Analysis of the 2009 Annual Programme for Croatia under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) in the Context of the 2009 Enlargement Package

This briefing analyses the 2009 Annual Programme for Croatia and its coherence with EU strategic objectives and policy goals. It is based mainly on the Commission communication on the enlargement strategy for 2009, the 2009 Annual Programme for Croatia, the Croatia 2009 Progress Report and the 2009-2011 Multi-annual Indicative Planning Document for Croatia. The briefing discusses challenges and actions under the political criteria, with specific attention to human rights and minority issues, economic criteria and compliance with the acquis. Generally, projects planned under IPA 2009 are in line with the EU policy objectives as set within the enlargement package. The main challenges that could adversely affect the implementation of the programme are the economic crisis and the gap between the adoption and the implementation of the programme. It is recommended that further EU activity in Croatia should also target the Parliament and provide more help for economic reforms.