Poland: further agricultural reforms demanded by EU
The latest report on the enlargement of the European Union by the European Commission has raised the hopes of many of the applicant countries in Eastern Europe with many praised for their efforts to meet the conditions of membership. However, most countries have been told they must still reform certain sectors of their economy before they can join.
Despite a generally positive assessment of Poland's achievements in economic integration, the country is behind in some areas, according to the report. Areas in need of government action include rules governing the transportation of animals, the introduction of a livestock identification system, and the introduction of measures to counteract epidemics. Progress in building effective market systems for agricultural products was also described as insufficient while Poland won poor ratings from the Commission for its preparations in the fishery sector.
Notwithstanding these areas where adjustments are required, Poland is generally classified among the countries which should be the first to be admitted to the EU. The European Commission report confirms this, stating that Poland stands a chance of meeting EU membership criteria over the next year, provided it intensively reforms the economy and builds an administration capable of enforcing adopted EU law.
