(2004/C 88 E/0124)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2854/03

by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 September 2003)

Subject:   The MEDA Programme and women

At the part-session in February 2003 I tabled a question about the implementation of the First Regional Programme for the participation of women in economic and social life and development. Commissioner Christopher Patten assured me that it would be launched in 2004, since the identification and preparatory phase would end in April or May 2003.

In view of the above, will the Commission explain the reasons for this delay? Exactly what stage has been reached in drawing up the programme, since no invitations for the submission of proposals have yet been published? Will invitations for the submission of proposals be published forthwith so that the programme can be launched in 2004, as scheduled?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(5 November 2003)

The identification/formulation phase which determines the priority areas of co-operation to be addressed in the course of the implementation of this important regional programme aiming at enhancing women's participation in the economic development of the MEDA region started in December 2002 and was completed in August 2003.

The next step consists of presenting the programme to the MED Committee. Once the decision is adopted (we anticipate it for the first quarter 2004), the call for proposals will be duly issued.

The information will be available on the EuropeAid Web site: (http://europa.eu.int/comm/europeaid/tender/index_en.htm).