ISPA shall provide assistance to contribute to the preparation for accession to the European Union of the following applicant countries: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia, hereinafter referred to as the "beneficiary countries", in the area of economic and social cohesion, concerning environment and transport policies in accordance with the provisions of this Regulation. The Community assistance granted under ISPA shall contribute to the objectives laid down in the Accession Partnership for each beneficiary country and to corresponding national programmes for the improvement of the environment and of transport infrastructure networks.