An annual report

Lithuania submitted to the European Union an annual report on preparations for its entry into the bloc in 2004. European Committee chief Petras Austrevicius said the Baltic republic and Slovenia have so far been the only two EU candidates that have avoided criticism in this area from the European Commission. "Although we have managed to keep in line with the set timetable, we should not relax as too many things are yet to be done in agriculture, environment, energy, culture, and audio-visual policy and other fields," Austrevicius said. European Commission has listed 28 cases in which the 10 central and east European countries invited to join the EU next year must step up efforts. In the six months until May 1, 2004 when these countries will formally become EU members, the official said, the EC will produce a report on the preparatory work of the newcomers.