Political agreement on new MEDA regulation - exchange of views on effectiveness of external aid

Brussels, 18/09/2000 (Agence Europe) - After discussing the situation in the Balkans (see other article on page 5), the General Affairs Council reached a political agreement on the new regulation relating to funding in favour of Mediterranean third countries in the context of the Barcelona Process (MEDA II Regulation). Compromises were found on the points which remained outstanding. They are given in EUROPE of 16 September, p.7. All the solutions adopted aim at rationalising the decision-making process for future financing and at simplifying the implementation procedures, while establishing a link between the choice of projects and the aims of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. Council President Hubert Védrine declared during his press conference: "We trust MEDA II will become a pilot project for external Union financing". The question of the indicative allocation for the programme remains open, pending the European Parliament's opinion.

Mr. Vedrine added that the MEDA programme would be implemented independently of of Middle East Peace Process, and confirmed that the ministerial meeting of Marseilles in November could take on the character of a Summit, if circumstances allow.

The Council raised two other issues relating to the Union's external relations:

• Effectiveness of the EU's external action. Having "opened the car-bonnet" in Evian, Ministers took the decision to work methodically on the issue and "establish a precise working schedule", providing, among other things, for an "annual debate on political goals and in terms of effectiveness" from the very beginning of next year (EUROPE will return to the Presidency's ideas on the subject). Commissioner Patten welcomed having received the "political reference backing" and that the Presidency should "grant such a degree of priority" to the issue.
• Bananas. Commissioner Lamy turned to the issue, confirming that the Commission would discuss it within two weeks. The Council will therefore be able to have an in-depth debate at its 9 October session in Luxembourg.