Brussels, 20/07/2005 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has for the very first time published a qualitative evaluation report on the impact that reform undertaken over the past four years will have in its external aid service. The main aim of such reform - which began in 2000 and which came to a close end 2004 - was to speed up implementation of external aid and improve project quality. The report shows that the level of commitment and payment appropriations has risen constantly each year since reform began, reflecting more rapid and effective implementation of support. Concerning the quality of aid, some measures undertaken such as the creation of the EuropeAid cooperation office (responsible for implementing the Commission's external aid instruments) or the transferral of powers to delegations have had a positive impact on the speed and quality of aid provided. Several outside organisation, including the OECD/DAC, have confirmed these improvements. The Commission is therefore planning to continue with the effort already undertaken in the field of external aid policy.