The Czech Republic - Political criteria

Short-term priorities

• implementing the action described in the governmental resolution of October 7 on the Roma, in particular, the provision of financial support;
• implementing measures to fight discrimination (including within public administration);
• promotion of job opportunities and improved access to education.

Assessment (November 2000)

This priority has been partially observed. The majority of the measures in the government's plan of action concerning the Roma have been carried out and access to education has been improved, but more effort is required to integrate the Roma and to improve their job opportunities.

Assessment (November 2001)

The situation of the Roma continues to improve although there are still some problems with access to work. The priority has been partially achieved, thanks to the new measures adopted.

Assessment (October 2002)

The reform of public administration has advanced with the adoption of the Civil Service Act in May 2002. No progress has been made on standards of availability of public services. As regards training, the Institute of State Administration has started operations. Further progress has been made with judicial reform, especially in relation to administrative law, the self-administration of the judiciary and the implementation of the Code of Criminal Proceedings. Although progress has been made in reducing the length of court proceedings, further improvement is required. The fight against corruption and economic crime has advanced significantly. A Code of Ethics for the police must be adopted to prevent police misconduct.

Assessment (November 2003)

Please refer to the fact sheets on the adoption of the Community acquis.

Medium-term priorities:

• continuation of the efforts to integrate the Roma;
• strengthening of the laws on freedom of the press;
• continuing attention to equality of access to public services.

Assessment (October 1999)

The government has paid particular attention to the integration of the Roma, by pressing ahead with the framing and implementation of measures in this area. Parliament has amended the law on citizenship. It has also approved legislation allowing citizens access to information on public administration.

Assessment (November 2000)

The government has adopted a long-term policy concerning the Roma, together with strategies centred around education, employment, housing and the fight against discrimination. These strategies have been allocated additional funds.

Assessment (November 2001)

Having adopted a new long-term policy concerning the Roma, the government has achieved some of its priorities. Measures to fight discrimination, however, require more effort.

Assessment (October 2002)

Efforts have been made to improve the situation of the Roma minority in the fields of culture, education and housing. However, effective strategies are required to combat the structural discrimination in employment, education and housing.

Assessment (November 2003)

Please refer to the fact sheets on the adoption of the Community acquis.

Following the signing of the Accession Treaty on 16 April 2003, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia acceded to the European Union on 1 May 2004.

REFERENCES

Decision 98/267/EC of 30.03.1998Official Journal L 121 of 23.04.1998

Decision 1999/858/EC of 06.12.1999Official Journal L 335 of 28.12.1999

Commission opinion COM(97) 2009 finalNot published in the Official Journal

Commission report COM(98) 708 finalNot published in the Official Journal

Commission report COM(1999) 503 finalNot published in the Official Journal

Commission report COM(2000) 703 finalNot published in the Official Journal

Commission report COM(2001) 700 final - SEC(2001) 1746Not published in the Official Journal

Commission report COM(2002)700 final - SEC(2002)1402Not published in the Official Journal

Commission Report COM(2003) 675 final - SEC(2003) 1200Not published in the Official Journal

Treaty of Accession to the European Union [Official Journal L 236, 23.09.2003]

Last updated: 19.11.2004