OBJECTIVE: as an element in the pre-accession strategy, to open up the third Community
programme for SMEs to Romania for the years 1998, 1999 and 2000.
SUBSTANCE: the proposal for a decision by the EC-Romania Association Council lays down the
conditions and procedures for Romania's participation in the Multiannual Community Programme
for SMEs.
In particular, Romania:
-will participate, unless otherwise provided in the proposal, in all actions of the Programme under
the same conditions as the Member States;
-in order to ensure the Community dimension of the Programme, will include in all transnational
projects and activities which it proposes a minimum number of partners from the Member States;
-will pay a contribution to the budget of the Community to cover the costs arising from its
participation in the programme. The contribution is to cover the financial aid provided to Romanian
entities under the programme and additional administrative costs imputable to the management of
the programme by the Commission (approx. 7%). It amounts to ECU 419 440 per annum in 1998,
1999 and 2000.
To some extent, the Community will be able to participate in the payment of these contributions
by deducting the necessary amounts from the annual allocation to Phare/Romania (subject to the
usual programming procedures, Phare would contribute 50% of the annual costs envisaged, the
remainder being met from Romania's national budget).
Romania will facilitate the free movement and residence of all private persons receiving funding
under the programme and moving between Romania and the Member States.
It will be involved in the monitoring of its participation in the programme in order to prepare for
the Community decision-making process with a view to accession (particularly by attending
coordination meetings before meetings of the management committee and by being informed of the
latter's decisions).
Romania's participation is valid for the duration of the programme (i.e. until 31.12.2000).�