BRUSSELS, Nov 4 (Reuters) - The European Union executive is due to publish its annual report on enlargement on Nov. 9.
Following are some key areas for improvement in democratic and other reforms required of EU hopefuls, as listed in a draft of the report obtained by Reuters on Thursday.
For story on the draft report, see
CANDIDATE COUNTRIES
CROATIA
* Needs to show track record of curbing corruption and improving cooperation with the U.N. war crimes tribunal for former Yugoslavia.
* Needs to restructure shipyards.
* Problems over independence of local media.
TURKEY
* Significant efforts needed on fundamental rights.
* Needs more public debate on vital constitutional change; implementation also crucial.
* Freedom of expression and media needs to be strengthened in law and in practice.
* Shortcomings include women's rights, freedom of religion and minorities.
* In coming months, Turkey should focus on competition policy, public procurement and social and employment policy, when it comes to policy areas addressed in EU entry talks.
* Urgently needs to fulfil Ankara Protocol on opening ports to traffic from Cyprus; no progress so far in normalising relations with Cyprus.
ICELAND
* Needs to address existing obligations as defined by EFTA (European Free Trade Association).
* More efforts necessary to inform public opinion about EU accession.
MACEDONIA
* Conflict with Greece over Macedonia's name continues to block progress towards EU membership.
* Needs to improve dialogue among political parties; make further progress in judiciary and public administration reform.
* Improvements needed in freedom of expression and business environment.
OTHER HOPEFULS
BOSNIA
* Has made limited progress in addressing key reforms.
* Needs shared vision by all leaders on reform direction.
SERBIA
* Has shown some positive results in fighting organised crime but more effort needed in judiciary and administration reform.
* Needs full cooperation with the U.N. war crimes tribunal.
* Needs to demonstrate a more constructive approach towards Kosovo's participation in regional trade and cooperation.
* Should recognise Kosovo customs stamps.
KOSOVO
* More effort needed to tackle graft, organised crime and money laundering.
* Major challenges remain regarding public administration reform and the rule of law.
* Freedom of expression is not guaranteed in practice.
MONTENEGRO
* Implementation of reforms on rule of law is insufficient.
* Serious concerns remain about role of parliament in appointing judges and prosecutors.
* Organised crime remains a serious problem.
ALBANIA
* Effectiveness and stability of democratic institutions is insufficient.
* Political interactions are confrontational, unconstructive.
* Rule of law reforms are incomplete. (Reporting by Justyna Pawlak; Editing by Rex Merrifield and Jon Hemming)