91997E3235(01)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3235/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (20 October 1997)

Subject: Funding for third countries from EU programmes intended for Member States

Although section III ('internal policies') of the financial perspectives is intended to support measures in the EU Member States, regulations are continually being adopted to provide funding for third countries from programmes intended to meet the needs of EU Member States. This is despite the fact that section IV ('third countries') is intended solely for countries outside the EU and is already providing generous funding for them.

Can the Commission give the reasons for this situation and will it consider ways of limiting the diversion of funds towards countries outside the EU from programmes designed to cover the Union's own major needs?

Supplementary answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission (18 December 1997)

A number of Community programmes in the fields of education, training and youth (Leonardo da Vinci, Socrates, Youth for Europe) falling under Heading 3 (Internal Policies) of the financial perspectives have recently been opened up to the participation of associated non-member countries.

The gradual opening up of Community programmes to the participation of associated third countries is seen as an important step in their preparation for possible membership of the Community. This type of cooperation offers the associated countries and their citizens an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the policies and working methods of the Community, thereby enabling them to accept the acquis communautaire in the various fields more easily.

The relevant funding mechanisms are designed in such a way that the cost of the associated countries' involvement is covered by their own contributions, which are paid each year into the general budget of the Community in accordance with the terms and conditions of participation. This revenue, which is allocated exclusively to covering the costs of participation, is thus additional to the resources of Heading 3 of the Financial Perspectives.

In some cases, the rules allow for the contribution from the third countries to be supplemented by Community resources. These supplements are covered by resources from Heading 4 (especially the PHARE programme) instead of Heading 3.

In this way, the appropriations earmarked for funding programmes initially intended to meet the Community's internal needs are not affected by the participation of non-member countries in those same programmes.