European Agency for Reconstruction: creation and operation

The committee adopted the report by Jan Joost LAGENDIJK (Greens/EFA, NL) amending the proposal under the consultation procedure. The committee wanted to broaden the agency's remit to include the restoration of civil society and the rule of law as well as measures to promote the return of refugees. It backed the decentralisation of the agency through the establishment of an operational centre, initially in Pristina, without prejudice to the establishment of other operational centres in Yugoslavia. The report also sought to speed up the provision of EU aid by simplifying decision-making procedures and increasing their transparency, especially as regards decisions of the agency's Governing Board. To avoid delays, it laid down precise deadlines for the taking of decisions. The committee also said Parliament should be consulted on the appointment of the agency's director as well as on the winding up of the agency once the Commission considered it had completed its task.�