03/05/2002 (Agence Europe) - Without debate, the Council has adopted the regulation amending Regulation 1659/98 to consolidate decentralised co-operation in the framework of the EU's development policy. The Council accepted all the amendments voted by the European Parliament (see EUROPE of 21 March, p.17) so the regulation was adopted in first reading. It will come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal.