1. Irish Presidency Proposal
A Framework for implementing the Evaluation of EPAN & the Report of the Task Force on Enlargement
Irish Presidency Proposal

2. Recommendations of the EPAN Evaluation & the Report of the TFE
EPAN Evaluation TFE Report
1. Organisation of the Network 1. Objectives & Structures
2. Meetings of Ministers 2. Organisational structures
3. Meetings of DGs Working procedures
4. Presidencies Working language/ translation
5. Secretariate & WGs 5. Costs
6. Enlargement
7. Reporting & Communication
8. Implementation and Follow Up

3. Irish Presidency Proposal
A considerable number of recommendations of the
Evaluation of EPAN report have been implemented already
during the Greek and Italian Presidencies. In view of the
overlap in the work issues addressed in both the
Evaluation of EPAN and the Report of the Task Force on
Enlargement, the Irish Presidency proposes to amalgamate
the recommendations of both reports into a framework
which will allow them to be successfully implemented over
time

4. Irish Presidency Proposal (Contd.)
Two levels
DG and Network level
Working Group level

5. Process of Consultation
A process of consultation with the DGs of the 15 Member States and the 10 Accession countries will be undertaken before the proposals can be put into effect
The main element will involve circulation of the framework to the 15 Member States and the 10 Accession countries
It will involve a Forum of Discussion with the DGs of the Troika and the 10 Accession Countires

6. Recommendations
Short Term – those recommendateions which will lead to an immediate improvement to the operation of the Network once all MSs including the new Accession States agree to their introduction. These can be implemented during the Irish Presidency
Medium Term – those recommendations which will lead to an improvement to the operation of the Network and whose implementation will take place following discussion at the DG meeting in May and which will begin to be implemented during the Dutch Presidency
Long Term – those recommendations which will need further consideration and may take longer to implement before leading to an improvement to the operation of the Network. These can be addressed at the DGs meeting in November-December 2004 and and implemented during the Luxembourg or UK Presidencies.

7. Timetable
20 February 04 complete draft of framework for circulation to DG Troika for approval of proposal and timetable
27 February 04 circulation of proposal and timetable to Member States and new Member States for comments
19 March 04 forum for discussion with DG Troika and 10 Accession States to discuss proposal and MTP
19 March 04 deadline for completion of comments
8 April 04 draft report and circulate for comments to 25 states
22 April 04 deadline for comments and finalise report
27-28 May presentation of report
(Directors General meeting)
Nov/Dec 2004
(Directors General meeting) presentation of the any additional report and findings

8. Directors General Meeting 27th – 28th May, 2004
Issues for consideration by the Directors General at their meeting in Dublin Castle on 27th – 28th May, 2004
Directors General meeting in November/December 2004 in the Netherlands