Périodes transitoires négociées par les adhérents

The paper lists all the transition periods negotiated by the 10 acceding countries in the final stage of accession negotiations with the European Union at the end of 2002. These transition periods are derogations to EU law and are limited in duration. They have been accorded to the future Member States so that they can gain a competitive advantage from temporary non-application of EU law. In certain areas, transition periods were negotiated collectively, for example in the area of free movement of people. In other areas, they were negotiated individually, for example for competition. In all instances, these derogations are strictly limited in duration and cannot be prolonged, except through negotiations. The Commission is responsible for the monitoring of their application.