Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2006 - 2007

Good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation remain key and priority should be given
to finding solutions to outstanding bilateral issues, especially on border demarcation. Minority
rights and refugee return will need continued close attention.
Accession negotiations with Croatia have started well. Croatia has taken important steps
following the screening exercise in many fields to adapt its legislation. It is in the process of
developing the necessary administrative capacity. Building on this progress, and provided that
Croatia addresses the challenges discussed above, negotiations can be expected to continue at
a good pace.
Turkey
In 2006, Turkey has continued to make progress in reforms, notably with the recent adoption
of some elements of the 9th reform package. Moreover, the number of reported cases of
torture and ill-treatment is declining on the whole, in line with the zero-tolerance policy, even
though the situation in the South-East gives rise to concerns in this respect. However, the pace
of reforms has slowed down. In 2007, it will be important to undertake determined efforts to
broaden the reform momentum throughout Turkey. It is necessary to ensure freedom of
expression without delay by repealing or amending Article 301 of the Penal Code and by
overall bringing the legislation into line with European standards. Apart from the freedom of
expression, further efforts are needed to strengthen freedom of religion, women’s rights,
minority rights and trade union rights. Civilian democratic control over the military needs to
be asserted, and law enforcement and judicial practice further aligned with the spirit of the
reforms. At the same time, there is a need for Turkey to address the serious economic and
social problems in the South-East and to ensure full enjoyment of rights and freedoms by the
Kurdish population. The Accession Partnership, adopted in January 2006, provides the
yardstick to measure progress in the reforms. Good neighbourly relations remain key. The
Commission will intensify its monitoring of the political criteria.
As stated in the declaration by the European Community and its Member States of 21
September 2005, the EU expects Turkey to ensure full, non-discriminatory implementation of
the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement and the removal of all obstacles to the free
movement of goods, including restrictions on means of transport. Failure to implement its
obligations in full will affect the overall progress in the negotiations. The Commission will
make relevant recommendations ahead of the December European Council, if Turkey has not
fulfilled its obligations. It is also essential that, as stated in the Accession Partnership, Turkey
takes concrete steps for the normalisation of bilateral relations with all EU Member States as
soon as possible.
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
The designation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as a candidate country in
December 2005 gave recognition to this country’s reform achievements. It also provided an
encouragement to pursue reforms on the road towards fulfilling the country's European
perspective.
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has continued to make progress, although at a
slower pace in 2006. Elections in July took place generally in accordance with international
standards. The shortcomings that were identified need to be fully addressed.
The government faces particular challenges still in implementing reforms of the police and
judiciary, the fight against corruption, and full implementation of the Stabilisation and
EN 10 EN