Resolution on the Commission's annual legislative programme for 2000

This document sets out the Council Declaration on the Commission's programme for 2000 which was discussed at meetings on 2,10 and 12 May 2000 by the Working Party on General Affairs. This document outlines what was endorsed by the Council. The priorities for the year 2000 are set out below: - the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) will amend the structures and functioning of the Union with a view to its enlargement; - the drawing up of the Charter of Fundamental Rights in good time so as to be considered by the European Council before the end of the year, and to make possible its joint promulgation by the institutions; - in the field of the common foreign and security and defence policy and in that of crisis prevention, the European Council at Cologne and Helsinki gave the decisive impetus for the establishment of structures and instruments making it possible to elaborate both the headline goal and the military capability target needed to achieve the full tasks of Petersburg tasks. In the same context, an action plan for the strengthening of non-military crisis management instruments was also adopted; - the role of its Secretary-General/High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security policy in support of those efforts, and in the improved coordination of the Community's actions throughout the world; - the Council has also tackled the question of improvements in its own functioning, and has taken an initial decision on a reduction in the number of Council formations; - the adoption of a Statute for Members of the European Parliament and a satisfactory solution as regards parliamentary assistants; - the adoption of provisions on the rights of access to documents from the institutions; - the enlargement process. The European Conference should be convened in 2000 to discuss subjects of common interest for the Union and the applicant countries; - employment, economic reform and social cohesion as part of a knowledge-based economy; - the achievement of an information society for all, of a European research and innovation, and a favourable climate for the creation and development of innovative businesses (particularly small and medium-sized enterprises); - environmental considerations and consumer protection, particularly with regard to public health and food safety; - transport safety; - implementing the new provisions relating to the outermost regions; - the establishment of the European area of freedom, security and justice; - cooperation with developing countries; - Euro-Mediterranean area; - support for the Middle East peace process; - Southern-Eastern Europe. The European Council should adopt a common strategy for the Western Balkans in order to define clearly the framework and objectives of the Union, and to offer a reference point for the States concerned; - relations with Ukraine and Russia and the newly independent states, particularly those of central Asia will be continued to be assisted through the TACIS programme and through the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements currently being ratified with the majority of them; - relations with Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America and the Caribbean and transatlantic relations. Finally, multilateral trade negotiations should be relaunched, drawing lessons from the Seattle Conference and ensuring the resumption of talks on solid foundations, based on a wide global agenda. �