Chapter I, Article 3, Paragraph 3. · IPA III

Contents

3.In accordance with the specific objectives, assistance may, as appropriate, address the following thematic priorities:

(a)establishing and promoting from an early stage the proper functioning of the institutions necessary to secure the rule of law and further consolidating democratic institutions;

(b)strengthening capacities to face migration challenges at regional and international levels;

(c)enhancing capacities for strategic communication, including communicating to the public about necessary reforms for meeting the Union’s membership criteria;

(d)enhancing good governance and reforming public administration in line with the principles of public administration;

(e)strengthening fiscal and economic governance;

(f)strengthening all aspects of good neighbourly relations, regional stability and mutual cooperation;

(g)strengthening the capacity of the Union and its partners to prevent conflict, build peace and address pre- and post-crisis needs;

(h)strengthening the capacities, independence and plurality of civil society organisations;

(i)promoting the alignment of beneficiaries’ rules, standards, policies and practices with those of the Union;

(j)promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls;

(k)strengthening access to and the quality of education, training and lifelong learning at all levels, and offering support to cultural and creative sectors and sport;

(l)fostering quality employment and access to the labour market;

(m)promoting social protection and inclusion and combating poverty;

(n)promoting smart, sustainable, inclusive and safe transport, removing bottlenecks in key network infrastructures, and enhancing energy security and diversification;

(o)improving the private-sector environment and competitiveness of enterprises, in particular of SMEs;

(p)improving access to digital technologies and services and strengthening research, technological development and innovation;

(q)contributing to the security and safety of the supply of food and water;

(r)protecting the environment and improving the quality of the environment;

(s)cooperating with the beneficiaries listed in Annex I in the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the areas of health, agriculture and food safety;

(t)increasing the ability of the agri-food and fisheries sectors to cope with competitive pressure and market forces.