Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION concerning 'the implementation of projects promoting cooperation and commercial relations between the EU and the industrialised countries of North America, the Far East and Australasia'

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. Introduction

The number of projects in the realm of cooperation and the promotion of commercial relations between the EU and the industrialised countries of North America, the Far East and Australasia (i.e. the United States, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand) has grown steadily over recent years. This development is a logical consequence of the various bilateral agreements signed in the past decade between the EU and these countries, all of which call for deepening and broadening mutual relations by means of increased cooperation.

While the political context is thus clearly established and has provided a basis for the Community's actions vis-à-vis the industrialised countries in this field, it is now necessary to create a solid legal and budgetary framework to underpin these actions.

2. Background to the proposal

(1) Legal considerations

A considerable number of projects for the countries concerned are currently being implemented as pilot schemes or preparatory actions due to the absence of a legal basis for the budget lines in question. A good example for this type of activities is the NTA budget line for co-operation projects with the US. Pilot schemes and preparatory actions, however, are limited in time to 2 or 3 years respectively. Given the proven usefulness and success of these measures so far and the need to develop and implement further measures and initiatives in the future on a stable basis, a legal basis underpinning these projects needs to be established.

In the case of Canada, the 1976 Framework Agreement for commercial and economic cooperation and a series of bilateral agreements covering specific areas already provide a legal basis for ongoing projects and programmes. The growing diversification of the relationship under the EU-Canada Action Plan underlines, however, the importance of a wider approach as regards, in particular, the information of the public, the strengthening of links and the promotion of the dialogue between political, economic and social partners and organisations.

It should be noted that activities covered by specific instruments, such as the Agreements between the Community and the United States of America and between the Community and Canada establishing programmes for cooperation in higher education and training, shall be complemented and not affected by this Regulation.

In case of the Japan Regulation [1] the legal basis will expire at the end of 2001. This legal base needs to be renewed and widened to allow for the existing programmes to continue and for new cooperation initiatives to be launched. The situation is similar for the NTA budget line created in 1998, as it is exclusively limited to pilot schemes and preparatory actions focussing on EU-US co-operation and being in the third year in 2000.

[1] Council Regulation (EC) No 1035/1999 of 11.5.1999 'on implementation by the Commission of a programme of specific measures and actions to improve access of European goods and cross-border services to Japan'. OJ L127, 21.5.1999, p.1.

As regards the Republic of Korea, a legal base is needed for the implementation of projects in the fields of cooperation and commercial relations based on the principles of the Framework Agreement on Trade and Cooperation and the Council's Conclusions on the Korean Peninsula.

As regards Australia and New Zealand a legal basis is also needed for the implementation of the cooperation objectives set up in the Joint Declaration on relations with Australia of 26 June 1997 and in the Joint Declaration on relations with New Zealand of 4 May 1999.

(2) Budgetary aspects: administrative efficiency

The existing Community actions (i.e. regular programmes, pilot schemes and preparatory actions) implemented in the sphere of cooperation and the promotion of commercial relations with the said industrialised countries are currently financed from a great number of different budget lines from the External Actions subsection (B7) of the Budget. While some of these actions require relatively large budgetary appropriations each year others require more modest amounts. There may also occasionally be a need for funding of larger ad hoc projects. By merging the existing budget lines into a single budget line, we would significantly improve the administrative efficiency.

3. Management objectives

Maximising the impact of Community funding will be an important objective for actions under this regulation. This will be achieved by focusing projects to a limited number of areas of activities in each country to ensure that future actions are visible both to the governments and people in the partner countries, as well as within the EU. Preference will be given to multi-annual programmes and larger projects. This will facilitate project management.

However, there will remain a need for a limited number of small-scale initiatives, particularly in areas where they can have high visibility at grass roots level. Projects of less than one hundred thousand EURO will therefore continue to be supported in appropriate circumstances.

Finally, in line with comments made by inter alia the Court of Auditors, the deconcentration of certain tasks to the Commission's Delegations shall be encouraged subject to the availability of staff resources.

4. Measures to be covered by the Regulation

4.1. Cooperation projects

In the field of cooperation with the countries concerned and based on the experiences made mainly with the US, the following projects could, inter alia, be covered.

4.1.1. People-to-people exchanges

People-to-people exchanges have become a major tool for fostering and promoting relations between the EU and third countries. Exchange programmes form a strong networking basis with a high multiplier potential for the image of the EU as an important and interesting partner. The experience made with the EU-centres in the US are encouraging, the support should be continued and extended to other countries. In particular with regard to the Far Eastern countries, exchange programmes can be used to build up a great network with future leaders in many sectors, which might help the EU enhance its influence in the region.

People-to-people programmes could be envisaged with all countries concerned and could, in particular, cover the following areas:

- student exchanges,

- business internship programmes

- cultural exchange programmes,

- establishing links between academic institutions.

Pursuant to the 1996 EU-Canada Action Plan, the Commission has already launched a programme, called ACADIA, offering internships, which last for five months, to young EU graduates, who receive on the job training in Canadian SMEs. It is the intention to pursue this programme.

The Commission also sees merit in broadening the scope of people to people exchanges with Japan especially in the light of the strengthening relations between Europe and Japan. So far these exchanges have been concentrated principally on young people working or studying in the fields of business and industry. Given the need to widen the dimension of the EU's relations with Japan an exchange programme allowing students with wider interests to experience life in Europe and Japan would appear justified. The Commission is therefore reflecting on a pilot programme promoting such exchanges which could be financed under the "ad hoc" part of the Japan component of this budget line".

4.1.2. Dialogues

As proven by the successful Transatlantic Business Dialogue with the US, the first of its kind, dialogues can be a useful tool for building up strong frameworks within which trade, investment, capital and technology can be promoted between participating countries.

In this context, the Canada EU Round Table for Business (CERT) was set up to advise the Canadian government and the EU and its Member States on bilateral and multilateral trade and investment issues. This process is business driven and will continue to enhance the business dialogue between the EU and Canada.

Furthermore, the EU-Canada Dialogue on the Information Society, focusing on e-commerce and distance learning, promotes a common approach to topics of mutual interest to both partners.

The establishment of further dialogues between the EU and the partner countries, and where necessary the deepening of existing dialogues, is envisaged in various relevant sectors.

4.1.3. Conferences and seminars

Envisaged projects so far cover conferences and seminars and related activities with a view to inform the public and diffuse information, as well as to exchange views with partner countries on issues of mutual interest.

4.1.4. Science and technology cooperation

The importance of promoting cooperative science and technology projects follows from the realisation that scientific and technological advances underlie our ability to meet global challenges and foster economic growth. As follow-up activities to the EU-US science and Technology agreement, the two conferences with the US in this field have laid the foundation for further development of bilateral cooperation.

Co-operation projects based on the Science and Technology agreement with Canada will enhance opportunities for joint action.

Collaborative projects could be identified in support of topics that address cross-border issues such as transportation, preservation of the environment and sustainable management of natural resources and global climate change.

4.1.5. Research activities and studies

Research activities and studies on a broad range of topics could be commissioned in order to promote the bilateral relations between the EU and the countries concerned or, where necessary, with a view to preparing the ground for new cooperation initiatives.

Among other projects, the creation of an information network on evaluation in health telematics will encourage EU-Canada collaboration in the field of research and development.

4.1.6 Enhancing the visibility of the EU in the partner countries

Under this heading, the setting up of platforms in partner countries, including institutes, is foreseen with the aim of enhancing the visibility of the EU there and raising awareness of the benefits that the partner countries can gain from closer cooperation with the EU. An existing example of this kind of project is the European Institute in Washington DC. European Studies Institutes are being launched in Canada in the context of an ongoing programme aimed at fostering academic links. It is expected that, on the basis of this experience, Europe Centres covering a wider area of interests may be created in the near future.

With regard to Australia, it has been proposed that on the occasion of the latter's centenary celebration of federation, the EU makes an ad hoc contribution half of the Endowment of Excellence Fund (i.e. AUS $ 4,0 Mio equivalent to 2,7 Mio Euro) - the other half being provided by the Australian National University - to establish a National Europe centre in Canberra. This is an interesting proposal, but it remains to be seen how much could be provided by the EU in light of budgetary constraints.

All cooperation projects will be subject to evaluation; programmes covering more than one year will be subject to evaluation at the end of their duration (not more than three years). In the case of the US an external evaluation of ongoing activities is aimed at contributing to increase efficiency and visibility of EU funding. The latter will also be one of the topics of a call for proposals currently under preparation.

4.2. Training Programmes aimed to improve EU business performance

4.2.1 The Executive Training Programme in Japan (ETP)

ETP Japan is a flagship Commission programme developing the expertise in Europe to do business in Japan. Since its inception in 1979 the programme has brought more than 700 young European business people to Japan who wished to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to become executives capable of bridging the EU-Japan language, culture and business divide.

The continuing strong demand from European industry for ETP is illustrated by the record number of 42 participants in the current, 19th edition of the programme, which started in Japan in January 2000. The 42 successful participants were carefully selected from a large group of more than 100 young executives who originally applied for the programme.

External consultants are currently undertaking an ETP evaluation study.

ETP has always received strong support from the Keidanren (Japanese Association of Employers) and is also highly valued by the European Business Community in Japan. Its continuation is essential.

4.2.2 The Executive Training Programme in Korea

The Executive Training Programme in Korea aims to equip a cadre of EU executives with the cultural, language and business knowledge to enable them to operate successfully in the Korean business environment.

The recruitment campaign for the first edition of the programme started in 1999 and was concluded in February 2000. In June 2000, 12 carefully selected EU executives will be sent to Korea on a 6-month programme consisting of an intensive language course, business and cultural related seminars and company internships.

The Commission intends to make ETP Korea, currently a pilot scheme, into a regular programme provided its continuation is supported by an ex-post evaluation study which will take place in 2000/early 2001.

4.3. Commercial relations - improving market access

4.3.1 The Gateway to Japan campaign (GTJ)

GTJ is an integrated trade promotion campaign consisting in organising group participation of EU companies from selected sectors in trade missions to Japan and trade fairs in Japan. Since the inception of the first GTJ in 1994, over 700 EU businesses have participated in the campaign's activities. The second GTJ campaign will run to the end of 2000, by which time approximately 1000 EU SMEs from all Member States will have been introduced to the Japanese market.

External consultants are evaluating the effectiveness of the current GTJ. They are examining the additional sales and business contacts made on the Japanese market and will make an overall assessment of the value added of the campaign. Although the final evaluation report is not due until April 2000, preliminary results in the interim report are very positive. The final results will be made available to Member States.

In addition to the strong continuing support for the campaign from participating European companies, who consider the European 'umbrella' under which they are introduced by GTJ to the Japanese market as probably the single most important factor contributing to their success, the campaign fits well with the current launch by the Japanese Government of a series of new initiatives to promote creative and innovative SMEs. This new SME policy responds to the changing economic environment in Japan and is part of the Government's support measures for industrial revitalisation. The new policy should mean further opportunities for EU SMEs to attract Japanese business partners looking for new technology and subsequent improvement of products (or service) quality.

Lastly it should be noted that the Gateway campaign has proven to be a very effective and relatively cheap means to increase the visibility of the EU in Japan. This has been a positive spin-off of the effective network of business organisations and Member State Commercial service providers who implement the campaign in Japan.

In conclusion, in view of the proven track record of the GTJ campaign and the increasing opportunities for EU SMEs on the Japanese market, there is every reason to continue the GTJ campaign beyond 2000. The exact design of a third GTJ campaign, including the choice of sectors to be covered and the type of promotion vehicle to be used, will of course be made in close cooperation with Member States in the existing Advisory Committee.

4.3.2. Gateway to Korea feasibility study

Being one of the most advanced economies in the world, Korea offers substantial market opportunities for EU enterprises. Ongoing economic reform is transforming the structure of the Korean economy into a modern market economy and makes the country even more attractive as a business partner for foreign enterprises. The strengthening domestic SME sector and an improved FDI framework are important incentives for a stronger engagement for EU enterprises, including SMEs. Notwithstanding these positive developments, Korea remains one of the most difficult markets in the world due to remaining market access barriers. Improvement of market access has been a major focus of the Commission's cooperation activities vis-à-vis Korea. Projects have ranged from sectoral fora (Environmental Technology, Information Technology, and Automobile) to a consumer association symposium aiming at improving Korea's perception of foreign products.

A possible extension of the 'Gateway' programme to Korea has been called for by the European Chamber of Commerce in Seoul. It could contribute to enhancing market access opportunities, especially for SMEs. The Commission therefore proposes to carry out a feasibility study in order to assess the demand for such a programme in Korea. In case of a positive outcome, the Commission will submit to Member States through the Advisory Committee a proposal for a 'Gateway to Korea' programme in 2001. In deciding whether or not to go forward with a 'Gateway to Korea' campaign, the Commission will of course take the fullest account of the views of Member States expressed in the Committee and will endeavour to avoid taking a decision when significant differences of view subsist among Member States.

4.3.3. Ad-hoc measures to improve market access in Japan

In addition to the Gateway campaign, the Commission provides support to and part-finances on an ad-hoc basis various actions and measures aimed at improving market access in Japan. Projects range from conferences and seminars on major aspects of EU-Japan trade and investment relations, for example on 'Deregulation' and FDI, to general market studies and sectoral research projects. In addition, support can be given to specific measures aimed at establishing direct contact between European and Japanese industrialists with a view to stimulating the development of trade and investment relations.

Measures from the latter category are carefully selected. A new 'Call for expression of interest' will be published soon in the Official Journal.

5. Substance of the regulation

The main elements of the draft Regulation can be summarised as follows:

(i) Article 1 describes the purpose of the Regulation and defines the countries that are covered by it.

(ii) Articles 3, 4 and 5 deal with the actions to promote cooperation.

Article 4 gives a listing of the type of activities that can be financed.

Article 5 ensures consistency of cooperation projects with other relevant Community policies.

(iii) Articles 6, 7 and 8 cover the activities in the field of the promotion of commercial relations.

Article 7 stipulates that the Community programme must complement and add value to Member States' activities in this field.

Article 8.1 (a) describes the existing 'Executive Training Programme in Japan' and 'Executive Training Programme in Korea' (the latter currently in pilot phase).

(iv) Articles 9 and 10 lay down the implementing procedures.

Article 9 establishes an Advisory Committee to assist the Commission in the performance of its duties under Article 8 of this Regulation.

Article 10 calls for the Commission to submit to the European Parliament and the Council an annual report on the implementation of the Regulation and requires it to regularly evaluate the actions and programmes financed.

6. Legal Basis

The legal basis chosen for the Regulation are Articles 133 and 308 of the Treaty. While it is clear that the activities to be implemented relating to the promotion of commercial relations are covered by Article 133, the envisaged cooperation projects fall outside the scope of Article 133. For this reason it is necessary to widen the legal basis to include Article 308, as the Treaty does not provide for other powers for those activities than those in Article 308 thereof.

7. Conclusions

In view of the increasing importance attached to cooperation and the promotion of commercial relations between the EU and the industrialised countries, it is necessary that a legal and budgetary framework is now established that enables the Community to implement all actions in this field on a regular basis.

Concomitantly every effort should be made to ensure, and where necessary improve, efficiency in administrating existing and future Community programmes in this area. In this respect the attached proposal should also be regarded as an important step towards a more coherent and rational configuration of budget lines in the External Actions subsection of the Budget.

The Council is requested therefore to endorse the attached proposal.

2000/0165(CNS)

Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION concerning 'the implementation of projects promoting cooperation and commercial relations between the EU and the industrialised countries of North America, the Far East and Australasia'

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 133 and Article 308 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament [2]

[2] OJ...

Whereas:

(1) The promotion of cooperation and commercial relations with the industrialised countries should be pursued where it is in the mutual interest of the Community and the partner country concerned.

(2) The European Parliament has adopted various resolutions on relations between the EU and the US in 1994, 1998 and 1999. The EU and the US agreed to strengthen their relationship in the Transatlantic Declaration of 1990, the New Transatlantic Agenda of 1995, the Transatlantic Economic Partnership of 1998 and the Bonn Declaration of 1999. The common commercial policy should be complemented by further dissemination of general knowledge through more intensive dialogue between the actors in EU-US relations.

(3) The European Parliament has adopted a resolution and the Economic and Social Committee an opinion on relations between the EU and Canada in 1996, calling for closer relations with Canada. The EU and Canada signed a Framework Agreement for commercial and economic cooperation in 1976 and a Declaration on EC-Canada relations in 1990, and agreed to strengthen their relationship in the Joint Action Plan and the Joint Political Declaration of 1996. EU-Canada relations have become more diversified and Canada is a key partner in multilateral trade areas and in issues relating to global challenges and the Common Foreign and Security Policy. It is therefore necessary to further strengthen these relations by means of an intensified process of consultation and cooperation on an increasing number of issues.

(4) Activities covered by specific instruments, such as the Agreements between the Community and the United States of America and between the Community and Canada establishing programmes for co-operation in higher education and training, shall be complemented and not affected by this Regulation.

(5) The EU and Japan decided to intensify their dialogue and to strengthen their cooperation and partnership in the Joint Declaration of 1991. The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on the Communication from the Commission to the Council on 'Europe and Japan: the next steps'. The Council's conclusions to the Commission's Communication on Japan recognised the distinct and specific problems of market access in Japan. The Council considered that priority should be given to improving access to the Japanese market. In the light of this, the Council adopted Council Regulation (EC) No. 1035/1999 of 11 May 1999 on implementation by the Commission of a programme of specific measures and actions to improve access of European goods and cross-border services to Japan. This Regulation will expire on 31 December 2001. The preliminary results evaluating the Commission programme described above have shown the usefulness and effectiveness of the programme. It is therefore deemed necessary to continue implementing the Commission programmes described in the said Regulation. This Regulation is without prejudice to the Council Decision of 18 May 1992 on the consolidation of the EC-Japan Centre for Industrial-Cooperation which remains valid.

(6) Bilateral cooperation in economic and other areas with the Republic of Korea should be enhanced in accordance with the principles of the Framework Agreement on Trade and Cooperation with Korea, the European Parliament's opinion, and the Council's Conclusions on the Korean Peninsula. The EU should support market principles in Korea and promote the removal of existing barriers to trade and investment.

(7) The EU and Australia agreed to strengthen their relationship and to cooperate across the many areas in which they have shared interests in the Joint Declaration of 1997. With a view to further strengthen these relations, an intensified process of consultation and cooperation on an increasing number of bilateral and international issues is necessary.

(8) The EU and New Zealand agreed in the Joint Declaration of 1999 to strengthen their relationship and cooperation based on broadly shared interest to the mutual benefit of their peoples, and to endow their mutual relations with a long term perspective.

(9) There are currently a large number of small budget lines from which the various Community actions with regard to the promotion of cooperation and commercial relations vis-à-vis the industrialised countries referred to in this Regulation are financed. Some budgetary appropriations were made available under these different budget lines for the financing of pilot schemes and preparatory actions. After two years experience with these pilot schemes and preparatory actions the measures implemented up to now have proved their usefulness and demonstrated the need for continuation as regular activities. The Community must have the necessary means at its disposal on a regular basis to be able to implement such measures in the future. It is therefore deemed necessary, for the sake of efficiency, rationalisation and continuation, to establish a single budget line for funding the activities referred to in this Regulation.

(10) The activities of Member States to draw up and implement programmes and arrangements to promote their exports of goods and cross-border services to third country markets shall not be affected by this Regulation.

(11) In accordance with Article 2 of Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999 laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission, measures for the implementation of this Regulation should be adopted by use of the advisory procedure provided for in Article 3 of that Decision.

(12) Part of the activities falling within the scope of this Regulation are covered by Article 133 of the Treaty; for the other activities, the Treaty does not provide for powers other than those in Article 308 thereof.

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The Community shall continue to implement actions to promote cooperation and commercial relations between the Community and the industrialised countries of North America, the Far East and Australasia.

For the purpose of this Regulation, the industrialised countries of North America, the Far East and Australasia shall comprise of the United States, Canada, Japan, the Republic of korea (hereinafter referred to as 'Korea'), Australia and New Zealand, hereinafter referred to as 'the partner countries'.

Article 2

The amount of Community funding deemed necessary for the implementation of the actions identified in this Regulation will be established by the budget authority on an annual basis.

Cooperation

Article 3

Actions to promote cooperation shall be used to support the objectives laid down in the various bilateral instruments in this field between the EU and the partner countries, in order to create a more favourable environment for the conduct and further development of the relations between the EU and the partner countries.

Article 4

EU financing in the field of cooperation shall cover, in particular, the following types of activities:

(a) education and information of the public on the bilateral relations between the EU and the partner countries, with particular reference to decision makers, opinion formers and other multipliers;

(b) strengthening cultural, academic and people-to-people links;

(c) promotion of the dialogue between political, economic and social partners and NGOs in various relevant sectors;

(d) research work and studies destined to provide input to the Commission's work, with a view to further develop bilateral relations;

(e) cooperative projects in science and technology, energy, transport and environmental matters;

(f) enhancing customs cooperation between the EU and the partner countries;

(g) enhancing the visibility of the EU in the partner countries;

(h) pilot schemes, which could subsequently lead to new regular activities to be financed.

Article 5

The financing of cooperation projects will be made from the Community's budget either in totality or will take the form of co-financing with other sources in the partner countries and/or the EU. When implementing article 4, the Commission shall ensure that the cooperation projects are legally and substantially coherent with activities financed under other relevant policies of the Community.

Commercial relations

Article 6

Actions to promote commercial relations shall contribute to the deepening of relations between the EU and the partner countries. They shall be aimed in particular at the development of closer trade and investment relations between the EU and the partner countries, enhancing mutual understanding of trade regulations and business practices and creating an environment more favourable for Community enterprises, notably SMEs, on the markets of the partner countries.

Article 7

The Community shall implement a specific, coherent and targeted programme of measures and actions to promote the exports of Community goods and cross-border services to Japan and Korea that complement and bring added value to the efforts undertaken by Member States and other European Union public bodies in the Japanese and Korean markets.

Article 8

1. EU financing in this field shall cover the following principal measures and actions:

(a) training programmes to build up pools of European executives able to communicate and operate in the Japanese and Korean business environment ('Executive Training Programmes'),

(b) the recruitment, training, pre-mission preparation and participation of groups of European business executives, notably from SMEs, to participate in actions in Japan aimed at improving their commercial presence on the Japanese market (the "Gateway to Japan" campaign).

(c) A study will be commissioned with a view to assess the feasibility of a Gateway to Korea campaign. On the basis of the results of the study, the Commission may, after having taken account of the opinion delivered by the Advisory Committee referred to in Article 9, decide to launch a Gateway to Korea campaign.

2. In addition to the measures and actions referred to in paragraph 1, support may be given to the following actions and measures, where appropriate:

(a) the collection of information and policy advice on trade related issues;

(b) conferences and seminars to promote trade and investment relations between the European Union and the partner countries;

(c) high-level business missions to address specific market access issues in Japan and Korea;

(d) special actions that facilitate access to the Japanese and Korean markets by Community enterprises, notably SMEs.

3. When implementing paragraph 2, the Commission shall ensure the full compatibility of specific activities with the policies of the Community and the Member States.

Implementing procedures

Article 9

1. In carrying out the activities referred to in article 8, the Commission shall be assisted by a committee, composed of the representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission.

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, the advisory procedure laid down in Article 3 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, in compliance with Article 7 (3) thereof

Article 10

The Commission shall submit to the European Parliament and the Council an annual report on the implementation of this Regulation. The report shall set out the results of implementation of the budget and present the actions and programmes financed during the year.

In addition, the Commission shall regularly evaluate actions and programmes financed under this Regulation in order to establish whether they have achieved their objectives. This evaluation shall be made at least once every six years, with the first such evaluation being completed within three years of the entry into force of the Regulation. Where necessary, evaluation reports shall also take account of contractual obligations and principles of sound management and shall include the results of a cost effectiveness analysis.

A limited proportion of the annual budget shall be used to finance evaluation studies of the actions and programmes undertaken within the framework of this Regulation.

Article 11

1. Regulation (EC) No 1035/1999 is hereby repealed.

2. Any reference to the repealed Regulation shall be deemed to be a reference to this Regulation.

Article 12

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

1. Title of operation

Proposal for a Council Regulation on the implementation by the Commission of projects promoting cooperation and commercial relations between the EU and the industrialised countries of North America, the Far East and Australasia.

2. Budget heading(s) involved

B7-665 and B7-665A.

3. Legal basis

Articles 133 and 308 of the Treaty.

4. Description of operation

4.1 General objectives

The overall objective of the operation is to support the implementation of EU policies in the field of cooperation and the promotion of commercial relations with the industrialised countries of North America, the Far East and Australasia.

The principal goals are the following:

* Creation a more favourable environment for the conduct and further development of the relations between the EU and the partner countries.

* Development of closer economic relations between the EU and the partner countries, deepening mutual understanding of trade regulations and business practices and creating an environment more favourable for Community enterprises, notably SMEs, on the markets of the partner countries.

4.2 Period covered and arrangements for renewal

The period of the operation is from 2001 onwards.

5. Classification of expenditure or revenue

5.1 Non-compulsory expenditure

5.2 Differentiated appropriations

5.3 Type of revenue involved

6. Type of expenditure or revenue

* 100% subsidy

No.

* Subsidy for co-financing with other sources in the public or private sector

According to the Commission's Vademecum on grant management, co-financing with other sources is preferred in cases where projects or programmes are financed via subsidies. For certain actions, the Commission might even consider matching funding from the industrialised countries of North America, the Far East and Australasia.

* Interest subsidy

No.

* Others

The Commission will use public procurement procedures according to the rules of the European Public Procurement Directives and the Government Procurement Agreement of the WTO, to award contracts for activities that will be directly linked to articles 4 and 6 of the proposed Council Regulation.

* Should the action prove to be an economic success, is there provision for all, or part of the Community contribution to be reimbursed-

Not applicable.

* Will the proposed operation cause any changes in the level of revenue-

No.

7. Financial impact

7.1 Method of calculating total cost of operation (relation between individual and total costs)

With reference to the annual budgetary procedures, the Commission has proposed for this budget line an indicative amount of 15,6 Million EUR for the year 2001 (as the sum of the two budget lines B7-665 and B7-665A). As for following years, the annual appropriations will be decided by the Budgetary Authority in the course of the budgetary procedure.

7.2 Itemised breakdown of cost

Commitment appropriations at current prices in EURO million

Breakdown // Year 2001

Japan

Executive Training Programme in Japan

Gateway to Japan campaign

Ad-hoc Projects

United States

Education

People-to-People

NTA support and promotion

Canada

Cooperation and relations with Canada

Korea

Executive Training Programme in Korea

Feasibility study Gateway to Korea

Australia and New Zealand*

Cooperation and relations with Australia and New Zealand //

6,870

2,500

0,430

2,000

0,500

1,500

0,850

0,800

0,050

0,100

Total // 15,6 mio EUR

* With regard to Australia, a supplementary budget of 2,7 mio Euro may be requested to contribute to the establishment of a National Europe Centre in Canberra on the occasion of Australia's centenary celebration of federation. This could be done in three consecutive annual instalments.

7.3 Operational expenditure for studies, experts etc. included in Part B of the budget

Within the global amount proposed under 7.1, specific ceilings will apply as regards the commitment appropriations for operational expenditure (in Mio EURO):

// Year 2001

- Studies

- Information, publications // 0,2

0,2

Total // 0,4

7.4 Schedule of commitment and payment appropriations

In Mio EURO

// 2001

Commitment

appropriations // 15,6

Payment

appropriations // 17,5

8. Fraud prevention measures

Control provisions (submission of reports, etc.) are included in all agreements or contracts between the Commission, contractors, beneficiaries of subsidies and the like. Close contact and constant monitoring of implementation with the beneficiaries responsible is maintained during the implementation of projects.

The activities carried out are carefully scrutinised by the Commission services before any payment is made. This control takes full account of contractual obligations and principles of economy and sound financial management. Where appropriate, agreements require the submission of financial accounts certified by auditors appointed by the managing body of the professional association to which a subsidy has been granted.

9. Elements of cost-effectiveness analysis

9.1 Specific and quantified objectives; target population

Specific objectives are based on the EU's policy statements regarding the countries in question and the objectives defined therein. They concern in particular:

* education and information of the public on the bilateral relations between the EU and the partner countries, strengthening cultural, academic and people-to-people links, with particular reference to decision makers, opinion formers and other multipliers.

* promotion of the dialogue between political, economic and social partners and NGOs in various relevant sectors. Representatives of civil society participate in the structured dialogues between the EU and the partner countries.

* cooperative projects in science and technology, customs, energy and environmental matters. The intermediaries will be specialised institutions for external relations of the EU, academic institutions, NGO-s and similar bodies.

* commercial relations between the European Union and the partner countries are enhanced by high-level business missions which address specific market access issues. The target group is business executives.

* The Executive Training Programmes (Japan and Korea) aim to improve the knowledge of the Japanese and Korean languages, cultures and business environments respectively and to provide EU managers with effective tools to penetrate these markets. The target group is managers of European companies.

* The Gateway to Japan campaign aims to increase the presence of EU industry in Japan by supporting European SMEs in their first steps to introduce their products in Japan. The target group is European SMEs.

9.2 Grounds for the operation

* In order to achieve the general objectives of the operation, certain activities need financing from the Community.

* As the objectives involve further developing external relations of the EU, the activities envisaged can be best implemented at EU-level. Consequently it is appropriate that a part of the financial support should come from the EC-budget. The fact that some of the operations are cofinanced with the respective third countries reinforces the need to have a central counterpart on the EU-side.

* Given the specificity of the activities possible alternatives do not arise. National operations by definition cannot replace the Community approach, presenting the EU to its respective partners as an entity and partner in the fields of reference.

* Parts of the projects envisaged are targeted at raising public awareness both in the EU and the respective third countries for the importance of bilateral relations., The precise impact and multiplier effects can be estimated both qualitatively and by survey of target groups. The major criterion for the selection of the intermediaries will be their potential for generating multiplier effects in terms of creating a more favourable environment for the conduct of EU external relations.

* With regard to the promotion of commercial relations, in particular the programmes to improve market access on the Japanese and Korean markets (Gateway campaigns), significant economies of scale can be gained by organising activities at EU level and providing a 'critical mass' in terms of raising awareness in Japan and Korea of what European industry has to offer. The EU's activities in this field both complement and add value to those of the Member States and these form the principal criteria used by the Commission in the selection both of sectors and of appropriate activities to perform in those sectors.

* The Executive Training Programmes (Japan and Korea), which have the objective of providing groups of managers with the skills necessary to give effective assistance to their organisations in penetrating these markets, have at EU level the necessary critical mass and can be effectively organised by the Commission. Indeed, Member States, the European Parliament and the European business community unequivocally acknowledge this.

9.3 Monitoring and evaluation of the operation

* Project officers will design the projects, where necessary in close cooperation with Member States, and will closely monitor their implementation.

* As a general rule, for all projects a detailed report including the assessment of achievement against objectives will be requested from the beneficiaries. For a number of selected projects more detailed evaluation will be carried out.

* With regard to the Executive Training Programmes in Japan and Korea, participants reports on the different aspects of the Programme, monitoring of professional activities of former ETP participants, analysis of results obtained by firms who have participated in the Programme, etc.

* As to the Gateway to Japan campaign, monitoring will be carried out on an ongoing basis as the campaign evolves, using questionnaires to participating companies and follow-up of those companies by national co-ordinators in each Member State at regular intervals after their participation. Monthly management information reports will be produced to allow the Commission to evaluate the campaign, its progress, performance levels, trends in recruitment and proposed activities. The daily operations of the campaign in Japan will be regularly monitored by the Tokyo Delegation also. Furthermore at least one official from DG RELEX will attend all GTJ events.

* Continuous operations will either include built-in evaluation, or be assessed by external experts or internal sources and contain indications for follow-up.

* For single projects like seminars, conferences, etc. the participation of representatives of the Commission on a selective basis is envisaged to assess the outcome of the actions and establish a detailed evaluation report.

* On-the-spot audits will be carried out when deemed necessary.

* Finally, an overall evaluation of actions and programmes financed shall be made at least every six years, the first such evaluation should be completed within three years.

10. Administrative expenditure (Section III, Part A of the budget)

The needs in human and administrative resources are to be covered within the allocation of the managing DG.

10.1 Effect on the number of posts

The operation will require additional resources as indicated below

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10.2 Overall financial impact of human resources

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10.3 Other administrative expenditure as a result of the operation

EURO

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Any supplementary needs will have to be found within the overall financial envelope granted each year to DG RELEX.