Former Community framework on aid for population programmes in developing countries

1) OBJECTIVE

To lay down detailed procedures and rules for the administration of operations funded under the budget heading "Aid for population policies and programmes in developing countries".

2) ACT

Council Regulation (EC) No 1484/97 of 22 July 1997 on aid for population policies and programmes in the developing countries [Official Journal L 202 of 30.07.1997].

3) SUMMARY

The Community is to engage in cooperation in support of population policies and programmes in the developing countries.

The cooperation will be directed in particular at those countries which are furthest away from the criteria defined by the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development, at the poorest and least developed countries and at the most disadvantaged sections of the population in those countries.

The Community's primary objectives are to enable women and men to make a free and informed choice about the number of children they wish to have and the spacing of the births, and to help with the development or reform of health systems.

Community aid takes the form of support for the establishment and development of family-planning services, assistance in the areas of women's education and health (reproductive health care in particular), support for information and education campaigns, etc.

The cooperation partners eligible for assistance are: regional and international organisations, local and Member State-based NGOs, national, provincial and local government departments and agencies, and community-based organisations including women's organisations, institutes and public or private operators.

Cooperation initiatives will be implemented on the basis of dialogue with the national, regional and local authorities concerned, so as to avoid programmes which are coercive, discriminatory or prejudicial to fundamental human rights.

Help may be provided in the form of studies, technical assistance, training or other services, supplies and works, as well as audits and evaluation/monitoring activities.

Community financing may cover both capital investment, other than the purchase of real estate, and operating costs normally covered only during the start-up phase and on a decreasing basis. A financial contribution from the local partners must be sought, particularly in respect of projects intended to launch long-term activities, so as to ensure the viability of such projects once Community funding comes to an end.

In order to achieve the greatest possible impact globally and nationally, the Commission, in liaison with the Member States, is to take any initiative necessary for ensuring proper coordination and close collaboration with the beneficiary countries and the providers of funds and other international agencies involved.

The financial support takes the form of grants.

The financial reference amount for the implementation of this programme for the period 1998-2002 will be ECU 35 million.

The Commission will be assisted by the geographically-determined committee competent for development, namely the EDF Committee for the ACP countries, the MED Committee for the Mediterranean countries and the ALA Committee for the Latin American and Asian countries.

At the end of each financial year, the Commission is to present a report to the European Parliament and the Council.

Last updated: 19.12.2003