Brussels, 23/08/2001 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has adopted a decision by which it commits a total of 44.5 million euro to finance a support programme for Kosovo. The deadline for awarding contracts is 31 December 2003 and as for disbursements, 31 December 2004. The programme has as goal to support the population and institutions of Kosovo to take responsibility for self-management, to strengthen and maximise the impact in critical resource sectors already committed in 2000 and 2001. It comprises the following chapters:
1) enterprise development: 6 million euro in aid to SMEs through the provision of additional funds for credit under the Interim Credit Unit, established by the EC and the World Bank;
2) energy: 15 million euro, notably for the provision of three transformers to improve the reliability of electricity supply;
3) local government and civil society: 20.5 million euro to organise provincial elections, technical assistance for the reform of public administration (including, assistance with the creation of an Auditor-General's Office), and further strengthening the judiciary, the rehabilitation of judicial buildings or prisons, and premises for the new provincial authority;
4) a technical expertise facility: 1 million euro for project preparation, tender evaluation, audits;
5) a reserve of 2 million euro will be set up, which could be allocated to the continued support to the Public Service Broadcasting and independent media sectors.
The programme will be implemented by European Agency for Reconstruction, in close co-ordination and consultation with UNMIK, KFOR and international bodies and donors intervening in sectors covered by the programme.