11/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - Last week, the EP gave its opinion, at first reading and in co-decision, on a technical and financial assistance programme in favour of third countries in the field of asylum and migration. The report by Giancomo Santini (Forza Italia) calls for the Community co-funding of an action under this programme to cover 80% of the total cost. Partners eligible for financial support may be regional and international organisations, agencies, NGOs or governments, in the EU or beneficiary third countries. The EP has also called for the programme's objectives to be clarified.