13/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - Clarification needed on IPA pre-accession funding. Following the announcement of the suspension of Iceland's process of accession to the EU (see EUROPE 10920), and in response to a question from EUROPE regarding the instrument for pre-accession assistance (IPA) and the funds already paid out, the spokesperson for Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle said, on Friday 13 September, that “the European Commission (was) in the process of clarifying with the Icelandic authorities the ongoing IPA projects”. “It has also decided to put contracting of new projects under IPA I (Ed: budget allocations over the 2011-2013 period) on hold. As notified to the Icelandic authorities, Iceland will not be considered for IPA II funding under the present circumstances”, the spokesperson added. The IPA for Iceland represents €12 million in 2011 and in 2012, and €5.8 million in 2013. (CG/transl.fl)