title: Proposal for a Council Decision concerning the conclusion on behalf of the European Community, as regards matters within its competence, of the results of the WTO negotiations on basic telecommunications services

eurovoc_concepts:
World Trade Organisation
liberalisation of the market
protocol to an agreement
provision of services
telecommunications

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text: COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES Brussels, 15. 07. 1997 COM(97)368 final 97/0204 (CNS) ill Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION concerning the conclusion on behalf of the European Community, as regards matters within its competence, of the results of the WTO negotiations on basic telecommunications services (presented by the Commission) im$ Ml] (Mm tft « t il I! I;1: Explanatory Memorandum By its decision of 22 December 19941, the Council of the European Union approved the Final Act embodying the results of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations concluded at the end of December 1993. It thereby approved the Marrakech Agreement establishing the World Trade Organisation and its related agreements, among which the General Agreement on Trade in Services, the Ministerial Declarations and Decisions, -including the Ministerial Decision on Negotiations on Basic Telecommunications-, the Annex on Telecommunications and the Annex on Negotiations on Basic Telecommunications. The Ministerial Decision on Basic Telecommunications Services stated that negotiations should be entered into on a voluntary basis with a view to the progressive liberalisation of trade in telecommunications transport network and services within the framework of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The Decision indicated that the first negotiating session was to be held no later than 16 May 1994 and the negotiations were to be finalised no later than 30 April 1996. On 30 April 1996, the Fourth Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in Services and related Decision were adopted by the WTO Council on Trade in Services. Thirty- four schedules of commitments representing forty-eight WTO Member governments and one list of Article II (MFN) exemption were attached to the Fourth Protocol. The Decision on Commitments in Basic Telecommunications provided that the schedules and exemption lists attached to the Fourth Protocol may be supplemented or modified during the period from 15 January to 15 February 1997 and established a Group on Basic Telecommunications to conduct consultations on the implementation of this provision. On 15 February 1997 the Group on Basic Telecommunications reported to the WTO Council on Trade in Services that the total number of schedules had reached fifty-five, -representing sixty-nine WTO Members-, and that nine governments had submitted lists of Article II (MFN) exemptions. The following WTO Members confirmed their commitments on basic telecommunications by 15 February 1997: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, Czech Republic, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Hong-Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Senegal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, United States of America and Venezuela. MFN-exemption lists were confirmed by Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey and the United States of America. These countries will be signatories to the Fourth Protocol to the GATS, the legal instrument to which they will attach their new schedules and MFN-exemptions lists. 1 OJ n° 336 of 23rd December 1994, p. 1 1 The Council in its conclusions of 30 April 1996 authorised the Commission to approve the Decision of the Council on Trade in Services adopting the Fourth Protocol to the GATS and the Decision on Commitments on Basic Telecommunications. On 14 February 1997, the Council also authorised the Commission to submit to the WTO, on behalf of the European Community and its Member States, the final schedule of commitments, subject to definitive acceptance after finalization of internal procedures. Negotiations were therefore definitely concluded on 15 February 1997. The individual schedules of commitments to be annexed to the Fourth Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in Services were technically verified and approved by the WTO Council for Trade in Services in Geneva on 1997. The Protocol is open for acceptance, by signature or otherwise, by Members concerned until 30th November 1997. * * * Negotiations were conducted in the light of the guidelines adopted by the Council of 14 June 1995. The overall level of commitments both on market access and national treatment reached by the agreement on 30 April 1996 with the modifications introduced before 15 February 1997 account for 93% of the world market on basic telecommunications services. WTO Members representing all continents have made commitments on all basic telecommunications services subsectors, either immediately or phased-in. In addition, most schedules contain additional commitments on regulatory principles. The contribution of the European Community and its Member States to a satisfactory conclusion of the negotiations on basic telecommunications has been essential. The agreement allows EU telecommunications industries to benefit from greater legal certainty and predictability than previously available. It benefits European industries as a whole as well as European consumers and constitutes a real basis on which to build further market-opening measures in the future. The Commission therefore recommends that the Council of the European Union adopt the attached Decision concerning the conclusion of the results of the WTO/GATS negotiations on basic telecommunications services. Council Decision of concerning the conclusion on behalf of the European Community, as regards matters within its competence, of the results of the WTO negotiations on basic telecommunications services THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 57, 66, 90, 99, 100, 100A and 113, in conjunction with Article 228(2) and the first sub-paragraph of Article 228(3) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament, Whereas the Marrakech Agreement establishing the World Trade Organisation and its related agreements, the Ministerial Decisions and Declarations -including the Ministerial Decision on Negotiations on Basic Telecommunications-, as well as the Annex on Telecommunications and the Annex on Negotiations on Basic Telecommunications were approved by a Council decision of 22 December 19941 ; Whereas the overall commitments on basic telecommunications services negotiated by the Commission, on behalf of the European Community and its Member States, constitutes a satisfactory and balanced outcome; Whereas on 30 April 1996 the Council authorised the Commission to approve, on behalf of the European Community and its Member States, the Decision of the Negotiating Group on Basic Telecommunications and the WTO Council on Trade in Services adopting the Fourth Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in Services and the Decision of the Council on Trade in Services on Commitments on Basic Telecommunications; Whereas on 14 February 1997 the Council authorised the Commission to submit to the WTO the final schedule of commitments on behalf of the European Community and its Member States; Whereas the competence of the Community to conclude international agreements does not derive only from explicit conferral by the Treaty but may also derive from other 1 O. J. No. L 336, 23. 12. 1994, p. 1 <• provisions of the Treaty and from acts adopted pursuant to those provisions by Community institutions, Whereas where Community rules have been adopted in order to achieve the aims of the Treaty, Member States may not, outside the framework of the common institutions, enter into commitments liable to affect those rules or alter their scope; Whereas some commitments on basic telecommunications services fall within the competence of the Community under Article 113 of the Treaty; whereas, furthermore, other commitments on basic telecommunications services affect Community rules adopted on the basis of Articles 57, 66, 90, 99, 100 and 100A and may therefore only be entered into by the Community alone; Whereas the use of Article 100 of the Treaty as a legal base for this Decision is justified also by the fact that the aforementioned commitments on basic telecommunications services are likely to affect Council Directive 90/434/EEC of 23 July 1990 on the common system of taxation applicable to mergers, divisions, transfers of assets and exchanges of shares concerning companies of different Member States2 and Council Directive 90/43 5/EEC of 23 July 1990 on the common system of taxation applicable in the case of parent companies and subsidiaries of different Member States3, which are based on Article 100 of the Treaty; Whereas, by its nature, the Agreement establishing the World Trade Organisation and the Protocols to the General Agreement on Trade in Services, are not susceptible to being directly invoked in Community or Member States courts; HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS : Article 1 1. The Fourth Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in Services concerning basic telecommunications services is hereby approved on behalf of the European Community with regard to that portion of it which falls within the competence of the European Community. 2. The text of the Fourth Protocol is attached to this Decision, as are also the following: the schedule of specific commitments of the Community and the Member States, which is part of the overall package of commitments reached at the WTO on 15 February 1997; the Decision of the Council for Trade in Services on Commitments on Telecommunications Services; and 2 OJ N° L 225 of 20. 8. 1990, p. 1. 3 OJ N° L 225 of 20. 8. 1990, p. 6. the 15 February 97 Report of the Group on Basic Telecommunications to the Council for Trade in Services. 3. The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person empowered to sign the Fourth Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in Services in order to bind the European Community with regard to that portion of the Protocol falling within its competence. Done at Brussels, For the Council The President L 1 FOURTH PROTOCOL TO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN SERVICES Members of the World Trade Organization (hereinafter referred to as the "WTO") whose Schedules of Specific Commitments and Lists of Exemptions from Article II of the General Agreement on Trade in Services concerning basic telecommunications are annexed to this Protocol (hereinafter referred to as " Members concerned"), Having carried out negotiations under the terms of the Ministerial Decision on Negotiations on Basic Telecommunications adopted at Marrakesh on 15 April 1994, Having regard to the Annex on Negotiations on Basic Telecommunications, Agree as follows: 1. Upon the entry into force of this Protocol, a Schedule of Specific Commitments and a List of Exemptions from Article II concerning basic telecommunications annexed to this Protocol relating to a Member shall, in accordance with the terms specified therein, supplement or modify the Schedule of Specific Commitments and the List of Article II Exemptions of that Member. This Protocol shall be open for acceptance, by signature or otherwise, by the Members concerned 2. until 30 November 1997. 3. The Protocol shall enter into force on 1 January 1998 provided it has been accepted by all Members concerned. If by 1 December 1997 the Protocol has not been accepted by all Members concerned, those Members which have accepted it by that date may decide, prior to 1 January 1998, on its entry into force. 4. This Protocol shall be deposited with the Director-General of the WTO. The Director-General of the WTO shall promptly furnish to each Member of the WTO a certified copy of this Protocol and notifications of acceptances thereof. This Protocol shall be registered in accordance with the provisions of Article 102 of the Charter 5. of the United Nations. Done at Geneva this fifteenth day of April one thousand nine hundred and ninety-seven, in a single copy in the English, French and Spanish languages, each text being authentic, except as otherwise provided for in respect of the Schedules annexed hereto. EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THEIR MEMBER STATES Schedule of Specific Commitments (This is authentic in English, French and Spanish) <? THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THEIR MEMBER STATES - SCHEDULE OF SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons I»-c Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional commitments 2. C Telecommunications services Telecommunications services are the transport of electro magnetic signals - sound, data image and any combinations thereof, excluding broadcasting1. Therefore, commitments in this schedule do not cover the economic activity consisting of content provision which require telecommunications services for its transport. The provision of that content, transported via a telecommunications service, is subject to the specific commitments undertaken by the European Communities and their Member States in other relevant sectors. All sub-sectors Co The European Communities and their Member States undertake additional commitments as contained in the attachment, all parts of which are equally binding. 1 Broadcasting is defined as the uninterrupted chain of transmission required for the distribution of tv and radio programme signals to the general public, but does not cover contribution links between operators. Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional commitments B: Licensing conditions may address the need to guarantee universal service, including through financing, in a transparent, non-discriminatory and competitively neutral manner and will not be more burdensome than necessary. FIN : The general horizontal requirements for legal entities in GATS/SC/33 shall not apply to the telecommunications sector except as : FIN : The general horizontal requirements for legal entities in GATS/SC/33 shall not apply to the telecommunications sector. Requirements concerning the Aland islands shall continue to apply. half of the founders, half of the members of the board of directors and the managing director must have permanent residence in the European Economic Area. If the founder is a legal person, it must have residence in the EEA. 1) None except for: 1) None P: basic services can be supplied only by companies established in Portugal. GR: access through S. A. and the company must be exclusively engaged in the supply of telecommunication services. 2) None 2) None m e "1 o *o CD w 3 n o 3 3 c S3 3 CD 3 o* CD > -l GO 8 Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or subsector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional commitments 3) None except for(*) : 3) None GR: access through S. A. and the company must be exclusively engaged in the supply of telecommunication services. P : The direct or indirect participation of natural persons, who are non-nationals of EC Member States or non-EC companies or firms in the capital of companies supplying basic telecommunications services cannot exceed 25%. F : Indirect: none. Non-EC natural or juridical persons may not hold directly more than 20% of the shares or voting rights of companies authorised to establish and operate radio-based infrastructure for the provision of telecommunications services to the general public. For the application of this provision, companies or firms legally established according to the laws of a Member State of the EC are considered EC juridical persons. 4) Unbound except as indicated in the 4) Unbound except as indicated in the horizontal section. horizontal section. P: The Government of Portugal has the intention of presenting to the Parliament draft legislation aiming at removing partially the present limitations on foreign equity participation in the capital of companies supplying basic telecommunication services no later than in 1998. In case of approval, the new legislation will be bound no later than in 1999. ffl c o CD n o 3 Sa CL ;?• ce 3 cr <D 0*1 (*)Footnote for clarification purposes: Some EC Member States maintain public participation in certain telecommunication operators. EC Member States reserve their rights to maintain such public participation in the future. This is not a market access limitation. In Belgium, government participation and voting right* in Belgacom are freely determined under legislative power» «• is presently Qt* «. *** unéer thm law uf^ 21 March 1991 on the reform of government-owned economic enterprises. Modes of supply: 1) Cross-ljorder supply /. ) VAMUkUuljfiiVMA « un Sector or sub-sector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional commitments Domestic and international Domestic and international services provided using any network technology, or?, a facilities based or resale basis, for public and non-public use, in the following market segments (these correspond to the following CPC numbers: 7521, 7522, 7523, 7524**, 7525, 7526 and 7529**, broadcasting is excluded): a. Voice telephone services 1) None except for:2 1) None b. Packet switched data transmission services c. Circuit-switched data transmissions services ^ d. Telex services e. Telegraph services f. Facsimile services E: none, except that the liberalisation calendar will be as follows: one additional nation-wide licence in January 1998; full liberalisation as from30. n. l998\ IRL: None except for public voice telephony and facilities-based services where none as of 1 January 2000. P: None, except for public voice telephony, telex and telegraph where none as from 1 January 2000, and facihties-based services where none as from 1 July 1999. GR: None except for public-voice telephony and facilities-based services where none as of 1 January 2003. 2 Luxembourg has requested a delayed date for the liberalisation of telecommunications until 1. 1. 2000. The EC decision on this request is still pending. 'Applications for further licences to be received as from 1 August 98. m c o CD W 3 o o 3 3 £ 3. a US 3 Q. 3 c* rt ^» C/5 r» fia <-» 8 m c O a 3 n o 3 3 c 3 ft» 3 CL CO 3 cr re >-i C/3 ST 8 Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or sub-sector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional commitments g. Leased circuit services 2) None 3) None except for:4 2) None 3) None E: none, except that the liberalisation calendar will be as follows: one additional nation wide licence in January 1998; full liberalisation as from 30. 11. 19985. IRL: None except for public voice telephony and facilities-based services where none as of 1 January 2000. P: None, except for public voice telephony, telex and telegraph where none as from 1 January 2000 and facilities-based services where none as from 1 July 1999. GR: None except for public voice telephony and facilities-based services where none as of 1 January 2003. O» 4) Unbound except as indicated in the 4) Unbound except as indicated in the horizontal section. horizontal section. 4 Luxembourg has requested a delayed date for the liberalisation of telecommunications until 1. 1. 2000. The EC decision on this request is still pending. 5 Applications for further licences to be received as from 1 August 98. Modes of supply: 1) Cross-border supply 2) Consumption abroad 3) Commercial presence 4) Presence of natural persons Sector or sub-sector Limitations on market access Limitations on national treatment Additional commitments o. Other services: Mobile and personal communications services and systems 1) None except for: 1) None IRL, P: international interconnection of mobile networks with other mobile or fixed networks where none as of 1. 1. 1999. 2) None 3) None except for: 2) None 3) None IRL, P: international interconnection of mobile networks with other mobile or fixed networks where none as of 1. 1. 1999. 4) Unbound except as indicated in the 4) Unbound except as indicated in the horizontal section. horizontal section. m c 3 S 3 o O 3 3 e 3 3 a. CD I <t> < -l 00 «-» -. o ^ w* USfcUll-O ADDITIONAL COMMITMENT BY THF EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THEIR MEMBER STATES SCOPE: The following are definitions and principles on the regulatory framework for the basic telecommunications services underpinning the market access commitments by the European Communities and their Member States. DEFINITIONS: User mean service consumer and service suppliers. Essential facilities mean facilities of a public telecommunications transport network and service that a) b) are exclusively or predominantly provided by a single or limited number of suppliers; and cannot feasibly be economically or technically substituted in order to provide a service. A major suppliers a supplier which has the ability to materially affect the terms of participation (having regard to price and supply) in the relevant market for basic telecommunications services as a result of: a) b) 1. control over essential facilities; or use of its position in the market. COMPETITIVE SAFEGUARDS: 1. 1. Prevention of anti-competitive practices in telecommunications: Appropriate measures shall be maintained for the purpose of preventing suppliers who, alone or together, are a major supplier from engaging in or continuing anti-competitive practices. 1. 2. Safeguards: The anti-competitive practices referred to above shall include in particular: a) b) c) engaging in anti-competitive cross-subsidization; using information obtained from competitors with anti-competitive results; and not making available to other services suppliers on a timely basis technical information about essential facilities and commercially relevant information which are necessary for them to provide services. 2. INTERCONNECTION: 2. 1. This section applies to linking with suppliers providing public telecommunications transport networks or services in order to allow the users of one supplier to communicate with users of another supplier and to access, services provided by another supplier. -rs European Communities and Member States 2. 2. Interconnection to be ensured: Within the limits of permitted market access, interconnection with a major supplier will be ensured at any technically feasible point in the network. Such interconnection is provided6: a) b) c) under non-discriminatory terms, conditions (including technical standards and specifications) and rates and of a quality no less favourable than that provided for its own like services or for like services of non-affiliated service suppliers or for its subsidiaries or other affiliates7; in a timely fashion, on terms, conditions (including technical standards and specifications) and cost-oriented rates that are transparent, reasonable, having regard to economic feasibility, and sufficiently unbundled so that the supplier need not pay for network components or facilities that it does not require for the service to be provided; and upon request, at points in addition to the network termination points offered to the majority of users, subject to charges that reflect the cost of construction of necessary additional facilities. 2. 3. Public availability of the procedures for interconnection negotiations : The procedures applicable for interconnection to a major supplier will be made publicly available. 2. 4. Transparency of interconnection arrangements: It is ensured that a major supplier will make publicly available either its interconnection agreements or a reference interconnection offer. 2. 5. Interconnection : dispute settlement: A service supplier requesting interconnection with a major supplier will have recourse, either : a) b) l at any time or after a reasonable period of time which has been made publicly known to an independent domestic body, which may be a regulatory body as referred to in paragraph 5 below, to resolve disputes regarding appropriate terms, conditions and rates for interconnection within a reasonable period of time, to the extent that these have not been established previously. Suppliers of services or networks not generally available to the public, such as closed user groups, have guaranteed rights to connect with the public telecommunications transport network or services on terms, conditions and rates which are non-discriminatory, transparent and cost-oriented. Such terms, conditions and rates may, however, vary from the terms, conditions and rates applicable to interconnection between public telecommunications networks or services. 'Different terms, conditions and rates may be set in the Community for operators in different market segments, on the basis of non-discriminatory and transparent national licensing provisions, where such differences can be objectively justified because these services are not considered "like services". fe European Communities and Member States 3. UNIVERSAL SERVICE: Any Member has the right to define the kind of universal service obligation it wishes to maintain. Such obligations will not be regarded as anti-competitive per se, provided they are administered in a transparent, non-discriminatory and competitively neutral manner and are not more burdensome than necessary for the kind of universal service defined by the Member. 4. PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF LICENSING CRITERIA: Where a licence is required, the following will be made publicly available: a) all the licensing criteria and the period of time normally required to reach a decision concerning an application for a licence and b) the terms and conditions of individual licences. The reasons for the denial of a licence will be made known to the applicant upon request. 5. INDEPENDENT REGULATORS: The regulatory body is separate from, and not accountable to, any supplier of basic telecommunications services. The decisions of and the procedures used by regulators shall be impartial with respect to all market participants. 6. ALLOCATION AND USE OF SCARCE RESOURCES: Any procedures for the allocation and use of scarce resources, including frequencies, numbers and rights of way, will be carried out in an objective, timely, transparent and non-discriminatory manner. The current state of allocated frequency bands will be made publicly available, but detailed identification of frequencies allocated for specific government uses is not required. Vr DECISION ON COMMITMENTS IN BASIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS The Council for Trade in Services, Having regard to the Annex on Negotiations on Basic Telecommunications, Having regard to the resuhs of the negotiations conducted under the terms of the Decision on Negotiations on Basic Telecommunications adopted at Marrakesh on 15 April 1994, Acting upon the final Report of ihe Negotiating Group on Basic Telecommunications, Decides as follows: -* L To adopt the text of the "Fourth Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in Services" (hereinafter referred to as the Protocol) and to take note of the Schedules of Cornmitments and Lists af Exemptions from Article II listed in the Attachment to the final Repoit of the Negotiating Group on Basic Telecommunications. 2. Commencing immediately and continuing until the date of entry into force of the Protocol Members concerned shall, to the fullest extent consistent with their existing legislation and regulations, not take measures which would be inconsistent with their undertakings resulting from these negotiations. 3. During the period from 15 January to 15 February 1997. a Member which has a Schedule of Commitments annexed to the Protocol, may supplement or modify such Schedule or its List of Article II Exemptions. Any such Member which has not annexed to the Protocol a List of Article IT Exemptions may submit such a list during the same period. A Group on basic telecommunications reporting to the Council for Trade in Services shall conduct 4. consultations on the implementation of paragraph 3 above commencing its work no later than 90 days from the adoption of the Decision. The Council for Trade in Services shall monitor the acceptance of the Protocol by Members 5. concerned and shall, at the request of a Member, examine any concerns raised regarding the application of paragraph 2 above. Members of the World Trade Organization which have not annexed to the Protocol Schedules 6. of Commitments or Lists of Exemptions from Article II may submit, for approval by the Council, Schedules of Commitments and Lists of Exemptions from Article II relating to basic telecommunications prior to 1 January 1998. i* WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION Group on Basic Telecommunications 15 Febnury 1997 (97-0615) REPORT OF THE GROUP ON BASIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS 1. This report is made in accordance with paragraph 4 of the Decision on Cornmitments in Basic Telecommunications, adopted by the Council for Trade in Services on 30 April 1996 (S/L/19). In paragraph 1 of this Decision, the Council also adopted the text of the Fourth Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in Services and took note of the Schedules of Ccrnimitmertts and Lists of Exemptions from Article II listed in the Attachment to the final Report of the Negotiating Group on Basic Telecommunications (S/NGBT/18). 2. The Decision on C^rximitments on Basic Telecommunications established the Group on Basic Telecommunications to "conduct consultations on the implementation of paragraph 3 of the Decision". Paragraph 3 states that "during the period from 15 January to 15 February 1997, a Member which has a Schedule of Commitments annexed to the Protocol, may supplement or modify such Schedule or its List of Article II Exemptions" and that "any such Member which has not annexed to the Protocol a List of Article II Exemptions may submit such a list during the same period**. 3. At the Group's first meeting in July 1996, participants suggested that the principal issues before the GBT included the desirability of improving the quantity and quality of Schedules offered, and the need to address certain issues which had been left unresolved in April. Subsequently, the Group sponsored frequent rounds of bilateral negotiations on offers and regularly included discussion of outstanding issues in its meetings. In November participants began submitting revised draft offers of commitments on basic telecommunications for consideration. The Group's Report to the Council on Trade in Services (S/GBT/2). which formed pan of the Report to the Singapore Ministerial Conference, recommended that Ministers "stress their commitment to bring the negotiations on basic telecommunications to a successful conclusion by 15 February 1997, urge all WTO Members to strive for significant, balanced and rwrHdiscrirainaîory liberalization œrrimitrnenîs on basic telecommiirucations by that date and recognize the importance of resolving the principal issues before the GBT". The Declaration adopted by Ministers in Singapore (WT/M1N(96)/DEC) contained a commitment toJ*achieve a successful conclusion to the negotiations on basic telecommunications in February 1997". Ministers also stated "We are determined to obtain a progressively higher level of liberalization in services on a mutually advantageous basis with appropriate flexibility for individual developing country members, as envisaged in (he agreement, in the continuing negotiations and those scheduled to begin no later than 1 January 2000. In this context, we look forward to full MFN agreements based on improved market access commitments and national treatment". 4. In its discussions on outstanding issues, the Group considered the following matters: ways to ensure accurate scheduling of commitments - particularly with respect to supply of services over satellites and to the management of radio spectrum, potential anti-competitive distortion of trade in the status of intergovernmental satellite organizations in relation to GATS international services; provisions; and the extent to which basic telecommunications commitments include transpon of video and/or broadcast signals within their scope. '9 5. The Chairman issued notes reflecting his understanding of the position reached in discussion of the scheduling of commitments and management of radio spectrum. The first such Note set out a number of assumptions applicable to the scheduling of conimitrnerits and was intended to assist in ensuring the transparency of commitments (S/GBT/W/2/Rev. 1 of 16 January 1997). The second addressed the allocation of radio spectrum. suggesting that the inclusion of references to the availability of spectrum in schedules was unnecessary and that such references should be deleted (S/GBTAW3 of 3 February 1997). These Notes are attached to this Report. 6. By 15 February 1997 the total number of schedules submitted had reached 55 (counting as one the offer of the European Communities and theii Member States). Nine governments had submitted lists of Article H Exemptions. 7. The Group noted that five countries had taken Article II exemptions in respect of the application of differential accounting rates to services and service suppliers of other Members. In the light of the fact that the accounting rate system established under the International Tdecorrimunications Regulations is the usual method of terminating international traffic and by its nature involves differential rates, and in order to avoid the submission of further such exemptions, it is the understanding of the Group that: the application of such accounting rates would not give rise to action by Members under dispute settlement under the WTO; and that this understanding will be reviewed not later than the commencement of the further Round of negotiations on Services Cornmitments due to begin not later than 1 January 2000. 8. The Group also recalled paragraph 6 of the Decision of 30 April, which stated thai Members of the World Trade Organization which have not annexed to the Protocol Schedules of Commitments or Lists of Exemptions from Article II may submit, for approval by the Council, Schedules of Commitments and Lists of Exemptions from Article II relating to basic telecommunications prior to 1 January 1998. 9. At its meeting of 15 February 1997. the Group adopted this report and the attached list of the Schedules of Commitments and Lists of Article II Exemptions, which, in accordance with paragraph 3 of the Decision on Commitments in Basic Telecommunications, will be attached to the Fourth Protocol to the General Agreement on Trade in Services in replacement of those attached on 30 April 1996 2*> WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION Group on Basic Telecommunications S/GBT/4 Page 3 16 January 1997 (97-0173) Note bv the Chairman Revision It has been suggested by a number of délégations that it might be helpful to produce a brief and simple note on assumptions applicable to the scheduling of commitments in basic télécoms. The purpose of the attached note is to assist delegations in ensuring the transparency of their cornmitments and to promote a better understanding of the meaning of commitments. This note is not intended to have or acquire any binding legal status. NOTES FOR SCHEDULING BASIC TELECOM SERVICES COMMITMENTS Unless otherwise noted in the sector column, any basic telecom service listed in the sector 1. column: (a) encompasses local, long distance and international services for public and non-public use; (b) may be provided on a facilities-basis or by resale; and (c) may be provided through any means of technology (e. g. , cable1, wireless, satellites). 2. Subsector (g) -private leased circuit services — involves the ability of service suppliers to sell or lease any type of network capacity for the supply of services listed in any other basic telecom service subsector unless otherwise noted in the sector column. This would include capacity via cable, satellite and wireless network. 3. In view of points I and 2 above, it should not be necessary to list cellular or mobile services as a separate subsector. However, a number of Members have done so, and a number of offers have commirmenis only in these subsectors. Therefore, in order to avoid extensive changes in schedules, it would seem appropriate for Members to maintain separate entries for these subsectors. 'Including all types of cable. WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION 3 February 1997 (97-0415) Group on Basic Télécommunications Original: English CHAIRMAN'S NOTE Market Access Limitations on Spectrum Availability Many Members have entries in the market access column of their schedules indicating thai commitments are "subject to availability of spectrurn/frcquency" or similar wording. In light of the physical nature of spectrum and the constraints inherent in its use, it is understandable that Members may have sought to rely on these words to adequately protect legitimate spectrum management policies. There is, however, doubt that words such as "subject to availability of spectrum/frequency" as listed in the market access column of many Members* schedules achieve that objective. Spectrum/frequency management is not, per se, a measure which needs to be listed under Article XVI. Furthermore under the GATS each Member has the right to exercise spectrum/frequency management, which may affect the number of service suppliers, provided that this is done in accordance with Article VI and other relevant provisions of the GATS. This includes the ability to allocate frequency bands taking into account existing and future needs. Also, Members which have made additional commitment in line with the Reference Paper on regulatory principles are bound by its paragraph 6 Therefore, words such as "subject to availability of spearum/frequency"* are unnecessary and should be deleted from Members' schedules. 2X ISSN 0254-1475 COM(97) 368 final DOCUMENTS EN 15 08 11 Catalogue number : CB-CO-97-356-EN-C ISBN 92-78-22664-5 Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L-2985 Luxembourg


title: COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1361/97 of 15 July 1997 amending representative prices and additional duties for the import of certain products in the sugar sector

eurovoc_concepts:
import
raw sugar
representative price
sugar product
white sugar


title: Decision on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to the adoption of a European Parliament and Council Directive amending for the third time Directive 88/344/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States on extraction solvents used in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients (C4- 0151/97 96/0195(COD))

eurovoc_concepts:
approximation of laws
foodstuff
human nutrition
solvent

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title: SKRIFTLIG FORESPØRGSEL nr. 2554/97 af Simon MURPHY til Kommissionen. Æglæggende høns

eurovoc_concepts:
alternative agricultural production
animal welfare
egg
intensive livestock farming
labelling
laying poultry
protection of animals

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text: 11. 3. 98 DA De Europ(cid:230)iske F(cid:230)llesskabers Tidende C 76/125 Men i henhold til artikel 126 i EF-traktaten henhłrer uddannelsesordningerne og deres indhold udelukkende under medlemsstaternes kompetence. (1) EFT L 199 af 6. 8. 1977. (98/C 76/238) SKRIFTLIG FORESP(cid:216)RGSEL P-2554/97 af Simon Murphy (PSE) til Kommissionen (15. juli 1997) Om: ˘gl(cid:230)ggende hłns Vi kan forst(cid:229), at Generaldirektorat VI snart vil offentliggłre det l(cid:230)nge ventede forslag om (cid:230)ndring af direktiv 88/166/E(cid:216)F (1) om fastl(cid:230)ggelse af mindstekrav vedrłrende beskyttelse af burhłns, og at forslaget ogs(cid:229) vil omfatte mindstekrav vedrłrende beskyttelse af hłns i alternative (cid:230)gproduktionssystemer. Kan Kommissionen under disse omst(cid:230)ndigheder forklare, hvorfor medlemsstaterne i udvalget om fjerkr(cid:230) drłfter et s(cid:230)rskilt forslag om (cid:230)ndring af de kriterier for (cid:230)gproduktionssystemer, der er fastsat i forordning (E(cid:216)F) nr. 1274/91 (2) (som (cid:230)ndret ved forordning (E(cid:216)F) nr. 2401/95 (3), og hvordan der kan tr(cid:230)ffes en beslutning, som vil annullere enhver (cid:230)ndring af direktiv 88/166/E(cid:216)F, tilsides(cid:230)tte velf(cid:230)rdskrav, omg(cid:229) Parlamentets udtalelse og blot afspejle industriens krav? (1) EFT L 74 af 19. 3. 1988, s. 83. (2) EFT L 121 af 16. 5. 1991, s. 11. (3) EFT L 246 af 13. 10. 1995, s. 6. Svar afgivet p(cid:229) Kommissionens vegne af Franz Fischler (1. august 1997) Det er korrekt, at Kommissionen har meddelt, at den efter sommerferien agter at forel(cid:230)gge R(cid:229)det en rapport om videnskabelige udviklinger vedrłrende hłns(cid:146) velf(cid:230)rd i forskellige systemer, eventuelt ledsaget af et forslag til bestemmelser om hłns(cid:146) velf(cid:230)rd. De nuv(cid:230)rende drłftelser med medlemsstaterne i Forvaltningskomite·en for Fjerkr(cid:230)kłd og ˘g vedrłrer m(cid:230)rkningsregler for (cid:230)g produceret i forskellige systemer og basiskriterier, som skal overholdes i hvert enkelt system (fritg(cid:229)ende hłns, volierehłnsehold, burhłns). Med disse drłftelser foruddiskonteres p(cid:229) ingen m(cid:229)de Kommissionens holdning med hensyn til den rapport, der planl(cid:230)gges til efter(cid:229)ret. Det er klart, at der med de detaljerede m(cid:230)rkningsregler for (cid:230)g i forordning (E(cid:216)F) nr. 1274/91 m(cid:229) tages hensyn til eventuelle fremtidige (cid:230)ndringer af direktiv 88/166/E(cid:216)F vedrłrende de forskellige produktionsmetoder. (98/C 76/239) SKRIFTLIG FORESP(cid:216)RGSEL P-2555/97 af Michael Elliott (PSE) til Kommissionen (15. juli 1997) Om: Transport af levende dyr Hvorn(cid:229)r vil Kommissionen stille forslag om strengere tekniske specifikationer for kłretłjer, der anvendes til transport af levende dyr, f. eks. krav om, at der skal v(cid:230)re mulighed for at give dyrene vand? Svar afgivet p(cid:229) Kommissionens vegne af Franz Fischler (1. august 1997) I juni 1997 forelagde Kommissionen et forslag for R(cid:229)det vedrłrende till(cid:230)gsnormer for lastbiler benyttet til befordring af dyr ved over otte timers transporttid (1)


title: Regulamento (CE) nº 1354/97 da Comissão de 15 de Julho de 1997 que altera o Regulamento (CE) nº 1685/95 que instaura um regime de emissão de certificados de exportação no sector vitivinícola

eurovoc_concepts:
export licence
quantitative restriction
wine

formats: html pdfa1b print


title: Γνώμη της Επιτροπής για την αίτηση προσχώρησης της Σλοβακίας στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση

eurovoc_concepts:
EU relations
Slovakia
accession to the European Union
convergence criteria
economic analysis
economic situation
political situation


title: Comunicación de la Comisión al Consejo y al Parlamento Europeo sobre el desarrollo de las relaciones con Turquía

eurovoc_concepts:
EU relations
Türkiye
cooperation policy
customs union

text: COMISIÓN DE LAS COMUNIDADES EUROPEAS Tir £ Bruselas, 15. 07. 1997 COM(97)394 final COMUNICACIÓN DE LA COMISIÓN AL CONSEJO Y AL PARLAMENTO EUROPEO sobre el desarrollo de las relaciones con Turquía COMUNICACIÓN DE LA COMISIÓN AL CONSEJO Y AL PARLAMENTO EUROPEO sobre el desarrollo de las relaciones con Turquía Introducción 1. El 6 de marzo de 1995 el Consejo de Asociación UE-Turquía tomó una decisión sobre la aplicación de la fase final de la unión aduanera y adoptó una resolución sobre el desarrollo de la cooperación entre la UE y Turquía en varios campos. La Comunidad hizo también una declaración relativa a la reanudación de la cooperación financiera con Turquía. Al mismo tiempo, la Unión Europea acordó que las negociaciones de adhesión con Chipre comenzarían seis meses después de la conclusión de la conferencia intergubernamental para tener en cuenta los resultados de ésta. El 24 de marzo de 1997, en su reunión informal celebrada en Apeldoorn, el Consejo invitó a la Comisión a que preparase una Comunicación sobre el futuro desarrollo de las relaciones entre la UE y Turquía, en el contexto de la unión aduanera que entró en vigor el 31 de diciembre de 1995. El presente documento constituye una respuesta a esta invitación. Refleja la posición del Consejo de Asociación de 29 de abril de 1997 que volvió a confirmar que Turquía puede entrar a formar parte de la UE y que le serán aplicados las mismas normas y criterios objetivos que a los demás candidatos. Las iniciativas que figuran en la presente Comunicación toman plenamente en consideración esta posición. 2. Los acontecimientos políticos y económicos más recientes de las relaciones con Turquía se examinan en el capítulo 2 del próximo informe Agenda 2000. La presente Comunicación se centra en propuestas destinadas a desarrollar las relaciones UE-Turquía más allá de lo ya conseguido con la unión aduanera. La unión aduanera, que está obteniendo resultados satisfactorios, ha marcado un avance importante en las relaciones entre la UE y Turquía, y es una base sólida para el posterior desarrollo de las relaciones. Orientaciones 3. Dado que Turquía puede entrar a formar parte de la UE, tal como confirmó la Unión en el Consejo de Asociación celebrado el 29 de abril de 1997, y es un socio importante de la UE, a través de la unión aduanera y un miembro activo de la Asociación Mediterránea, la Unión Europea debería seguir apoyando los esfuerzos del país para resolver sus problemas y llevar adelante el proceso de integración en la Unión. El Acuerdo de Asociación y la unión aduanera constituyen la base para lograr unas relaciones políticas y económicas cada vez estrechas. En este proceso, la UE concede una inportancia especial a los avances de Turquía hacia la democratización y el respeto de los derechos humanos; la instauración de relaciones de buena vecindad con Grecia; el respeto de los principios del derecho internacional y la solución justa y duradera de la cuestión chipriota. 4. En este contexto, la Comisión opina que la UE debería seguir una política de amplio alcance con objeto de reforzar las relaciones entre ésta y Turquía. Con este fin, el presente documento contiene varias propuestas que deberán ser financiadas, por lo / menos en su fase inicial, con cargo al presupuesto comunitario; sin financiación comunitaria la mayoría de estas propuestas no podrán aplicarse. La Comisión considera que se debería aprobar con carácter prioritario el Reglamento financiero especial diseñado para acompañar a la unión aduanera a fin de que Turquía adapte su industria a la nueva situación de competitividad creada por dicha unión y de que mejore el enlace de sus infraestructuras con las de la UE y reduzca las diferencias entre su economía y la de la Comunidad. La Comisión espera también que se creen las condiciones para poder utilizar plenamente el instrumento MEDA en la cooperación financiera con Turquía 5. Las propuestas presentadas en la Comunicación se refieren a los sectores siguientes: la consolidación de la unión aduanera los servicios las telecomunicaciones y la sociedad de la información la agricultura la reapertura del diálogo macroeconómico la promoción de la cooperación y las inversiones industriales la cooperación en materia de medio ambiente la cooperación en materia de política de protección del consumidor la cooperación en materia de política regional y transfronteriza la participación en los programas comunitarios la cooperación en asuntos de justicia y de interior los derechos humanos y los asuntos humanitarios Consolidación de la unión aduanera 6. La unión aduanera se podría consolidar estableciendo un programa de apoyo a la armonización de la normativa industrial (normalización, valoración de conformidad y de la política de calidad, competencia), iniciando negociaciones en materia de contratación pública, acelerando la plena armonización de las políticas aduaneras y comerciales, y colaborando más con Turquía en los sectores directamente relacionados con la unión aduanera. Estas iniciativas deberían ir acompañadas de la correspondiente asistencia la competitividad de la industria turca y de que el país se integre plenamente en el mercado único por lo que respecta al libre movimiento de mercancías. Se debería ampliar la unión aduanera a los servicios y progresivamente también a la libre circulación de los productos agrícolas. técnica y financiera con objeto de mejorar 7. El proceso de consolidación podría llevarse a cabo mediante: - - - - técnica y una estrecha cooperación con la prestación de asistencia las administraciones e instituciones turcas (la subsecretaría de comercio exterior, las aduanas, hacienda, otros ministerios) a fin de reforzar los controles y mejorar las estructuras para garantizar un funcionamiento eficaz de la unión aduanera; la prestación de asistencia técnica para contribuir a la reforma del marco las jurídico/comercial inversiones. De esta manera se estimularían las inversiones tanto nacionales como extranjeras; con objeto de crear un contexto más favorable a la participación turca en el sistema paneuropeo de las normas de origen para los productos industriales, el convenio de tránsito y el convenio sobre el documento administrativo único para asegurar todos nuestros acuerdos comerciales; la compatibilidad de la mejora de los mecanismos de consulta con Turquía en sectores en los que acepta el acervo comunitario (política comercial, negociación de los acuerdos normativa de competencia, propiedad comerciales, política medioambiental, normas y legislación industriales); intelectual, - estas acciones deberían ir acompañadas de la conclusión de las negociaciones de acuerdos comerciales entre Turquía y los países de Europa Central y Oriental y del Mediterráneo. La Comisión y los Estados miembros deberían facilitar apoyo técnico y político para contribuir a la conclusión de dicho proceso. Servicios 8. La liberalización de los servicios reportará beneficios mutuos y logrará que una mayoría de la sociedad turca participe en el proceso de modernización y en el desarrollo de lazos más estrechos con la UE. 9. En el sector de los servicios, el artículo V del GATS permite la celebración de acuerdos preferenciales sobre la liberalización bilateral de servicios entre dos miembros de la OMC, siempre que la liberalización contemple substancialmente todos los sectores y aspectos del intercambio de servicios. Habida cuenta de los puntos de partida respectivos, la liberalización de servicios exigiría un mayor esfuerzo por parte turca que de la UE pero contribuiría de manera importante a reformar y modernizar la economía. Sería necesario llevar a cabo un análisis minucioso para poder establecer los beneficios adicionales concretos que pueda aportar la liberalización de los servicios y para garantizar la plena conformidad con el GATS. - Se propone el inicio de negociaciones con objeto de lograr la liberalización progresiva de los servicios entre la UEy Turquía. Telecomunicaciones y sociedad de la información 10. Turquía está modernizando sus sistemas avanzados de comunicaciones y de información, pero tiene que adoptar una normativa en el sector de las comunicaciones para cumplir las obligaciones contraidas en virtud del GATT: - La UE podría colaborar en la preparación de legislación armonizada con la de la Unión. Se favorecería la integración de Turquía en la sociedad de la las redes de telecomunicaciones información asociando al país con transeuropeas y a los investigadores, laboratorios, empresas y demás organismos turcos con las actividades de I&D relacionadas con la sociedad de la información. Agricultura 11. En su acuerdo de unión aduanera, la UE y Turquía se han comprometido a realizar la libre circulación de productos agrícolas. Turquía deberá adecuar su política agrícola de manera que adopte las medidas necesarias para garantizar la libertad de movimiento de los productos agrícolas; hasta el momento no ha habido avances al respecto. Se ha firmado un acuerdo comercial que establece concesiones recíprocas para los productos agrícolas. Desde un punto de vista económico la liberalización de los intercambios de productos agrícolas es positiva teniendo en cuenta el rápido crecimiento económico de Turquía y las ventajas que implicaría la preferencia para los productos de la UE. Ambas partes reconocen que para realizar una política de liberalización ambiciosa sería necesario superar grandes dificultades, entre otras las diferencias entre las infraestructuras agrícolas de Turquía y de la UE. 12. A fin de lograr este objetivo se propone: - prestar asistencia técnica y financiera para contribuir a la modernización de la agricultura turca, incapaz de explotar plenamente su potencial, y colaborar en el ajuste de la política agrícola del país, de acuerdo con las líneas expuestas. - favorecer, tomando en consideración los rasgos específicos de la infraestructura agrícola turca, la incorporación del acervo comunitario en sectores como la organización de mercados, la política rural, las normas técnicas y las medidas fito y zoosanitarias, y veterinarias; deberían continuar las negociaciones relativas a la ulterior mejora recíproca del acceso a los mercados. Derechos humanos v asuntos humanitarios 13. Se debería establecer una amplia cooperación en materia de derechos humanos para lograr el desarrollo de la sociedad civil y del Estado de derecho en Turquía. 14. Esta cooperación se podría llevar a cabo mediante: •- una amplísima colaboración con las ONG europeas y sobre todo turcas comprometidas en la mejora de los derechos humanos, la libertad de expresión y el desarrollo de la sociedad civil en Turquía, así como las que se dedican a la cobertura de la situación de los derechos humanos, - la cooperación con el gobierno turco, apoyando sus esfuerzos para elaborar y aplicar una normativa adecuada y formar a funcionarios públicos, incluidos los de la policía, en materias relacionadas con el respeto de los derechos humanos. - se debería reforzar la UE y Turquía en asuntos humanitarios. En este contexto, se debería colaborar con las autoridades turcas para que las ONG puedan prestar ayuda humanitaria en las regiones vecinas. la cooperación entre Reapertura del diálogo macroeconómico 15. La reapertura del diálogo macroeconómico con Turquía ayudaría a ejecutar una política macroeconómica sólida y reformas estructurales en sectores como la seguridad social, las infraestructuras, la sociedad de la información, la energía y el desarrollo de los recursos humanos. Se debería contribuir a las reformas prestando asistencia técnica y financiera. la reestructuración, la privatización y la agricultura, Promoción de la cooperación industrial y de las inversiones 16. Turquía está tratando de mejorar su competitividad en diversos sectores a fin de fomentar el crecimiento económico y aumentar el nivel de ingresos; la promoción de la cooperación industrial y de las inversiones apoyará estos esfuerzos. - Si propone aumentar la cooperación en sectores como la calidad de los productos y la innovación, así como en el campo de las tecnologías de la información. Son necesarias medidas adicionales para favorecer el acceso de las empresas, en particular de las pequeñas y medianas, a los instrumentos de información y de cooperación empresarial existentes para que puedan afrontar los retos de la unión aduanera y unas condiciones comerciales en continua evolución en las regiones del Mediterráneo y del Mar Negro. El apoyo al desarrollo del sector privado debería fomentar el desarrollo duradero y equilibrado, la modernización y el aumento de las inversiones. Cooperación en el sector del medio ambiente 17. Hay que conseguir mejoras también en el campo ambiental, singularmente por lo que respecta al logro de un desarrollo duradero y la integración de las cuestiones ambientales en otros sectores económicos. - Se propone reforzar la cooperación en materia ambiental para mejorar el la debida crecimiento económico duradero y el desarrollo social, prestando atención a la calidad ambiental, a la protección de la salud pública y al uso racional de los recursos naturales. Cooperación en materia de política de protección del consumidor 18. La política y la protección de la salud de los consumidores son temas que cobran cada vez más importancia en las relaciones UE-Turquía porque la unión aduanera abre nuevas oportunidades a los intercambios. - Se propone facilitar asistencia técnica y financiera a las autoridades turcas para la creación de un sistema similar al de intercambio rápido de información que funciona en la UE. El sistema turco se podría conectar al sistema UE en cuanto el Consejo tome las decisiones pertinentes. Cooperación regional y transfronteriza 19. El refuerzo de la cooperación en la zona del Mar Negro aumentará la estabilidad y prosperidad de la región. Para lograr este objetivo, y de acuerdo con la orientación de otras iniciativas regionales, la Comisión utiliza instrumentos como los programas de ayuda a países socios de la región. Participación en los programas comunitarios 20. La Comisión ha propuesto que Turquía participe en los programas LEONARDO, SOCRATES y "La Juventud con Europa III", propuesta que está siendo estudiada por el Parlamento y el Consejo. En virtud del 4o programa marco de IDT, los investigadores, laboratorios, empresas y demás organismos turcos tienen derecho a participar en los proyectos de investigación. 21. Se propone que Turquía sea invitada a participar en los programas de la Comunidad, sobre todo en los sectores de la juventud, la cultura, la educación, la formación, la investigación, las PYME, el medioambiente y las redes transeuropeas. - Se podría incluir en un protocolo adicional al Acuerdo de Asociación una decisión de principio para que Turquía participe en los programas comunitarios. Las condiciones de participación se negociarían para cada programa. Los primeros años al menos, una parte de la contribución turca podría cubrirse con la ayuda financiera MED A o, una vez adoptado, con el reglamento de asistencia financiera especial. Cooperación en materia de justicia y asuntos de interior 22. Se debería reforzar la cooperación policial y aduanera para luchar contra el tráfico de estupefacientes, el crimen organizado y el blanqueo de dinero, así como en el ámbito de la inmigración y de la cooperación judicial en asuntos civiles y penales. - La resolución del Consejo de Asociación de octubre de 1995 aporta el marco institucional para tal cooperación; prevé a intervalos regulares reuniones a nivel K4 y reuniones entre Turquía, la Presidencia y la Comisión, así como reuniones ministeriales. - El Consejo podría decidir autorizar la financiación de acciones en el ámbito de la justicia y de los asuntos de interior en el contexto del programa de cooperación financiera con Turquía. Conclusión 23. La Comisión considera que la confirmación del Consejo de Asociación de que Turquía puede optar a la adhesión a la UE y que le serán aplicadas las mismas normas y criterios objetivos que a los demás países ha dado un nuevo impulso a las relaciones UE-Turquía. En la presente Comunicación se exponen diversas maneras de que la UE y Turquía afronten juntas los retos de la adhesión a la UE. Se invita al Consejo a que apruebe estas orientaciones. 24. El progreso de las relaciones UE-Turquía dependerá de los avances conseguidos por Turquía en varios ámbitos. En el campo político, es necesario continuar el proceso de democratización; mejorar las relaciones entre Grecia y Turquía; respetar los principios del derecho internacional y llevar a cabo un programa eficaz para que el respeto de los derechos humanos alcance un nivel aceptable para la comunidad internacional. Los derechos humanos y el Estado de derecho han de ser respetados, principalmente en el contexto de la lucha antiterrorista y de la búsqueda de una solución pacífica al problema a que se enfrenta Turquía en el sudeste, donde sigue vigente el estado de emergencia. Asimismo, Turquía debe contribuir al logro de una solución justa y duradera del problema chipriota conforme con las correspondientes resoluciones de las NU. 25. A pesar del enorme dinamismo del sector privado turco, son necesarias una reforma económica y una política duradera que garantice la estabilidad del crecimiento económico, de los precios y de la política monetaria para favorecer el crecimiento económico y el empleo. Se ha de seguir reformando el sector público y la agricultura, y la adaptación de las infraestructuras físicas y sociales del país representa un importante reto financiero y administrativo. 26. Junto a las mejoras en estos sectores, las iniciativas propuestas en la presente comunicación podrían contribuir a una mayor integración la UE y Turquía, en provecho de todos sus ciudadanos, y reforzar los vínculos establecidos mediante el Acuerdo de Asociación y la unión aduanera. Ello aportaría a ambas partes una mayor estabilidad, seguridad y prosperidad, y contribuiría a que Turquía realizase su vocación europea. 27. Se invita al Consejo a que apruebe las orientaciones expuestas en la presente comunicación. Ficha de financiación No es pertinente en la actualidad. Todas las iniciativas sobre la base de las recomendaciones de la presente Comunicación serán financiadas con cargo a los instrumentos comunitarios existentes, es decir, a la asistencia financiera especial para Turquía establecida como acompañamiento de la unión aduanera y de MEDA. Consecuencias de la propuesta para las PYME La propuesta tiene implicaciones positivas para las PYME debido a que: * favorecerá su participación en el comercio y la cooperación; * facilitará los contactos y el intercambio de información entre PYME de ambas partes ISSN 0257-9545 COM(97) 394 final DOCUMENTOS ES 11 N° de catálogo : CB-CO-97-402-ES-C ISBN 92-78-23476-1 Oficina de Publicaciones Oficiales de las Comunidades Europeas L-2985 Luxemburgo l¿


title: Resolutie over commerciële communicatie in de interne markt - Groenboek van de Commissie (COM(96)0192 C4-0365/96)

eurovoc_concepts:
advertising
free movement of goods
freedom to provide services
marketing
sales promotion
single market
sponsorship


title: Parecer da Comissão relativo ao pedido de adesão da Letónia à União Europeia

eurovoc_concepts:
EU relations
Latvia
accession to the European Union
economic situation
political situation