91997E1655

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1655/97 by Nikitas Kaklamanis (UPE) to the Commission (14 May 1997)

Subject: Proposal within the framework of the MEDA programme for Turkey

A recent edition of the Official Journal of the European Communities (S 50) carried a call for the submission of proposals for the provision of technical assistance within the framework of the MEDA programme for Turkey.

This call concerns the offices of the Commission Representation in Ankara, and more particularly the recruitment of staff.

A total of fifteen experts are to be recruited in five areas of activity.

Will the Commission say how the recruitment and salaries of these officials will be funded?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (2 July 1997)

In 1996 the budgetary authority approved a special facility to help finance the Phare, Tacis and Meda programmes through recourse to external technical assistance aimed at assisting both the Commission and recipients in the implementation and follow-up of programmes and projects.

The Commission has decided to make technical assistance available to its delegations in the Mediterranean partner countries, consisting of highly-skilled experts, support and management personnel, the necessary support and reception infrastructure and personnel to maintain that infrastructure in the furtherance of cooperation between the Community and its Mediterranean partners within the framework of the Meda programme.

The Member States having delivered a favourable opinion, the Commission will commit the necessary appropriations from budget heading B7-410 in line with the remarks on this subject contained in the 1997 budget. Recruitment of technical assistance personnel will be by invitation to tender pursuant to Council Regulation 1488/96 (Meda) ((OJ L 189, 30.7.1996. )) and in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Financial Regulation applicable to the General Budget of the European Communities.