Development cooperation with South Africa

PURPOSE: to establish a new co-operation agreement with South Africa, entitled the 'European Programme for Reconstruction and Development in South Africa (EPRD). COMMUNITY MEASURE: Regulation 1726/2000/EC of the European Parliament and the Council on development cooperation with South Africa. CONTENT: The aim of the Commuity cooperation programme, entitled the 'European Programme for Reconstruction and Development in South Africa (EPRD), shall be to contribute to South Africa's harmonious and sustainable economic and social development, through programmes and measures designed to reduce poverty and encourage economic growth which benefits the poor, and to its continued integration into the world economy, and to consolidate the foundations laid for a democratic society and a State governed by the rule of law in which human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully respected. This will be achieved through support for international targets and policies for sustainable development based on UN conventions and resolutions, thereby contributing to the target of reducing by at least one half the proportion of people living in extreme poverty by 2015. Programmes shall focus on the fight against poverty, take into account the needs of the previously disadvantaged communities and integrate gender and environmental dimensions of development. In all these programmes, special attention shall be paid to the strengthening of institutional capacities. Moreover, development cooperation to be carried out under this Regulation will focus mainly on the following: - support for policies, instruments and programmes aiming at the continued integration of the South African economy into the world economy and trade, for employment creation, development of the private sector, regional cooperation and integration. In particular, special attention will be given to providing support for the adjustment efforts occasioned in the region by the establishment of the free-trade area under the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement, especially in the Sothern African Customs Union. Finally, promotion of mutual general interest cooperation between the European Union and South African businesses may also be considered; - improvement of living conditions and delivery of basic social services; - support to democratisation, the protection of human rights, sound public management, the strengthening of local governments and the involvement of civil society in the development process; - dialogue and partnership between public authorities and non-governmental development partners and actors will be promoted. Financial support under this Regulation will take the form of grants. Triennial indicative programming shall be carried out in the context of close contacts with the South African Government while fully respecting the principle of recipient-led programming. The threshold for submitting projects to the comitology management procedure will be 5 Meuro and the financial envelope is set at 885,5 Meuro. In conclusion, the Commission shall be assisted as appropriate by the geographically-determined committee competent for development. Also, after each finanical year the Commission shall submit anannual report on the implementation of the Regulation to the European Parliament and the Council. ENTRY INTO FORCE: The Regulation shall enter into force on 07.08.2000 and it shall expire on 31.12.2006. �