Brussels, 28/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 27 July, the Council of Ministers of the EU adopted a regulation amending the second Marco Polo programme, which aims to promote more ecological transport through modal transfer of road to rail or river or inland waterway transport. The adoption of the regulation follows an agreement at the end of April, between the Council and European Parliament in first reading and aims to facilitate the use of funds included in this programme. In practical terms, the new regulation aims to: facilitate the participation of small and micro enterprises (a single enterprise can now request funds); lower the action eligibility thresholds; increase funding intensity and simplify the programme's implementation and administrative procedures. The Commission will present a communication on the results achieved by the Marco Polo programme for the period 2003-10, before drawing up a proposal for a third Marco Polo programme. (A.By./trans/rh)