicant countries – was already implemented in March 1998, two weeks before negotiations started with the six countries in the first wave to accede (Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia).

Each Partnership takes the form of a multiannual programme comprising, in a single document, specific commitments on the part of the applicant country (on democracy, macroeconomic stabilisation and nuclear safety), a national programme to transpose the Community acquis, and the funding which the Union will employ to support the applicant country’s preparations.

When the Accession Partnerships were concluded, the Phare Programme was the main financial instrument available to the Union to kick-start the applicant countries’ pre-accession period. The programme has two priority objectives approved by the Luxembourg European Council: the improvement of administrative and legal capabilities (30 %) and investment linked to the adoption and application of the Community acquis (70 %). The Instrument for Structural Policies for Pre-accession (ISPA) and the Special Accession Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (SAPARD) joined Phare in 1999. All three are involved in the Accession Partnerships concluded with each of the applicant countries.

A horizontal regulation on the coordination of aid to applicant countries aims to ensure coherence between the different aid forms.

Another of the Commission’s recommendations in its 1997 Agenda 2000 communication has been put into effect: while still in their pre-accession phase, all the applicant countries can take part in certain Community programmes relating to education, the environment or research and development.

In accordance with the conclusions of the European Councils in Luxembourg and Cardiff, the presentation and implementation of the future financial framework make a clear distinction between expenditure on the Union as it is currently made up on the one hand and expenditure reserved for the future acceding countries, after enlargement, on the other.

The new financial framework

The new financial framework agreed by the Commission, Parliament and the Council will enable the Union to see enlargement and its internal reforms through without compromising the principle of budgetary discipline.

On the expenditure side, the expenditure planned for the 2000-06 period will remain well below this global ceiling. The new financial perspective (2000-06), which is annexed to the new Interinstitutional Agreement on budgetary discipline and improvement of the budgetary procedure, provides for stabilisation of the ceiling for payment appropriations at EUR 89.62 billion in 2006 (compare this with EUR 89.60 billion in 2000), which represents a smaller percentage of Community GNP (a fall from 1.13 % to 0.97 %).

General budgetary discipline will be reflected in the various expenditure categories, including those considered a priority such as external action, the common agricultural policy, structural policy and certain other internal policies (trans-European networks, research, education and training, environment and small and medium-sized enterprises).

Thanks to this general budget discipline and the expected growth in the Union’s GNP, it will be possible to finance enlargement within the own resources ceiling of 1.27 % of GNP. At the next enlargement, the financial perspective will be revised to include supplementary expenditure linked to the enlargement.

An indicative financial framework established for a hypothetical Union of 21 Member States from 2002 gives, for each heading involved (agriculture, structural measures, internal policies, administration), the additional expenditure that would be occasioned by such an enlargement.

The new financial perspective provides for various mechanisms that allow some flexibility in the application of the financial framework. This involves in particular a procedure to revise the ceilings, an instrument offering general flexibility (to cover specific expenditure that cannot be financed within the ceilings) and three budgetary reserves (monetary reserve, reserve for guaranteeing loans to third countries, reserve for urgent assistance) to which the Union can turn should unexpected expenditure needs arise.

The reserve for loan guarantees to non-member states covers the operation of the Guarantee Fund for external actions. Following the adoption of the new regulation on the Guarantee Fund, which reduces the Fund’s operating parameters, the reserve was proportionately reduced in the financial perspective.

In addition to the financial perspective, the Interinstitutional Agreement includes provisions to improve the annual budgetary procedure and interinstitutional cooperation. Thus, interinstitutional collaboration is reinforced and answers have been provided on a number of issues left unresolved by the previous Agreement (classification of expenditure, inclusion of the financial provisions in legislative instruments, general requirement to have a legal basis for the expenditure).

Union expenditure is henceforth stabilised in a consolidated framework.

As regards Union revenue, the institutions have decided to maintain the general shape of the own resources system. The system is intended to ensure sufficient resources, subject to the need for strict budgetary discipline, to be simple, transparent, fair and in line with each Member State’s ability to contribute, and to have a satisfactory cost-benefit ratio.

The Berlin European Council invited the Commission to present as soon as possible a draft decision on own resources with a view to its entry into force, after ratification, at the start of 2002. The new decision will reduce the imbalances between the Member State’s contributions. Thus, the maximum rate of call on VAT will fall gradually to 0.75 % in 2002 and to 0.50 % in 2004, while the percentage retained by the Member States when collecting customs duties will increase to 25 % with effect from 2001. The UK rebate will remain, with some technical adjustments to neutralise the windfall effects due to other changes in the own resources decision or resulting from enlargement. Furthermore, the financing of the UK rebate by the other Member States will be amended so that Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden see a reduction in their financing share to 25 % of the normal contribution.

The ceiling on own resources will be maintained at 1.27 % of the Community’s GNP, corresponding to the 1999 level. The Commission has been invited to make a general reappraisal of the own resources system before 1 January 2006.

Agreements with the countries of the Western Balkans on the facilitation of the issuance of visas

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Agreements with the countries of the Western Balkans on the facilitation of the issuance of visas

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Agreements with the countries of the Western Balkans on the facilitation of the issuance of visas

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Enlargement > The stabilisation and association process: the western balkans

Agreements with the countries of the Western Balkans on the facilitation of the issuance of visas

The agreements concluded between the European Union (EU) and the countries of the Western Balkans on facilitating the issuance of visas are intended to simplify and speed up the procedures for issuing visas to nationals of these Western Balkan countries. These agreements are, in principle, coupled with readmission agreements.

Document or Iniciative

Council Decision 2007/821/EC of 8 November 2007 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Albania on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

Council Decision 2007/822/EC of 8 November 2007 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

Council Decision 2007/823/EC of 8 November on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Montenegro on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

Council Decision 2007/824/EC of 8 November 2007 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

Council Decision 2007/825/EC of 8 November 2007 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Serbia on the facilitation of the issuance of visas.

Summary

The agreements concluded with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (“partner countries”) are intended to facilitate the issuance of short-stay visas to citizens of these countries for stays of up to 90 days per period of 180 days.

When applying for such short-stay visas, citizens of these partner countries benefit from simplified document requirements for justifying the purpose of their journey to the European Union (EU). The documentary evidence to be presented consists of formal documents, such as a written request from the host organisation or other certificate, depending on the category of the applicant (business people, drivers for international transportation services, journalists, students, persons travelling for tourism or for medical reasons, representatives of civil society organisations, etc.).

EU countries’ diplomatic missions and consular posts may issue multiple-entry visas that are valid for up to five years to: members of the governments, parliaments, constitutional courts and supreme courts of partner countries; permanent members of official delegations; spouses and children under the age of 21 visiting citizens of partner countries legally residing in the territory of an EU country. The categories of persons who benefit from simplified document requirements may also be granted multiple-entry visas with a maximum validity period of one year. However, the person concerned must have obtained and used at least one visa during the previous year and have valid reasons for requesting a multiple-entry visa. If such a person has made use of the one-year multiple-entry visa during the previous two years, s/he may be granted a multiple-entry visa that is valid a minimum of two and a maximum of five years.

The standard fee for processing visa applications of partner countries’ citizens is 35 euros. This is waived for certain categories of persons, including close relatives, members of official delegations, students, disabled persons, children under the age of six, journalists, pensioners and drivers for international transportation services.

Visas are issued within 10 days of the receipt of the application. This may be extended to up to 30 days when further scrutiny of the application is needed or may be reduced to 3 days or even less in emergencies.

Background

The participants at the EU-Western Balkans Summit held in Thessaloniki on 21 June 2003 (“Thessaloniki Agenda”) agreed on the principle of liberalisation of the visa regime and began negotiations with a view to concluding the necessary agreements. This process, coupled with discussions on the conclusion of readmission agreements, resulted on 8 November 2007 in the adoption of a series of Council decisions, one for each of the partner countries, establishing the conclusion of agreements based on Article 62, taken in conjunction with Article 300, of the Treaty establishing the European Community (now Articles 77 and 218 respectively of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union).

References

Acts Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal

Decision 2007/821/EC

8.11.2007

–

OJ L 334, 19.12.2007

Decision 2007/822/EC

8.11.2007

–

OJ L 334, 19.12.2007

Decision 2007/823/EC

8.11.2007

–

OJ L 334, 19.12.2007

Decision 2007/824/EC

8.11.2007

–

OJ L 334, 19.12.2007

Decision 2007/825/EC

8.11.2007

–

OJ L 334, 19.12.2007

Ageing well in the Information Society: Action Plan on Information and Communication Technologies and Ageing

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Ageing well in the Information Society: Action Plan on Information and Communication Technologies and Ageing

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Ageing well in the Information Society: Action Plan on Information and Communication Technologies and Ageing

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These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Information society > Digital Strategy i2010 Strategy eEurope Action Plan Digital Strategy Programmes

Ageing well in the Information Society: Action Plan on Information and Communication Technologies and Ageing

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 14 June 2007: Ageing well in the Information Society – An i2010 initiative – Action Plan on Information and Communication Technologies and Ageing [COM(2007) 332 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

The ageing of Europe’s population poses a challenge to the European market for employment, social services systems and health care. But it also provides an economic and social opportunity: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) will give rise to new, more accessible products and services satisfying the needs of older people.

The action plan seeks to promote and coordinate the development of ICTs associated with services for older people in the European Union (EU), to enable them to:

  • prolong their working life, while maintaining a work-life balance;
  • stay socially active and creative, through networking and access to public and commercial services. This would reduce the social isolation of older people, particularly in rural areas;
  • age well at home: ICTs must encourage a higher quality of life and degree of independence.

Europe must adopt ICT for ageing well *. These technologies may indeed become a driver for jobs and growth, as well as a successful lead market.

For the moment, the market for services associated with ageing remains fragmented. Furthermore, none of the stakeholders (older people, industry, public authorities) have an overview of the problems and the solutions needed. Market development is hampered by the lack of exchange of experience and good practice. Standards, procedures, reimbursement schemes and provisions related to disability vary from one Member State to another. Finally, technical barriers stand in the way: older people do not necessarily have the technological tools and know-how needed.

In order to rationalise this system the Commission is encouraging stakeholders to place users at the centre of their thinking.

The objectives of the Commission’s action plan are therefore aimed as much at citizens as at businesses and public authorities. The objectives are:

  • for citizens, a better quality of life and better health;
  • for companies, increased market size and market opportunities in the internal market for ICT and ageing, better skilled and productive workforce and a stronger position in the growing markets worldwide;
  • for public authorities, cost reductions, increased efficiency and better overall quality of health and social care systems.

The action plan is structured around four areas:

  • removing legal and technical barriers to development of the market, by assessing the markets and facilitating the exchange of good practices between Member States. The Commission proposes assessing the technological possibilities and identifying guidance and target dates. This is with a view to removing legal and technical barriers to the uptake of ICTs for independent living. The Member States should, in parallel, strengthen the implementation of current legal requirements for e-Accessibility;
  • raising awareness and building consensus through the cooperation and development of partnerships between the different stakeholders. ICT for ageing well will be a key contribution to the European e-Inclusion Initiative in 2008. The launch of an internet portal for ICT and ageing is also planned.
  • accelerating take-up of technologies, for example, through a set of pilot projects and a European award scheme for smart homes and independent living applications;
  • stimulating research and innovation, through immediate support for shared research agendas between the public and private sectors, dedicated to “Ambient Assisted Living”. This agenda seeks to encourage the emergence of innovative ICT-based products, services and systems for the benefit of Europe’s ageing population.

The Commission seeks to improve ICT-based research for older people in the 7th framework programme (FP7) for research, technological development and demonstration activities. Other initiatives are being launched within the context of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme. These will be accompanied by a new European Shared Research Programme. In total, the programmes will increase investment in ICT research and innovation to over EUR 1 billion.

In the future, better coordination between Member States is necessary to stimulate market-oriented research in this field. To achieve these objectives, a common research initiative “Ageing well in the Information Society” will be set up. Furthermore, businesses, industry, service providers, etc. will be encouraged to establish dialogue, particularly through technology platforms, to allow for more rapid emergence of innovative products, services and systems.

Background

This action plan forms an integral part of the European Union i2010 initiative – An information society for growth and jobs. The Commission had previously adopted a strategy on accessibility of online products and services in 2005, and in 2006 the Member States reached agreement in Riga on a policy agenda  for an accessible information society based on inclusion.

Ageing in Europe is an important economic and social challenge: in 2020, a quarter of Europe’s population will be over 65, while expenditure on retirement and health care will have tripled by 2050. However, older people are also consumers that should not be discounted, with global wealth in excess of EUR 3 000 billion.

Key terms used in the act
  • ICT for ageing well: Information and Communication Technologies dedicated to services to persons, aimed at making these services more accessible and effective for an ageing population, particularly in terms of health.

Related Acts

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 1 June 2005: “i2010 – A European Information Society for growth and employment” [COM(2005) 229 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions of 8 November 2007: “European i2010 initiative on e-Inclusion – To be part of the information society”. [COM(2007) 694 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation

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Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Development > South Africa

Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation

Document or Iniciative

Council Decision No 97/763/EC of 10 November 1997 concluding the Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation between the European Community and the Republic of South Africa.

Summary

The European Union (EU) and South Africa have concluded an Agreement on scientific and technological cooperation which complements the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA). Science and technology are crucial for economic and social development and this agreement thus contributes to South Africa’s development.

Principles and areas of cooperation

Cooperation takes place in areas of mutual interest and for mutual benefit. One particular aspect is the activities connected with the EU Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development and similar RTD activities in South Africa. When the Agreement was concluded in 1997, the Fourth Framework Programme was under way. The Agreement was regularly extended through mutual agreement between the parties and cooperation is now being pursued under the Seventh EU Framework Programme for Research (2007-2013). Cooperation also comprehends effective protection of intellectual property and the equitable sharing of intellectual property rights.

Modes of cooperation

Cooperation is taking place through various activities involving a number of actors, and includes:

  • reciprocal participation of research entities, i.e. research centres, companies, universities, (for example, South African bodies are participating directly in the activities of the EU Framework Programme);
  • shared use of research facilities;
  • visits and exchanges of researchers, engineers and technicians;
  • exchange of information on practices, laws, etc.;
  • scientific networks and the training of researchers.

It should be pointed out that there is a specific programme under the EU Framework Programme in the field of cooperation with Non-EU Member Countries and international organisations. Should South Africa take part in this programme, it would be considered a developing country.

The Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee is responsible for administering the Agreement. Its functions include, inter alia, making recommendations concerning cooperation activities, reviewing the effective functioning of the Agreement and providing an annual report on the state of progress and effectiveness of cooperation between the two parties.

More specifically, a Joint Technology Management Plan (JTNP) is drawn up for each cooperation activity. This plan identifies the objectives of the research activities and the contributions of each party. It must also contain principles in respect of the ownership and use of information resulting from research activities (see below).

Funding

Funding is provided by each party according to availability of funds and each party’s laws/plans. It is not necessary to transfer funds between parties, except in the case of participation in the programme relating to cooperation with Non-EU Member Countries and international organisations. Thus, there is no common fund or fixed budget for cooperation and funding is granted according to project.

Dissemination and use of information

8. Adequate protection of intellectual property is vital in this area. Each party is subject to the rights and obligations of the party responsible for the activity concerned and provisions relating to the utilisation and dissemination of results must be included in the JTNP. It is intended that the intellectual property rights of the results of activities undertaken under the Agreement should be shared equitably.

Termination and settlement of disputes

The Agreement may be terminated at any time by either party by giving six months’ written notice. Any disputes must be settled between the parties by mutual agreement.

References

Act Entry into force – Date of expiry Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Decision 97/763/EC [adoption: consultation CNS 92012] 10.11.1997 – OJ 313 of 15.11.1997

Agreement on trade in spirits

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Agreement on trade in spirits

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Agreement on trade in spirits

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Development > South Africa

Agreement on trade in spirits

Document or Iniciative

Council Decision 2002/52/EC of 21 January 2002 on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and the Republic of South Africa on trade in spirits.

Summary

Background

In October 1999, the European Union (EU) and South Africa concluded a Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA). This agreement governs their bilateral relations and is supplemented by three additional agreements: an agreement on trade in spirits, an agreement on trade in wine, and an agreement on agreement on scientific and technological cooperation.

Scope

The agreement on trade in spirits applies to spirits already mentioned in the 1983 International Convention on the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System.

The agreement lays down provisions on the marketing of existing stocks which conform to the legislation in force but which do not conform to the conditions of the present agreement. These may continue to be marketed by wholesalers or producers for a period of three years and by retailers until stocks are exhausted.

However, the agreement does not apply to spirits which are in transit through the territory of one of the parties, or which originate in the territory of one of the parties and which are consigned in small quantities between those parties under the conditions provided for in the agreement.

Description and presentation of spirits

The agreement provides for the reciprocal protection of names and other provisions linked to the description and presentation of spirits. This involves the protection of names that refer to the Member State of the EU or to South Africa, geographical indications within countries (such as Scotch Whisky) as well as certain specific trademarks. The indications protected for each Member State of the EU and for South Africa are listed in an annex to the agreement. In addition to geographical names, eight specific denominations are also protected under the agreement.

It is possible for the same geographical indications or very similar indications to be used by both parties. In this case, both indications may be protected if the name is traditionally and consistently used and the true origin of the spirit is clear. With regard to indications of a place situated outside the territories of the parties, the provisions are the same, use of the indication being regulated by the country of origin. The joint committee set up by the agreement examines the specific cases and gives its opinion on the use of denominations.

Specific provisions relating to the eight non–geographical protected denominations

Eight specific denominations of spirits originating in the EU which are not geographical denominations are also protected: ‘Grappa’, ‘Ouzo’, ‘Korn’, ‘Kornbrand’, ‘Jägertee’, ‘Jagertee’, ‘Jagatee’ and ‘Pacharan’. Producers in South Africa also use some of these denominations. According to the agreement, they may continue to be marketed in South Africa during a transitional period of five years. After that date, the denominations can only be used to denominate the products originating in the EU.

Implementation

The smooth application of the agreement is the responsibility of the authorities appointed by each party and a joint committee of representatives of both parties. The joint committee ensures that the agreement is applied, examines the questions raised, ensures coordination and may make recommendations on its implementation.

Imports must be accompanied by appropriate certification.

The methods of analysis used for the implementation of the agreement, particularly for the control and certification of products, are those recognised as reference methods by the International Vine and Wine Office (OIV) or the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO).

Infringements

The agreement provides for a consultation procedure in cases where one of the parties considers that the other has not complied with the agreement. If they do not reach agreement, they may invoke the dispute settlement procedure. In the absence of an agreement before the settlement body, the party may refer the matter to arbitrators.

Community assistance for the restructuring of the South African wine and spirits sector

The EU has undertaken, within the framework of the TDCA, to provide EUR 15 million to establish a programme on the restructuring of the wine and spirits sector and to ensure the marketing and distribution of South African wines and spirits.

Entry into force

The agreement enters into force on the first day of the month following that during which the parties have notified each other of the completion of the necessary procedures. In the meantime, the agreement entered into force provisionally on 28 January.

References

Act Entry into force – Date of expiry Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Decision 2002/52/EC [adoption: agreement ACC/2001/0292] 21.1.2002 _ OJ L 28 of 30.1.2002

Agreement on trade in wine

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Agreement on trade in wine

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Agreement on trade in wine

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Development > South Africa

Agreement on trade in wine

Document or Iniciative

Council Decision 2002/51/EC of 21 January 2002 on the conclusion of an Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters between the European Community and the Republic of South Africa on trade in wine [Official Journal L28 of 30.01.2002].

Summary

Background

In October 1999, the European Community and South Africa concluded a Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA). This agreement governs their bilateral relations and is supplemented by four additional agreements, including an agreement on trade in wine and an agreement on trade in spirits. This agreement replaces the provisional agreement on this subject annexed to the TDCA.

Scope

The agreement applies to wine already mentioned in the 1983 International Convention on the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System.

The agreement lays down provisions on the marketing of existing stocks which do not conform to the conditions of the present agreement. Wine which has been produced using oenological practices or processes not envisaged by the agreement may be marketed until stocks are exhausted. Products which are described and labelled in a manner that does not conform to the agreement may be marketed by wholesalers or producers for a period of three years and by retailers until stocks are exhausted.

However, the agreement does not apply to wine which is in transit through the territory of one of the parties, or which originates in the territory of one of the parties and which is consigned in small quantities between those parties.

Wine production

The agreement highlights the authorised oenological practices and processes, which are listed in an annex. These include inter alia, specifications concerning the addition of certain substances such as tannin. The agreement establishes mutual recognition of wine practices and processes, which is essential in ensuring trade in wine between the parties.

Nevertheless, the agreement includes a safeguard clause which permits one of the parties to suspend provisionally the authorisation for processes or to restrict the prescriptions for practices. This clause may be invoked if, for example, it is considered that the process presents risks for public health. A decision is then taken on the appropriate process or practice.

Description and presentation of wine

The agreement provides for the reciprocal protection of names and other provisions linked to the description and presentation of wine. This involves the protection of names that refer to the Member State of the Community or to South Africa as well as geographical indications within countries (the name ‘Champagne’ for example). The indications protected for each Member State of the EC and for South Africa are listed in an annex to the agreement.

It is possible for the same geographical indications or very similar indications to be used by both parties. In this cases, both indications may be protected provided the name is traditionally and consistently used and the true origin of the wine is clear. With regard to indications of a place situated outside the territories of the parties, the provisions are the same, use of the indication being regulated by the country of origin. A joint committee is set up to give an opinion in such cases. However, specific provisions are laid down in relation to the ban on using the names ‘port’ and ‘sherry’.

The denomination ‘Retsina’ is a specific case. With a view to protecting the South African market, importers of Community ‘Retsina’ in South Africa must register the name as a trademark for certification in accordance with South African law.

Specific provisions relating to the names ‘port’ and ‘sherry’

South African and EC producers both use the names ‘port’ and ‘sherry’, which posed a problem in the negotiations on the agreement. Provisions aimed at resolving this problem were adopted in the annex to the TDCA and these provisions remain in force. They entered into force in January 2000, at the same time as the TDCA.

Following a transitional period, South Africa will phase out the use of the names ‘port’ and ‘sherry’. Initially, the names will no longer be used for its exports to the European Community. Within five years, the names will no longer be used for any export market, with the exception of the member countries of the SADC (South African Development Community), apart from the SACU (South African Customs Union), for which the deadline is eight years. Within South Africa, the names may be used for a transitional period of 12 years. For the purposes of the agreement, the South African internal market is defined as covering the SACU (South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland).

Implementation

The correct application of the agreement is the responsibility of the authorities appointed by each party and a joint committee of representatives of both parties. The joint committee ensures that the agreement is applied, examines the questions raised, ensures coordination and may make recommendations on its implementation.

Infringements

The agreement provides for a consultation procedure in cases where one of the parties considers that the other has not complied with the agreement. If they do not reach agreement, they may invoke the dispute settlement procedure. In the absence of an agreement before the settlement body, the party may refer the matter to arbitrators.

Tariff quota for imports into the European Community

The European Community has also laid down other measures to facilitate the access of South African wine to the Community market. These measures amend the agreement on trade, development and cooperation. European Community establishes an annual duty-free tariff quota of 35.3 million litres of wine imported from South Africa. In addition, each year from 2002 to 2011 a fixed volume of 6.72 million litres will be added to the basic volume of the annual quota (these provisions are laid down in Council Regulation (EC) No 120/2002 amending Regulation (EC) No 2793/1999 as regards the adjustment of the tariff quota for wine). This volume represents an increase in relation to the annual quota set out in the provisional agreement annexed to the TDCA.

According to the agreement, imports from both territories must be accompanied by certificates conforming to particular specifications.

Community assistance for the restructuring of the South African wine and spirits sector

The European Community has undertaken, within the framework of the TDCA, to provide EUR 15 million to establish a programme on the restructuring of the wine and spirits sector and to ensure the marketing and distribution of South African wines and spirits.

Entry into force

The agreement enters into force on the first day of the month following that during which the parties have notified each other of the completion of the necessary procedures. In the meantime, the agreement entered into force provisionally on 28 January. However, the tariff quota for imports of South African wine into Europe was opened retroactively on 1 January 2002 and the period for the phasing-out of the names ‘port’ and ‘sherry’ began on the same date (Council Decision 2002/54/EC).

Reference

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Agreement between the EC and the Republic of South Africa on trade in wine 28.01.2002 (provisionally) – OJ L 28 of 30.01.2002

Agenda for social policy

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Agenda for social policy

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Agenda for social policy

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Employment and social policy > Priorities and objectives: the social agenda

Agenda for social policy (2000-2005)

The European Commission proposes a series of actions with a view to improving the European social model. This model is designed to promote full employment, economic dynamism and greater social cohesion and fairness in the European Union (EU).

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Social policy agenda [COM(2000) 379 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

1. The rationale of the Commission’s communication has been articulated in the preparation of the Lisbon European Council (March 2000), which resulted in a political agreement designed to promote “the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion”.

2. The Commission’s new agenda aims to provide a comprehensive and coherent approach for the European Union to confront the new challenges to social policy. This new agenda stresses the essential linkage between Europe’s economic strength and its social model, and is also designed to permit positive and dynamic interaction of economic, employment and social policy.

3. It is based on a series of measures designed to reinforce social policy as a productive factor: employment and quality of work, the knowledge-based economy, the social situation in the Member States, enlargement and internationalisation.

Employment and quality of work

4. The European Union has made considerable progress in strengthening its economic fundamentals and fostering job creation. However, the current employment rate is unsatisfactory and unemployment remains high (around 9% of the European workforce). Hence the objective is to work towards raising the employment rate to as close as possible to 70 % by 2010.

5. The employment strategy include actions to create more and better jobs, reinforcing the role of the European Social Fund (ESF), the main Community instrument to foster human resources development, developing and evaluating labour market policies on the basis of a peer review approach and the exchange of good practices, and ensuring consistency between economic, structural and employment policies.

The knowledge-based economy

6. A knowledge-based society and a knowledge-based economy can contribute to sustainable economic growth, an increase in employment and more social cohesion. Despite the European initiatives in the field of research and the ” e-Europe ” initiatives, Europe lags behind the US in taking up new technologies.

7. Hence the Commission’s main objective is to accelerate the development of the knowledge-based economy in such a way as to create more jobs in Europe. This will involve pursuing the objectives of the knowledge-based society in the framework of the European Employment Strategy (EES), ensuring life-long learning and closing the skills and gender gaps, and promoting cooperation at European level between research establishments, scientific centres, the universities and schools.

The social situation in the Member States

8. The social systems of the Member States now face a series of significant common challenges such as the need to adapt to the changing world of work, new family structures, persistent gender inequalities, demographic changes. Failure to adapt and modernise social protection systems would increase the risk of more unemployment, poverty and social exclusion.

9. With a view to preventing and eradicating poverty and exclusion and promoting the integration and participation of all into economic and social life, the Commission proposes a series of actions designed to promote more and better job opportunities for vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities, ethnic groups and new immigrants, evaluate the impact of the ESF, including the community initiative Equal and prepare new strategies, including actions in the field of education and training, to support the efforts of the Member States.

Enlargement

10. By preparing for European Union membership, the candidate countries are already in the process of adopting a comprehensive body of laws and rules, which should ensure the compliance with the European Union social acquis by the time of accession.

11. In order to contribute to preparing the enlargement of the Union under conditions of balanced economic and social development, the Commission proposes to continue with the elaboration of the Employment Policy Reviews with all candidate countries, to promote co-operation between civil society organisations from the European Union and from the candidate countries, to prepare for joint analysis in the field of social protection and to ensure the successful participation of candidate countries in Community action programmes in the social area as part of the pre-accession strategy.

Internationalisation

12. Internationalisation and globalisation are important facets of the conditions confronting Europe and its social systems. This does not imply abandoning social objectives. Rather, it reinforces the economic need for social investment by way of well-designed social policies.

13. A key aim will be to strengthen the employment and social dimension of globalisation, through the respect of core labour standards, close cooperation with the international organisations (ILO, OECD, Council of Europe) and the promotion of an integrated economic and social agenda in a global economy.

Context

14. In order to achieve the political commitments adopted at Lisbon, the Commission proposes a new five-year agenda (2000-2005) that will contribute to pursuing the social objectives of Lisbon.

Related Acts

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Scoreboard on implementing the social policy agenda (c10115) [COM(2004) 137 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Mid-term review of the social policy agenda [COM(2003) 312 final -Not published in the Official Journal].

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Scoreboard on implementing the social policy agenda [COM(2003) 57 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Scoreboard on implementing the social policy agenda [COM(2002) 89 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Scoreboard on implementing the social policy agenda [COM(2001) 104 final – Not published in the Official Journal].