10/12/2001 (Agence Europe) - Further to the political agreement reached on 29 October (EUROPE of 31 October, p.10), the EU Council adopted, on Thursday, its common position concerning the decision to establish a Community action programme (2002-2006) for the promotion of non-governmental organisations active in the field of environment protection. With a budget of EUR 32 million, the programme will be open to NGOs of Member States, associated countries, Cyprus, Malta, Turkey and the Balkan States taking part in the stabilisation and association process.