Europaudvalget 2024-25
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Chapters of the acquis
Chapter 1: Free movement of goods
The principle of the free movement of goods implies that products must be traded freely from one
part of the Union to another. In a number of sectors this general principle is complemented by a
harmonised regulatory framework, following the “old approach” (imposing precise product
specifications) or the “new approach” (imposing general product requirements). The harmonised
European product legislation, which needs to be transposed, represents the largest part of the
acquis under this chapter. In addition, sufficient administrative capacity is essential to notify
restrictions on trade and to apply horizontal and procedural measures in areas such as
standardisation, conformity assessment, accreditation, metrology and market surveillance.
Chapter 2: Freedom of movement for workers
The acquis under this chapter provides that EU citizens of one Member State have the right to
work in another Member State. EU migrant workers must be treated in the same way as national
workers in relation to working conditions, social and tax advantages. This acquis also includes a
mechanism to coordinate national social security provisions for insured persons and their family
members moving to another Member State.
Chapter 3: Right of establishment and freedom to provide services
Member States must ensure that the right of establishment of EU national and legal persons in any
Member State and the freedom to provide cross-border services is not hampered by national
legislation, subject to the exceptions set out in the Treaty. The acquis also harmonises the rules
concerning regulated professions to ensure the mutual recognition of qualifications and diplomas
between Member States; for certain regulated professions a common minimum training
curriculum must be followed in order to have the qualification automatically recognised in an EU
Member State. As regards postal services, the acquis also aims at opening up the postal services
sector to competition in a gradual and controlled way, within a regulatory framework which
assures a universal service.
Chapter 4: Free movement of capital
Member States must remove, with some exceptions, all restrictions on movement of capital both
within the EU and between Member States and third countries. The acquis also includes rules
concerning cross-border payments and the execution of transfer orders concerning securities. The
directive on the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing requires banks and other
economic operators, particularly when dealing in high-value items and with large cash
transactions, to identify customers and report certain transactions. A key requirement to combat
financial crime is the creation of effective administrative and enforcement capacity, including co-
operation between supervisory, law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities.
Chapter 5: Public procurement
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The acquis on public procurement includes general principles of transparency, equal treatment,
free competition and non-discrimination. In addition, specific EU rules apply to the coordination of
the award of public contracts for works, services and supplies, for traditional contracting entities
and for special sectors. The acquis also specifies rules on review procedures and the availability of
remedies. Specialised implementing bodies are required.
Chapter 6: Company law
The company law acquis includes rules on the formation, registration, merger and division of
companies. In the area of financial reporting, the acquis specifies rules for the presentation of
annual and consolidated accounts, including simplified rules for small- and medium-sized
enterprises. The application of International Accounting Standards is mandatory for some public
interest entities. In addition, the acquis specifies rules for the approval, professional integrity and
independence of statutory audits.
Chapter 7: Intellectual property law
The acquis on intellectual property rights specifies harmonised rules for the legal protection of
copyright and related rights. Specific provisions apply to the protection of databases, computer
programs, semiconductor topographies, satellite broadcasting and cable retransmission. In the
field of industrial property rights, the acquis sets out harmonised rules for the legal protection of
trademarks and designs. Other specific provisions apply for biotechnological inventions,
pharmaceuticals and plant protection products. The acquis also establishes a Community
trademark and Community design. Finally, the acquis contains harmonised rules for the
enforcement of both copyright and related rights as well as industrial property rights. Adequate
implementing mechanisms are required, in particular effective enforcement capacity.
Chapter 8: Competition policy
The competition acquis covers both anti-trust and state aid control policies. It includes rules and
procedures to fight anti-competitive behaviour by companies (restrictive agreements between
undertakings and abuse of dominant position), to scrutinise mergers between undertakings, and
to prevent governments from granting state aid which distorts competition in the internal market.
Generally, the competition rules are directly applicable in the whole Union, and Member States
must co-operate fully with the Commission in enforcing them.
Chapter 9: Financial services
The acquis in the field of financial services includes rules for the authorisation, operation and
supervision of financial institutions in the areas of banking, insurance, supplementary pensions,
investment services and securities markets. Financial institutions can operate across the EU in
accordance with the ‘home country control’ principle either by establishing branches or by
providing services on a cross-border basis.
Chapter 10: Information society and media
The acquis includes specific rules on electronic communications, on information society services,
in particular electronic commerce and conditional access services, and on audio-visual services. In
the field of electronic communications, the acquis aims to eliminate obstacles to the effective
operation of the internal market in telecommunications services and networks, to promote
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competition and to safeguard consumer interests in the sector, including universal availability of
modern services. As regards audio-visual policy, the acquis requires the legislative alignment with
the Television without Frontiers Directive, which creates the conditions for the free movement of
television broadcasts within the EU. The acquis aims to the establishment of a transparent,
predictable and effective regulatory framework for public and private broadcasting in line with
European standards. The acquis also requires the capacity to participate in the community
programmes Media Plus and Media Training.
Chapter 11: Agriculture and rural development
The agriculture chapter covers a large number of binding rules, many of which are directly
applicable. The proper application of these rules and their effective enforcement and control by an
efficient public administration are essential for the functioning of the common agricultural policy
(CAP). Running the CAP requires the setting up of management and quality systems such as a
paying agency and the integrated administration and control system (IACS), and the capacity to
implement rural development measures. Member States must be able to apply the EU legislation
on direct farm support schemes and to implement the common market organisations for various
agricultural products.
Chapter 12: Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy
This chapter covers detailed rules in the area of food safety. The general foodstuffs policy sets
hygiene rules for foodstuff production. Furthermore, the acquis provides detailed rules in the
veterinary field, which are essential for safeguarding animal health, animal welfare and safety of
food of animal origin in the internal market. In the phytosanitary field, EU rules cover issues such
as quality of seed, plant protection material, harmful organisms and animal nutrition.
Chapter 13: Fisheries
The acquis on fisheries consists of regulations, which do not require transposition into national
legislation. However, it requires the introduction of measures to prepare the administration and
the operators for participation in the common fisheries policy, which covers market policy,
resource and fleet management, inspection and control, structural actions and state aid control. In
some cases, existing fisheries agreements and conventions with third countries or international
organisations need to be adapted.
Chapter 14: Transport policy
EU transport legislation aims at improving the functioning of the internal market by promoting
safe, efficient and environmentally sound and user-friendly transport services. The transport
acquis covers the sectors of road transport, railways, inland waterways, combined transport,
aviation, and maritime transport. It relates to technical and safety standards, security, social
standards, state aid control and market liberalisation in the context of the internal transport
market.
Chapter 15: Energy
EU energy policy objectives include the improvement of competitiveness, security of energy
supplies and the protection of the environment. The energy acquis consists of rules and policies,
notably regarding competition and state aids (including in the coal sector), the internal energy
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market (opening up of the electricity and gas markets, promotion of renewable energy sources),
energy efficiency, nuclear energy and nuclear safety and radiation protection.
Chapter 16: Taxation
The acquis on taxation covers extensively the area of indirect taxation, namely value-added tax
(VAT) and excise duties. It lays down the scope, definitions and principles of VAT. Excise duties on
tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and energy products are also subject to EU legislation. As
concerns direct taxation, the acquis covers some aspects of taxing income from savings of
individuals and of corporate taxes. Furthermore, Member States are committed to complying with
the principles of the Code of Conduct for Business Taxation, aimed at the elimination of harmful
tax measures. Administrative co-operation and mutual assistance between Member States is
aimed at ensuring a smooth functioning of the internal market as concerns taxation and provides
tools to prevent intra-Community tax evasion and tax avoidance. Member States must ensure that
the necessary implementing and enforcement capacities, including links to the relevant EU
computerised taxation systems, are in place.
Chapter 17: Economic and monetary policy
The acquis in the area of economic and monetary policy contains specific rules requiring the
independence of central banks in Member States, prohibiting direct financing of the public sector
by the central banks and prohibiting privileged access of the public sector to financial institutions.
Member States are expected to co-ordinate their economic policies and are subject to the Stability
and Growth Pact on fiscal surveillance. New Member States are also committed to complying with
the criteria laid down in the Treaty in order to be able to adopt the euro in due course after
accession. Until then, they will participate in the Economic and Monetary Union as a Member
State with a derogation from the use of the euro and shall treat their exchange rates as a matter
of common concern.
Chapter 18: Statistics
The acquis in the field of statistics requires the existence of a statistical infrastructure based on
principles such as impartiality, reliability, transparency, confidentiality of individual data and
dissemination of official statistics. National statistical institutes act as reference and anchor points
for the methodology, production and dissemination of statistical information. The acquis covers
methodology, classifications and procedures for data collection in various areas such as macro-
economic and price statistics, demographic and social statistics, regional statistics, and statistics
on business, transport, external trade, agriculture, environment, and science and technology. No
transposition into national legislation is needed as the majority of the acquis takes the form of
regulations.
Chapter 19: Social policy and employment
The acquis in the social field includes minimum standards in the areas of labour law, equality,
health and safety at work and anti-discrimination. The Member States participate in social
dialogue at European level and in EU policy processes in the areas of employment policy, social
inclusion and social protection. The European Social Fund is the main financial tool through which
the EU supports the implementation of its employment strategy and contributes to social inclusion
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efforts (implementation rules are covered under Chapter 22, which deals with all structural
instruments).
Chapter 20: Enterprise and industrial policy
EU industrial policy seeks to promote industrial strategies enhancing competitiveness by speeding
up adjustment to structural change, encouraging an environment favourable to business creation
and growth throughout the EU as well as domestic and foreign investments. It also aims to
improve the overall business environment in which small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
operate. It involves privatisation and restructuring (see also Chapter 8
–
Competition policy). EU
industrial policy mainly consists of policy principles and industrial policy communications. EU
consultation forums and Community programmes, as well as communications, recommendations
and exchanges of best practices relating to SMEs aim to improve the formulation and coordination
of enterprise policy across the internal market on the basis of a common definition of SMEs. The
implementation of enterprise and industrial policy requires adequate administrative capacity at
the national, regional and local level.
Chapter 21: Trans-European networks
This chapter covers the Trans-European Networks policy in the areas of transport,
telecommunications and energy infrastructures, including the Community guidelines on the
development of the Trans-European Networks and the support measures for the development of
projects of common interest. The establishment and development of Trans-European Networks
and the promotion of proper interconnection and interoperability of national networks aim to
take full advantage of the internal market and to contribute to economic growth and the creation
of employment in the European Union.
Chapter 22: Regional policy and coordination of structural instruments
The acquis under this chapter consists mostly of framework and implementing regulations, which
do not require transposition into national legislation. They define the rules for drawing up,
approving and implementing Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund programmes reflecting each
country’s territorial organisation. These programmes are negotiated and agreed with the
Commission, but implementation is the responsibility of the Member States. Member States must
respect EU legislation in general, for example in the areas of public procurement, competition and
environment, when selecting and implementing projects. Member States must have an
institutional framework in place and adequate administrative capacity to ensure programming,
implementation, monitoring and evaluation in a sound and cost-effective manner from the point
of view of management and financial control.
Chapter 23: Judiciary and fundamental rights
EU policies in the area of judiciary and fundamental rights aim to maintain and further develop the
Union as an area of freedom, security and justice. The establishment of an independent and
efficient judiciary is of paramount importance. Impartiality, integrity and a high standard of
adjudication by the courts are essential for safeguarding the rule of law. This requires a firm
commitment to eliminating external influences over the judiciary and to devoting adequate
financial resources and training. Legal guarantees for fair trial procedures must be in place.
Equally, Member States must fight corruption effectively, as it represents a threat to the stability
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of democratic institutions and the rule of law. A solid legal framework and reliable institutions are
required to underpin a coherent policy of prevention and deterrence of corruption. Member
States must ensure respect for fundamental rights and EU citizens’ rights, as guaranteed by the
acquis and by the Fundamental Rights Charter.
Chapter 24: Justice, freedom and security
EU policies aim to maintain and further develop the Union as an area of freedom, security and
justice. On issues such as border control, visas, external migration, asylum, police cooperation, the
fight against organised crime and against terrorism, cooperation in the field of drugs, customs
cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal and civil matters, Member States need to be
properly equipped to adequately implement the growing framework of common rules. Above all,
this requires a strong and well-integrated administrative capacity within the law enforcement
agencies and other relevant bodies, which must attain the necessary standards. A professional,
reliable and efficient police organisation is of paramount importance. The most detailed part of
the EU’s policies on justice, freedom and security is the Schengen acquis, which entails the lifting
of internal border controls in the EU. However, for the new Member States substantial parts of the
Schengen acquis are implemented following a separate Council Decision to be taken after
accession.
Chapter 25: Science and research
The acquis in the field of science and research does not require transposition of EU rules into the
national legal order. Implementation capacity relates to the existence of the necessary conditions
for effective participation in the EU’s Framework Programmes. In order to ensure the full and
successful association with the Framework Programmes, Member States need to ensure the
necessary implementing capacities in the field of research and technological development
including adequate staffing.
Chapter 26: Education and culture
The areas of education and training, youth, sport and culture are primarily the competence of the
EU Member States. In the field of education, training, sport and youth, besides a Directive on
education of the children of migrant workers and the judgments of the European Court of Justice
on cases related to non-discrimination between nationals of an EU Member State and other EU
nationals, the
acquis
mainly consists of Council Recommendations in a number of areas related to
school, vocational, higher and adult education, youth volunteering and mobility, numerous Council
Conclusions and Resolutions.
The governance framework for cooperation is set by a Council Resolution on a European Education
Area, with regular joint reporting of the Commission and the Council. A similar framework is set by
a Council Resolution on the EU Youth Strategy, also with regular reporting. The frameworks set
common objectives, monitor progress through benchmarks and indicators, and the Commission
facilitates various exchanges of experiences and peer learning.
As regards cultural policy, Member States need to uphold the principles enshrined in Article 167 of
the TFEU and, in particular, ensure that their international commitments allow for the
development and implementation of policies and instruments aiming at preserving and promoting
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cultural diversity. In accordance with these principles, the UNESCO Convention on the Protection
and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, ratified by the EU (and [country]), is a
major element of the
acquis
in the field of culture. Following the 2007 European Agenda for
Culture, the Commission adopted the New European Agenda for Culture in 2018 to take into
account the evolution of the cultural sector. The New Agenda provides the framework for
cooperation on culture at the EU level.
EU Sport Policy aims to create a European dimension in sport. Priorities for Member States and
the Commission are defined in EU Sport Working Plans. The current Plan is valid from 2021 to
2024 and addresses action in three priority areas: protect integrity and values in sport; Socio-
economic and environmental dimensions of sport and promotion of participation in sport and
health-enhancing physical activity.
Chapter 27: Environment
EU environment policy aims to promote sustainable development and protect the environment for
present and future generations. It is based on preventive action, the polluter pays principle,
fighting environmental damage at source, shared responsibility and the integration of
environmental protection into other EU policies. The acquis comprises over 200 major legal acts
covering horizontal legislation, water and air quality, waste management, nature protection,
industrial pollution control and risk management, chemicals and genetically modified organisms
(GMOs), noise and forestry. Compliance with the acquis requires significant investment. A strong
and well-equipped administration at national and local level is imperative for the application and
enforcement of the environment acquis.
Chapter 28: Consumer and health protection
The consumer protection acquis covers the safety of consumer goods as well as the protection of
the economic interests of consumers in a number of specific sectors. Member States need to
transpose the acquis into national law and to put in place independent administrative structures
and enforcement powers which allow for effective market surveillance and enforcement of the
acquis. Appropriate judicial and out-of-court dispute resolution mechanisms as well as consumer
information and education and a role for consumer organisations should be ensured as well. In
addition, this chapter covers specific binding rules in the area of public health.
Chapter 29: Customs union
The customs union acquis consists almost exclusively of legislation which is directly binding on the
Member States. It includes the EU Customs Code and its implementing provisions, the combined
nomenclature, common customs tariff and provisions on tariff classification, customs duty relief,
duty suspensions and certain tariff quotas, and other provisions such as those on customs control
of counterfeit and pirated goods, drugs precursors, export of cultural goods as well as on mutual
administrative assistance in customs matters and transit. Member States must ensure that the
necessary implementing and enforcement capacities, including links to the relevant EU
computerised customs systems, are in place. The customs services must also ensure adequate
capacities to implement and enforce special rules laid down in related areas of the acquis such as
external trade.
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Chapter 30: External relations
The acquis in this field consists mainly of directly binding EU legislation which does not require
transposition into national law. This EU legislation results from the EU’s multilateral and bilateral
commercial commitments, as well as from a number of autonomous preferential trade measures.
In the area of humanitarian aid and development policy, Member States need to comply with EU
legislation and international commitments and ensure the capacity to participate in the EU’s
development and humanitarian policies. Applicant countries are required to progressively align its
policies towards third countries and its positions within international organisations with the
policies and positions adopted by the Union and its Member States.
Chapter 31: Foreign, security and defence policy
The common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and the European security and defence policy
(ESDP) are based on legal acts, including legally binding international agreements, and on political
documents. The acquis consists of political declarations, actions and agreements. Member States
must be able to conduct political dialogue in the framework of CFSP, to align with EU statements,
to take part in EU actions and to apply agreed sanctions and restrictive measures. Applicant
countries are required to progressively align with EU statements, and to apply sanctions and
restrictive measures when and where required.
Chapter 32: Financial control
The acquis under this chapter relates to the adoption internationally recognised frameworks and
standards, as well as EU good practice, on public internal financial control (PIFC), based upon the
principle of decentralised managerial accountability. PIFC should apply across the entire public
sector, and include the internal control of financial management of both national and EU funds. In
particular, the acquis requires the existence of effective and transparent management systems,
including accountability arrangements for the achievement of objectives; a functionally
independent internal audit; and relevant organisational structures, including central co-ordination
of PIFC development across the public sector. This chapter also requires an institutionally,
operationally and financially independent external audit institution that implements its audit
mandate in line with the standards of the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions
(INTOSAI) and reports to the parliament on the use of public sector resources. In addition, this
chapter also covers the
protection of the EU’s financial interests
against fraud in the management
of EU funds and the protection of the euro against counterfeiting.
Chapter 33: Financial and budgetary provisions
This chapter covers the rules concerning the financial resources necessary for the funding of the
EU budget (‘own resources’). These
resources are made up mainly from contributions from
Member States based on traditional own resources from customs and agricultural duties and
sugar levies; a resource based on value-added tax; and a resource based on the level of gross
national income. Member States must have appropriate administrative capacity to adequately co-
ordinate and ensure the correct calculation, collection, payment and control of own resources.
The acquis in this area is directly binding and does not require transposition into national law.
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Chapter 34 - Institutions
This chapter covers the institutional and procedural rules of the EU. When a country joins the EU,
adaptations need to be made to these rules to ensure this country's equal representation in EU
institutions (European Parliament, Council, Commission, Court of Justice) and other bodies and the
good functioning of decision-making procedures (such as voting rights, official languages and other
procedural rules) as well as elections to the European Parliament. EU rules in this chapter do not
affect the internal organisation of a Member State, but acceding countries need to ensure that
they are able to participate fully in EU decision-making by setting up the necessary bodies and
mechanisms at home and by electing or appointing well-prepared representatives to the EU
institutions. After concluding the accession negotiations, specific rules for the interim period until
accession ensure a smooth integration of the country into EU structures: an information and
consultation procedure is put in place and, once the Accession Treaty is signed, the acceding
country is granted active observer status in the European Parliament and Council as well as in
Commission committees.
Chapter 35 - Other issues
This chapter includes miscellaneous issues which come up during the negotiations but which are
not covered under any other negotiating chapter. No such issues have been identified for the
moment. Chapter 35 is dealt with at the end of the negotiating process.
Kilde: EU-Kommissionen, DG NEAR (https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/enlargement-
policy/conditions-membership/chapters-acquis_en)