27/07/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 26 July, the European Commission launched a public consultation on the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) and, more specifically, on the objectives and thematic priorities of the assistance. This consultation is open for 30 days, until 23 August 2021. Priorities include alignment with the EU Community acquis, migration management, rule of law and good governance, fiscal and economic governance, good neighbourly relations, environment, strategic communication, civil society, gender equality, education and employment, social inclusion, and cross-border cooperation. A delegated regulation on the setting of specific objectives and thematic priorities for assistance under IPA III is expected to be adopted by the European Commission in the third quarter of 2021. The IPA III budget is more than €14 billion for 2021-2027 (see EUROPE 12733/10). To access the public consultation: https://bit.ly/3x6gCcX (CG)