Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2006 - 2007

emains to be completed. This is preventing these bodies becoming fully operational. A
countrywide energy strategy has not yet been developed.
As regards information society and media, the independent Communications Regulatory
Authority has been active in preparing for effective competition in the telecommunications
market. However, limited progress has been made on public broadcasting and the
establishment of the Information Agency. No significant developments have occurred in the
area of public internal financial control (PIFC).
Steps have been taken in the field of statistics, in particular with the signature of a cooperation
agreement between the country's statistics institutions at State and Entity level.
Nonetheless, further significant efforts are necessary to establish an effective, EU-compliant
statistics system in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In the area of justice, freedom and security, some progress has been made in the fields of visa
administration, border management, asylum and migration. The lifting of visa requirements
for all EU citizens has been confirmed. Bosnia and Herzegovina has concluded several
readmission agreements with EU Member States and third countries, and it has expressed
readiness to negotiate such an agreement at EU-level. The number of visas issued at the
border-crossing points has been reduced. There has been further progress in establishing a
functioning asylum system and in addressing illegal migration. Some progress has been made
on border management, with the update of the 2005 National Integrated Border Strategy and
the finalisation of the Integrated Border Management Action Plan. However, funds for their
implementation are lacking. There is room for improvement as regards border controls.
Shortcomings in staffing and facilities still need to be addressed in all areas.
Limited progress has been made on money laundering. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
within the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) remains inadequately staffed. No
new legislation against money laundering has been adopted and law enforcement remains
limited. Some steps have been taken as regards the fight against drugs through the adoption of
the Law on the Prevention of Narcotics and Precursor Abuse. A State-level drug policy in line
with EU standards needs to be developed.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has made some progress as regards the fight against organised
crime, trafficking in human beings and terrorism. A national strategy to combat organised
crime has been adopted. The legal framework to fight organised crime is in place, although
law implementation needs to improve further. SIPA has conducted more investigations and
arrests. It needs now to reach its full capacity, notably in terms of staff. The 2005-2007
National Action Plan for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings is being implemented.
Inconsistencies between State- and Entity-level legislation continue to hinder prosecution.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has also adopted a strategy to fight terrorism. As regards data
protection, the law on the protection of personal data has been adopted, but the Data
Protection Agency has not yet been established. The situation as regards protection of
personal data remains a matter of concern.
Croatia
Croatia continues to meet the political criteria. Progress has been made overall but further
sustained efforts are required in a number of areas. The short-term priorities of the Accession
Partnership have been partially addressed.
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