COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL

This communication assesses the current state of the European Union's enlargement agenda, comprising the Western Balkans, Turkey, and Iceland. Based on the accompanying in-depth country analyses3, it takes stock of what these countries have achieved preparing for membership, where they stand today, assesses their prospects for the coming years and in this regard makes a number of recommendations. As in previous years, a number of key challenges are given particular attention.

Key challenges include:

1. Increased focus on strengthening the rule of law and public administration reform
2. Ensuring freedom of expression in the media
3. Enhancing regional cooperation and reconciliation in the Western Balkans
4. Achieving sustainable economic recovery and embracing Europe 2020
5. Extending transport and energy networks

The strategy also summarises the progress in the enlargement countries and the agenda for 2011-2012 and how the enlargement process will be supported (through financial assistance, visa liberalisation and mobility, as well as information and communication).

For the field of research and innovation general remarks from page 10 can be quoted:

In the area of research and innovation, the cooperation of enlargement countries with the EU
is already advanced in terms of eligibility for participation in EU initiatives. Enlargement
countries participate in the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological
Development and the Competitiveness and Innovation programme. Current indicators,
however, show that in most cases they are significantly below the EU average in terms of
investments and development of research and innovation policies. Regional leaders, including at the upcoming ministerial conferences, are encouraged to commit to increase investment in
research, innovation and human capital.