PURPOSE: to establish the second phase of the MEDA programme.
COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council Regulation 2698/2000/EC, amending 1488/96/EC on financial and technical measures to accompany (MEDA) the reform of economic and social structures in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership.
CONTENT: this regulation seeks to put in place the second phase of the MEDA programme, with a budget of MEUR 5350 for the period 2000-2006. For the most part, the objectives of the programme are similiar to those in the first MEDA programme. However, increased priority is given to the reform of economic and social structures in the countries concerned, to the improvement of the standard of living of the underprivileged classes as well as a reduction in the negative consequences of economic development on both society and the environment. Special emphasis is given to ongoing development and regional cooperation in the context of these countries integration into the global economy. The objectives and the functioning of support measures are described in detail in the annex of the modified regulation.
The new MEDA II regulation seek substantial technical modification of Regulation 1488/96/EC with a view to rationalising and simplifying the decision-making procedures in order to achieve more effectiveness in the programming of projects. In particular, the modifications seek to define more clearly the expected impact of the operations financed by MEDA through strategy documents, tri-annual national and regional indicative programmes, taking into account the priorites agreed with the Mediterranean partners. Furthermore, the regulation seeks to reinforce the implementation of MEDA projects which could possible involve the decentralisation of their manangement to national structures. With regard to the committee structure, there have been changes to the initial text concerning the simplification of procedures. This foresees consultation of the MEDA committee in relation to strategy documents and the annual report on Facilities for structural adjustment. The simplified procedures shall also apply to financial decisions.
Every three years, the Commission shall produce an overall evaluation report of the assistance already provided to the Mediterranean partners,including the effectiveness of the programmes and the review of the strategy papers. The Council will review this Regulation before 30.06.2006. To that end, the Commission shall submit before 31.12.2005 an evaluation report accompanied by proposals regarding the future of this Regulation and, if necessary, the amendments to be made to it. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 15.12.2000.
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