Press Release: New ‘national reform programmes’ to be submitted by 15 October

The European Commission on 3 May 2005 tabled a working document which provided guidance to Member States to draw up their respective national reform programmes in terms of structure and content. The national reform programmes, to be published by 15 October 2005, were expected to be forward-looking political documents setting out a comprehensive three year strategy to implement the integrated guidelines to deliver growth and jobs and allow the Commission to assess the policies and progress identified by Member States. Starting in June/July 2005 the Commission was planning to conduct a process of clarification and dialogue with Member States through bilateral meetings.