OBJECTIVE: to provide a new form of assistance to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe
in the framework of the pre-accession strategy.
SUBSTANCE: the Commission proposes providing Community assistance in implementing the pre-accession strategy being undertaken in the context of the partnership with each of the applicant
countries.
The assistance will concentrate on the priorities stated in the Commission's opinions on the various
applicant countries (see COS0590, "AGENDA 2000").
The Community financial assistance will be administered by the Commission and will respect the
priorities stated in the above opinions. The Phare programme will be the main source of Community
assistance.
The Council is to take a qualified-majority decision by 15.03.1998, on the basis of a proposal from
the Commission, on the principles, priorities and general conditions of the accession partnerships
so that the Commission can take account of its views in connection with the partnerships.
The financial assistance will be programmed in accordance with the procedures laid down by the
Regulations on the financial instruments or programmes concerned. The same procedures will be
adhered to when making any adjustments to the partnerships. The granting of pre-accession aid will
be subject to respect for the principles of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the rights of
minorities.
The proposal lays down the procedures to be followed in the event of any violation of these
principles.�