European programme for Reconstruction and Development in South Africa EPRD 2000-06

The Regulation establishes the main framework for financing cooperation development with South Africa under the European Programme for Reconstruction and Development in South Africa

ACT

Regulation (EC) No 1726/2000 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 June 2000 on development cooperation with South Africa [See amending acts].

SUMMARY

1. Partners

The Regulation foresees the involvement of numerous actors in the development process. A broad range of actors will be able to benefit from financial support such as:

• national, provincial and local authorities and public bodies;
• non-governmental organisations;
• regional and international organisations;
• public or private institutions and operators.

2. Programming

The Regulation imposes multiannual programming, which must be carried out in close cooperation with the South African Government. Community support is required, primarily through multiannual indicative programmes. The Commission prepares a country strategy paper including a multiannual indicative programme. It then submits these documents for the opinion of the committee responsible for development in this geographic area, the "South Africa Committee", which assists the Commission in the implementation of this Regulation. Finally, the proposal is negotiated with the South African Government and evaluated regularly by the South Africa Committee.

3. Procedures

The Commission is responsible for the day-to-day management of the EPRD. In order to ensure transparency and coordination, it has to provide the Member States and local representatives with information sheets on all the projects when an evaluation takes place.

The Commission submits the proposed strategy and the multiannual programme for the opinion of the South Africa Committee. It is also obliged to seek the South Africa Committee's opinion on all projects with a budget of over EUR 5 million or amendments that will increase a project's initial funding by 20% or more.

4. Forms of financial support

The aid granted may be used for various purposes, including studies, technical assistance, training, supplies and works, investment and infrastructure, and for audits and evaluation and monitoring missions. Moreover, the aid may be used in certain cases to cover expenditure under the national budget, including budget support and other specific forms of budget support.

Individual cooperation and regional integration projects and programmes are financed by the EPRD and/or the regional resources of the European Development Fund (EDF). The Commission balances the two sources of funding in the multiannual indicative programme.

Cofinancing with other donors such as multilateral organisations (for example the United Nations) is also envisaged. It is, however, essential to ensure close and effective coordination between the actors, particularly between the Community and the bilateral programmes of the European Union Member States.

5. Monitoring and evaluation

The Commission must submit to the European Parliament and the Council an annual evaluation of the financing, the projects and the progress made in relation to the objectives.

6. Budget

The indicative allocation for the period 2000-06 is EUR 900.5 million. The budget is set annually.

7. Objectives and areas of communication

The objectives of the EPRD come under the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) and therefore include the integration of the South African economy into the world economy, the promotion of sustainable economic and social development, the consolidation of democracy, respect for human rights and the fight against poverty.

To this end, the areas of cooperation also reflect those of the TDCA. The programmes focus on the fight against poverty and take particular account of the most disadvantaged sections of the population. They mainstream gender equality and environmental issues, and in particular increased participation of women at all levels of policy making, programming and implementation. The areas of cooperation focus in particular on the development of the private sector, job creation, regional integration, institution-building and sectors such as health, etc.

RELATED ACTS

Regulation (EC) No 1905/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation Official Journal L 378 L 378 of 27.12.2006].

This Regulation repeals Regulation (EC) No 1726/2000.

Last updated: 12.04.2007