Definition of Pre-accession strategy

Pre-accession strategy
On the basis of the Europe Agreements (association agreements with Central and Eastern European countries), in 1993 the Commission proposed that there be a 'structured dialogue' between the associated countries and the institutions of the Union in the form of meetings at which the different partners could consult each other.

In December 1994 the Essen European Council adopted a pre-accession strategy based on:

•deepening relations between the associated countries, the Member States and the institutions of the Union (strengthening the structured dialogue);
•implementation of the Europe Agreements;
•adaptation of the financial assistance provided by Phare.

At December 1997's Luxembourg European Council a reinforced pre-accession strategy was launched for the ten Central and Eastern European applicant countries. It is based on:

•the Europe Agreements;
•the accession partnerships and the national programmes for the adoption of the acquis;
•participation in certain Community programmes, agencies and committees.

For Cyprus, a special pre-accession strategy was put in place the same year. In 1998 a strategy was adopted for Malta, and the last strategy is now taking shape for Turkey. Pre-accession strategies for Malta and Turkey are based on:

•the association agreements;
•the accession partnerships and the national programmes for the adoption of the acquis;
•participation in Community programmes, agencies and committees;
•special pre-accession aid;
•in Turkey's case, a reinforced political dialogue.

The Copenhagen European Council of 12 and 13 December 2002 substantially increased pre-accession aid for Bulgaria and Romania.

See:

•Accession negotiations
•Accession partnership
•Agenda 2000
•Applicant countries
•Community acquis
•Enlargement
•Europe Agreement
•Financial perspective 2000-2006
•Incorporation of the Community acquis
•Pre-accession aid
•Programme of Community aid to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (Phare)
•Screening
•TAIEX (Technical Assistance Information Exchange Office)