FINAL ADOPTION of supplementary and amending budget No 1 of the European Union for the financial year 1998 (1999/211/EC, ECSC, Euratom)

THE PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community, and in particular Article 78 (7) thereof,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 203 (7) thereof, as well as the text of Protocol 16 and Declaration 22 annexed thereto,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community, and in particular Article 177 (7) thereof,

Having regard to the Treaty amending certain financial provisions of the Treaties establishing the European Communities and of the Treaty establishing a Single Council and a Single Commission of the European Communities, which was signed on 22 July 1975,

Having regard to the Financial Regulation of 21 December 1977 applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (), as last amended by Regulation (EC, ECSC, Euratom) No 2548/98 (), and in particular Articles 10, 15 and 17 thereof,

Having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 29 October 1993 on budgetary discipline and improvement of the budgetary procedure (),

Having regard to the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 1998 (),

Having regard to preliminary draft supplementary and amending budget No 1 of the European Union for the financial year 1998, submitted by the Commission,

Having regard to Letters of Amendment Nos 1 and 2 to preliminary draft supplementary and amending budget No 1 of the European Union for the financial year 1998 submitted by the Commission,

Having regard to draft supplementary and amending budget No 1 of the European Union for the financial year 1998 established by the Council on 8 December 1998,

Having regard to the debates and deliberations of the European Parliament of 14 December 1998, at the conclusion of which it approved supplementary and amending budget No 1 of the European Union for the financial year 1998,

Having regard to the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on 14 December 1998,

The procedure laid down in Article 78 of the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community, Article 203 of the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community and Article 177 of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community having thus been completed,

DECLARES:

Sole Article

Supplementary and amending budget No 1 for the European Union for the financial year 1998, as set out in the Annex, has been finally adopted.

Done at Strasbourg, 14 December 1998.

The President

José-María GIL-ROBLES

() OJ L 356, 31. 12. 1977, p. 1.

() OJ L 320, 28. 11. 1998, p. 1.

() OJ C 331, 7. 12. 1993, p. 1.

() OJ L 44, 16. 2. 1998, p. 1.

SUPPLEMENTARY AND AMENDING BUDGET No 1 OF THE EUROPEAN UNION FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1998

CONTENTS

Page

GENERAL STATEMENT OF REVENUE

A. Total revenue 5

B. Financing of the general budget 17

STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE BY SECTION

Summary table of expenditure by heading in the financial perspective 27

Section I: Parliament 29

- Revenue 31

- Expenditure 32

Section III: Commission 35

- Part B: Operating appropriations 39

Amounts in this budget document are expressed in ecus unless otherwise indicated.

A. TOTAL REVENUE

>TABLE>

TITLE 1 OWN RESOURCES

CHAPTER 1 2 - CUSTOMS DUTIES AND OTHER DUTIES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 2 (1) (b) OF DECISION 94/728/EC, EURATOM>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Decision 94/728/EC, Euratom of 31 October 1994 on the system of the Communities' own resources (OJ L 293, 12. 11. 1994, p. 9), and in particular Article 2 (1) (b) thereof.

The assignment of customs duties as own resources to the financing of common expenditure is the logical consequence of the free movement of goods within the Community.>TABLE>

CHAPTER 1 3 - OWN RESOURCES ACCRUING FROM VALUE ADDED TAX PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 2 (1) (c) OF DECISION 94/728/EC, EURATOM>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Decision 94/728/EC, Euratom of 31 October 1994 on the system of the Communities' own resources (OJ L 293, 12. 11. 1994, p. 9), and in particular Article 2 (1) (c) thereof.

If account is taken of the capped VAT bases and of the compensation arrangements for the United Kingdom, own resources accruing from value added tax are as follows at the uniform rate (0,94732 %).>TABLE>

CHAPTER 1 4 - OWN RESOURCES BASED ON GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 2 (1) (d) AND THE FIRST SUBPARAGRAPH OF ARTICLE 6 OF DECISION 94/728/EC, EURATOM>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Decision 94/728/EC, Euratom of 31 October 1994 on the system of the Communities' own resources (OJ L 293, 12. 11. 1994, p. 9), and in particular Article 2 (1) (d) thereof.

The rate, excluding the EAGGF Guarantee Section monetary reserve, the loan guarantee reserve and the emergency aid reserve, to be applied to Member States' gross national product for this financial year is 0,4699 %.>TABLE>

>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Decision 94/728/EC, Euratom of 31 October 1994 on the system of the Communities' own resources (OJ L 293, 12. 11. 1994, p. 9), and in particular Article 2 (1) (d) and the first subparagraph of Article 6 thereof.

The provisional amount is produced by applying a rate of 0,0068 % to Member States' gross national product.

The breakdown of payments is as follows:>TABLE>

However, the amount actually to be paid will be limited to the amount of the transfer from Chapter B1-6 0 of the statement of expenditure of Section III 'Commission`, intended for the monetary reserve.>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Decision 94/728/EC, Euratom of 31 October 1994 on the system of the Communities' own resources (OJ L 293, 12. 11. 1994, p. 9), and in particular Article 2 (1) (d) thereof.

Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2728/94 of 31 October 1994 establishing a Guarantee Fund for external actions (OJ L 293, 12. 11. 1994, p. 1).

Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2729/94 of 31 October 1994 amending Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 1552/89 implementing Decision 88/376/EEC, Euratom on the system of the Communities' own resources (OJ L 293, 12. 11. 1994, p. 5).

Council Regulation (ECSC, EC, Euratom) No 2730/94 of 31 October 1994 amending the Financial Regulation of 21 December 1977 applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (OJ L 293, 12. 11. 1994, p. 7).

Council Decision 94/729/EC of 31 October 1994 on budgetary discipline (OJ L 293, 12. 11. 1994, p. 14).>TABLE>

>TABLE>

Remarks

Conclusions of the Edinburgh European Council of 11 and 12 December 1992 concerning the creation of a reserve for emergency aid.

Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 2729/94 of 31 October 1994 amending Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 1552/89 implementing Decision 88/376/EEC, Euratom on the system of the Communities' own resources (OJ L 293, 12. 11. 1994, p. 5).

Council Regulation (ECSC, EC, Euratom) No 2730/94 of 31 October 1994 amending the Financial Regulation of 21 December 1977 applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (OJ L 293, 12. 11. 1994, p. 7).

Council Decision 94/729/EC of 31 October 1994 on budgetary discipline (OJ L 293, 12. 11. 1994, p. 14).

When the Commission considers it necessary to draw on this reserve, it convenes a three-way meeting as soon as possible in order to obtain the agreement of the two arms of the budgetary authority on the need to use the reserve and on the amount required. The reserve is drawn on by means of a transfer to the budget headings concerned.>TABLE>

CHAPTER 1 5 - CORRECTION OF BUDGETARY IMBALANCES>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Decision 94/728/EC, Euratom of 31 October 1994 on the system of the Communities' own resources (OJ L 293, 12. 11. 1994, p. 9), and in particular Articles 4 and 5 thereof.

The breakdown of the correction is as follows:>TABLE>

>TABLE>

>TABLE>

CHAPTER 1 9 - COSTS INCURRED BY THE MEMBER STATES IN THE COLLECTION OF OWN RESOURCES>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Decision 94/728/EC, Euratom of 31 October 1994 on the system of the Communities' own resources (OJ L 293, 12. 11. 1994, p. 9), and in particular Article 2 (3) thereof.>TABLE>

The Commission must submit a report on the utilization of the 10 % levied by Member States in respect of costs incurred in the collection of own resources.

TITLE 3 SURPLUSES AVAILABLE

CHAPTER 3 0 - SURPLUS AVAILABLE FROM THE PRECEDING FINANCIAL YEAR>

TABLE POSITION>

Remarks

Financial Regulation of 21 December 1977 applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (OJ L 356, 31. 12. 1977, p. 1), as last amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom, ECSC) No 2335/95 (OJ L 240, 7. 10. 1995, p. 12).

Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 1552/89 of 29 May 1989 implementing Decision 88/376/EEC, Euratom on the system of the Communities' own resources (OJ L 155, 7. 6. 1989, p. 1), as last amended by Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 1355/96 (OJ L 175, 13. 7. 1996, p. 3).

Article 32 of the Financial Regulation states that the balance from each financial year, whether surplus or deficit, is entered as revenue expenditure in the budget of the subsequent financial year.

The relevant estimates of such revenue or expenditure are entered in the budget during the budget procedure and, where appropriate, in a letter of amendment submitted pursuant to Article 14 of the Financial Regulation. They are drawn up in accordance with the principles set out in Article 15 of Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 1552/89, as last amended by Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 1355/96 (OJ L 175, 13. 7. 1996, p. 3).

After the closure of the accounts for each financial year, any discrepancy in relation to the estimates is entered in the budget for the following financial year through a supplementary and/or amending budget.

A deficit is entered in Chapter B0-3 0 of the statement of expenditure of Section III 'Commission`.

CHAPTER 3 5 - SURPLUS OF OWN RESOURCES BASED ON GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT RESULTING FROM THE DEFINITIVE CALCULATION OF THE FINANCING OF THE CORRECTION OF BUDGETARY IMBALANCES FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM>TABLE>

Remarks

New item

Result of the definitive calculation of the financing of the correction of budgetary imbalances for the United Kingdom in respect of 1994.>TABLE>

B. FINANCING OF THE GENERAL BUDGET

>TABLE>

>TABLE>

>TABLE>

>TABLE>

Amount remaining to be financed by additional resource:

ECU 68 157 955 435 - ECU 32 752 781 369 = ECU 35 405 174 066.

>TABLE>

>TABLE>

Own resources ceiling (% of GNP): 1,26 %.

>TABLE>

>TABLE>

>TABLE>

>TABLE>

Calculation of Member States' shares

Germany:

>NUM>9 274 566 000

>DEN>34 573 977 220 - 6 268 816 470

× 3 230 587 449 × >NUM>2

>DEN>3

= 705 696 905

Other countries (e.g. Belgium):

>NUM>898 644 000

>DEN>34 573 977 220 - 6 268 816 470 - 9 274 566 000

× >NUM>3 230 587 449 - 705 696 905

>DEN>1

= 119 227 894

VAT rate frozen by UK correction (e.g. Belgium):

>NUM>119 227 894

>DEN>898 644 000

= 0,132675336

Gross amount:

0,132675336 × 34 573 977 220 = 4 587 114 028

>TABLE>

>TABLE>

>TABLE>

SECTION I PARLIAMENT

REVENUE

>TABLE>

EXPENDITURE

TITLE 2 BUILDINGS, EQUIPMENT AND MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING EXPENDITURE

CHAPTER 2 0 - INVESTMENTS IN IMMOVABLE PROPERTY, RENTAL OF BUILDINGS AND ASSOCIATED COSTS>TABLE>

TITLE 2 BUILDINGS, EQUIPMENT AND MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING EXPENDITURE

CHAPTER 2 0 - INVESTMENTS IN IMMOVABLE PROPERTY, RENTAL OF BUILDINGS AND ASSOCIATED COSTS>TABLE>

Remarks

This appropriation is intended to cover the acquisition of immovable property. The subsidies in respect of the site for the D 3 building and its development will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Article 27 (3) of the Financial Regulation.

SECTION III COMMISSION

>TABLE>

PART B OPERATING APPROPRIATIONS

SUBSECTION B1 EUROPEAN AGRICULTURAL GUIDANCE AND GUARANTEE FUND, GUARANTEE SECTION

TITLE B1-1 PLANT PRODUCTS

Remarks

Expenditure on the common agricultural policy dealt with by the EAGGF Guarantee Section consists of refunds financed pursuant to Article 2 of Council Regulation (EEC) No 729/70 of 21 April 1970 on the financing of the common agricultural policy (OJ L 94, 28. 4. 1970, p. 13), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1287/95 (OJ L 125, 8. 6. 1995, p. 1), and intervention expenditure financed in accordance with Article 3 of that Regulation, the rules for financing being laid down in Council Regulation (EEC) No 1883/78 of 2 August 1978 on general rules for financing interventions by the Guarantee Section of the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (OJ L 216, 5. 8. 1978, p. 1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1259/96 (OJ L 163, 2. 7. 1996, p. 10).

The appropriations entered for the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund, Guarantee Section have as a general rule been arrived at:

- on the basis of the rules now in force in each agricultural market,

- on the basis of forecasts of market developments.

An amount of ECU 262 000 000 is entered in Chapter B0-4 0 for Items B1-1 0 1 1, B1-1 0 1 2, B1-1 0 1 3 and B1-1 0 1 4 and for Article B1-1 1 0.

CHAPTER B1-1 5 - FRUIT AND VEGETABLES>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 of 28 October 1996 on the common organization of the market in fruit and vegetables (OJ L 297, 21. 11. 1996, p. 1).>TABLE>

Remarks

This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on refunds on fresh fruit and vegetables in accordance with Article 35 of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96.>TABLE>

Remarks

Former Item B1-1 5 0 1 (in part)

This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on:

- financial compensation to producers' organizations, pursuant to Article 23 of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96,

- the processing and distribution of products withdrawn or bought in in accordance with Article 30 of the abovementioned Regulation.

It is also intended to cover expenditure on defraying transport, sorting and packaging costs in connection with free distribution of fruit and vegetables, in accordance with the provisions of Article 30 (6) of Council Regulation (EC) No 2200/96 of 28 October 1996 on the common organization of the market in fruit and vegetables (OJ L 297, 21. 11. 1996, p. 1).>TABLE>

Remarks

This appropriation is intended to cover the Community's share of co-financed expenditure connected with the Operational Fund for producer organizations, in accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96.>TABLE>

Remarks

This appropriation is intended to cover the cost of specific measures to finance, in particular, aid to hazelnut producers, in accordance with Article 55 of Regulation (EC) No 2200/96.>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EC) No 2505/95 of 24 October 1995 on the improvement of the Community production of peaches and nectarines (OJ L 258, 28. 10. 1995, p. 1).

This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on grubbing-up of apples, pears, peaches and nectarines in accordance with the proposal for a Council Regulation submitted by the Commission on 13 February 1997 (COM(97) 35 final).>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 789/89 of 20 March 1989 instituting specific measures for nuts and locust beans and amending Regulation (EEC) No 1035/72 on the common organization of the market in fruit and vegetables (OJ L 85, 30. 3. 1989, p. 3).

This appropriation is intended to cover specific aid to producer's organizations which set up a revolving fund and Community aid for quality improvement plans.>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 404/93 of 13 February 1993 on the common organization of the market in bananas (OJ L 47, 25. 2. 1993, p. 1), as last amended by Commission Regulation (EC) No 478/95 (OJ L 49, 4. 3. 1995, p. 13).

This appropriation is intended to cover:

- aid to compensate for loss of income granted to Community producers who market their bananas in compliance with the common standards, as laid down in Article 12 of that Regulation,

- single premiums granted to Community producers who cease to produce bananas, as laid down in Article 13 of that Regulation.>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 3816/92 of 28 December 1992 providing for, in the fruit and vegetables sector, the abolition of the compensation mechanism in trade between Spain and the other Member States and allied measures (OJ L 387, 31. 12. 1992, p. 10).

This appropriation is intended to cover other expenditure, in particular financial contributions for the purpose of restructuring the fruit and vegetable sectors most affected by the abolition of the transitional measures laid down in the Act of Accession of Spain and Portugal, granted pursuant to the provisions of Article 2 of Regulation (EEC) No 3816/92.>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/96 of 28 October 1996 on the common organization of the markets in processed fruit and vegetable products (OJ L 297, 21. 11. 1996, p. 29).>TABLE>

Remarks

This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on refunds on products processed from fruit and vegetables, other than added sugar, in accordance with Articles 16 and 17 of Regulation (EC) No 2201/96.>TABLE>

Remarks

This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on tomato-processing premiums in accordance with Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 2201/96.>TABLE>

Remarks

This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on aid for processing peaches, pears, prunes and figs in accordance with Article 4 of Regulation (EC) No 2201/96.>TABLE>

Remarks

This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on processing aid and intervention for dried grapes in accordance with Articles 7 and 9 of Regulation (EC) No 2201/96.

It is also intended to cover expenditure arising from Council Regulation (EC) No 399/94 of 21 February 1994 concerning specific measures for dried grapes (OJ L 54, 25. 2. 1994, p. 3).>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 525/77 of 14 March 1977 establishing a system of production aid for tinned pineapples (OJ L 73, 21. 3. 1977, p. 46), as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 1699/85 (OJ L 163, 22. 6. 1985, p. 12).

This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on aid for preserved pineapple in accordance with Article 1 of Regulation (EEC) No 527/77.>TABLE>

Remarks

Former Item B1-1 5 0 3

Council Regulation (EC) No 2202/96 of 28 October 1996 introducing a Community aid scheme for producers of certain citrus fruits (OJ L 297, 21. 11. 1996, p. 49).

This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure arising from the Community aid scheme for producers of certain citrus fruits in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 2202/96.

It also covers outstanding balances of expenditure arising from the application of Regulations (EEC) No 1035/77 and (EC) No 3119/93 laying down special measures for the citrus fruit sector.>

TABLE POSITION>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 1991/92 of 13 July 1992 establishing a special scheme for raspberries intended for processing (OJ L 199, 18. 7. 1992, p. 1).

This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure resulting from Community contributions to lump-sum aid to producer organizations and expenditure incurred by trade associations in application of programmes to improve competitiveness.>TABLE>

Remarks

This appropriation is intended to cover the cost of specific measures to finance, in particular, aid to asparagus producers, in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 2201/96.>TABLE>

Remarks

This item is intended to cover other expenditure in respect of processed fruit and vegetables.>

TABLE POSITION>

Remarks

Commission Regulation (EEC) No 3665/87 of 27 November 1987 laying down common detailed rules for the application of the system of export refunds on agricultural products (OJ L 351, 14. 12. 1987, p. 1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 495/97 (OJ L 77, 19. 3. 1997, p. 12).

Council Regulation (EEC) No 595/91 of 4 March 1991 concerning irregularities and the recovery of sums wrongly paid in connection with the financing of the common agricultural policy and the organization of an information system in this field and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 283/72 (OJ L 67, 14. 3. 1991, p. 11).

Proposal for a Council Regulation (EC), submitted by the Commission on 8 November 1994, on the crediting of securities, deposits and guarantees furnished under the common agricultural policy and subsequently forfeited, and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 352/78 (COM(94) 480 final).

This article is intended to cover other expenditure on fruit and vegetables.

It is also intended to take account of:

- amounts recovered in cases of irregularity or fraud pursuant to the provisions of Regulation (EEC) No 595/91,

- penalties and interest received, in particular those collected pursuant to Article 11 of Regulation (EEC) No 3665/87,

- securities forfeited and, in particular, those to be credited to the EAGGF pursuant to the proposal for a regulation,

- amounts retained pursuant to Article 7 of Regulation (EEC) No 595/91,

where the payment was originally entered in the accounts of this chapter.

However, amounts relating to public storage operations shall continue to be entered in the storage accounts.

CHAPTER B1-1 7 - TOBACCO>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 2075/92 of 30 June 1992 on the common organization of the market in raw tobacco (OJ L 215, 30. 7. 1992, p. 70), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2444/96 (OJ L 333, 21. 12. 1996, p. 4).

Council Regulation (EEC) No 2076/92 of 30 June 1992 fixing the premiums for leaf tobacco by group of tobacco varieties and the guarantee thresholds allocated by group of varieties and by Member State (OJ L 215, 30. 7. 1992, p. 77), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 164/94 (OJ L 24, 29. 1. 1994, p. 4).

This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on premiums granted in accordance with Article 3 of Regulation (EEC) No 727/70.

TITLE B1-2 ANIMAL PRODUCTS

CHAPTER B1-2 0 - MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 804/68 of 27 June 1968 on the common organization of the market in milk and milk products (OJ L 148, 28. 6. 1968, p. 13), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1538/95 (OJ L 148, 30. 6. 1995, p. 17), and in particular Article 5 (c) thereof.

Council Regulation (EEC) No 3950/92 of 28 December 1992 establishing an additional levy in the milk and milk products sector (OJ L 405, 31. 12. 1992, p. 1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1552/95 (OJ L 148, 30. 6. 1995, p. 43).

The levy, payable by producers or purchasers of cows' milk, is fixed at 115 % of the target price for milk, and is payable on any quantities of milk and/or milk equivalent marketed in excess of a reference quantity over the 12-month period concerned.

CHAPTER B1-2 1 - BEEF/VEAL>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 805/68 of 27 June 1968 on the common organization of the market in beef and veal (OJ L 148, 28. 6. 1968, p. 24), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2222/96 (OJ L 296, 21. 11. 1996, p. 50).>TABLE>

Remarks

This item is intended to cover other public storage costs, and in particular the difference between the book value and the sale value, in accordance with Articles 5 to 7 of Regulation (EEC) No 805/68.>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 805/68 of 27 June 1968 on the common organization of the market in beef and veal (OJ L 148, 28. 6. 1968, p. 24), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 2222/96 (OJ L 296, 21. 11. 1996, p. 50).>TABLE>

Remarks

This appropriation is intended to cover the special premiums in accordance with Article 4b of Regulation (EEC) No 805/68.>TABLE>

Remarks

Commission Regulation (EC) No 716/96 of 19 April 1996 adopting exceptional support measures for the beef market in the United Kingdom (OJ L 99, 20. 4. 1996, p. 14), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1365/97 (OJ L 188, 17. 7. 1997, p. 6).

In accordance with Article 23 of Regulation (EEC) No 805/68, Regulation (EC) No 716/96 provides for exceptional support measures for the United Kingdom beef and veal market on account of the appearance of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

This appropriation is intended to cover the Community's contribution to the cost of the voluntary slaughter of cattle of more than 30 months old to be financed jointly with the United Kingdom.

CHAPTER B1-2 3 - PIGMEAT>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 2759/75 of 29 October 1975 on the common organization of the market in pigmeat (OJ L 282, 1. 11. 1975, p. 1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3290/94 (OJ L 349, 31. 12. 1994, p. 105).

This appropriation is intended to cover export refunds in accordance with Article 15 of Regulation (EEC) No 2759/75.>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 2759/75 of 29 October 1975 on the common organization of the market in pigmeat (OJ L 282, 1. 11. 1975, p. 1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3290/94 (OJ L 349, 31. 12. 1994, p. 105).

This appropriation is intended to cover storage expenditure in accordance with Articles 3 to 6 of Regulation (EEC) No 2759/75.

TITLE B1-3 ANCILLARY EXPENDITURE

CHAPTER B1-3 1 - FOOD AID>TABLE>

Remarks

New article

Council Regulation (EC) No 2802/98 of 17 December 1998 on a programme to supply food products to the Russian Federation (OJ L 349, 24. 12. 1998, p. 12).

This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure on food aid, financing for which was agreed on 24 November 1998 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission.

It is also intended to cover delivery costs, including the cost of transport to ports or frontier crossings and, where appropriate, processing costs in the Community.

This action will be implemented in different stages and may be suspended if there are signs that the funds are being misused.

The Commission shall keep the budgetary authority informed regularly about the execution of these appropriations and about whether the conditions in the protocol are being adhered to.

This article will also fund technical and administrative assistance, to both the Commission and the beneficiaries of the measures, which does not fall within the standing remit of public administration, covering the identification, preparation, management, monitoring, audit and supervision of the programme. Such technical and administrative assistance may only continue as long as the programme itself. Total expenditure on this assistance for the 1998 and 1999 financial years together may not exceed EUR 8 000 000.

CHAPTER B1-3 9 - OTHER MEASURES>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 3813/92 of 28 December 1992 on the unit of account and the conversion rates to be applied for the purposes of the common agricultural policy (OJ L 387, 31. 12. 1992, p. 1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 150/95 (OJ L 22, 31. 1. 1995, p. 1).

Council Regulation (EC) No 1527/95 of 29 June 1995 regulating compensation for reductions in the agricultural conversion rates of certain national currencies (OJ L 148, 30. 6. 1995, p. 1), and in particular Article 2 thereof.

Council Regulation (EC) No 2990/95 of 18 December 1995 regulating compensation for appreciable reductions in the agricultural conversion rates before 1 July 1996 (OJ L 312, 23. 12. 1995, p. 7), and in particular Article 2 thereof.

Council Regulation (EC) No 724/97 of 22 April 1997 determining measures and compensation relating to appreciable revaluations that affect farm incomes (OJ L 108, 25. 4. 1997, p. 9), and in particular Article 7 thereof.

TITLE B1-5 ACCOMPANYING MEASURES

CHAPTER B1-5 0 - ACCOMPANYING MEASURES>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 2079/92 of 30 June 1992 instituting a Community aid scheme for early retirement from farming (OJ L 215, 30. 7. 1992, p. 91).>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 2078/92 of 30 June 1992 on agricultural production methods compatible with the requirements of the protection of the environment and the maintenance of the countryside (OJ L 215, 30. 7. 1992, p. 85).>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 2080/92 of 30 June 1992 instituting a Community aid scheme for forestry measures in agriculture (OJ L 215, 30. 7. 1992, p. 96).

SUBSECTION B2 STRUCTURAL OPERATIONS, STRUCTURAL AND COHESION EXPENDITURE, FINANCIAL MECHANISM, OTHER AGRICULTURAL AND REGIONAL OPERATIONS, TRANSPORT AND FISHERIES

TITLE B2-1 STRUCTURAL FUNDS

CHAPTER B2-1 1 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT FOR FISHERIES GUIDANCE>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Decision 89/687/EEC of 22 December 1989 setting up a programme of options specific to the remote and insular nature of the French overseas departments (Poseidom) (OJ L 399, 30. 12. 1989, p. 39).

Council Decision 91/314/EEC of 26 June 1991 setting up a programme of options specific to the remote and insular nature of the Canary Islands (Poseican) (OJ L 171, 29. 6. 1991, p. 5).

Council Decision 91/315/EEC of 26 June 1991 setting up a programme of options specific to the remote and insular nature of Madeira and the Azores (Poseima) (OJ L 171, 29. 6. 1991, p. 10).

Commission Decisions 92/588/EEC to 92/598/EEC of 21 December 1992 on multiannual guidance programmes for fishing fleets for the period 1993 to 1996 pursuant to Council Regulation (EEC) No 4028/86 (OJ L 401, 31. 12. 1992) (Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Spain, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom), as amended by Decisions 95/238/EC to 95/248/EC (OJ L 166, 15. 7. 1995).

Council Regulation (EEC) No 2081/93 of 20 July 1993 amending Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88 on the tasks of the Structural Funds and their effectiveness and on coordination of their activities between themselves and with the operations of the European Investment Bank and the other existing financial instruments (OJ L 193, 31. 7. 1993, p. 5).

Council Decision 94/15/EC of 20 December 1993 relating to the objectives and detailed rules for restructuring the Community fisheries sector over the period 1 January 1994 to 31 December 1996 with a view to achieving a lasting balance between the resources and their exploitation (OJ L 10, 14. 1. 1994, p. 20).

Council Decision 95/451/EC of 26 October 1995 on a specific measure for the grant of an indemnity to fishermen from certain Member States of the Community who have had to suspend their fishing activities in waters under the sovereignty or jurisdiction of Morocco (OJ L 264, 7. 11. 1995).

Council Decision 95/577/EC of 22 December 1995 concerning the objectives and detailed rules for restructuring the fisheries sector in Finland and Sweden over the period 1 January 1995 to 31 December 1996 with a view to achieving a lasting balance between resources and their exploitation (OJ L 326, 30. 12. 1995).

Commission Decisions 96/73/EC and 96/74/EC of 22 December 1995 on multiannual guidance programmes for fishing fleets for the period 1995 to 1996 pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) No 3699/93 (OJ L 14, 19. 1. 1996) (Finland and Sweden).

Commission communication of 21 February 1996 'Incorporating equal opportunities for women and men into all Community policies and activities` (COM(96) 67 final).

This appropriation is intended to cover support for the achievement of priority Objective 1 of the Structural Funds including the measures referred to in Article 4 of Regulation (EEC) No 2080/93.

Article 130r of the Treaty establishing the European Community stipulates that environmental protection requirements must be integrated into the definition and implementation of other Community policies.

Consequently, appropriations for the Structural Funds cannot be implemented unless the measures financed by these Funds comply with the provisions of the Treaties and the acts adopted pursuant thereto, in particular those concerning environmental protection, as stipulated in Article 7 of Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88.

They should be accompanied by an environmental impact commentary according to the principles of the Commission's letter of intent of 8 December 1995.

To accompany all projects financed by this item, the Commission must submit an environmental statement on the basis of Article 130r of the Treaty and an environmental compliance clause for projects involving more than ECU 50 000 000. The Commission must set up a Task Force for Green Technology with responsibility for establishing a European environment network in close collaboration with national administrations. The list of projects which have been verified must be forwarded to the budgetary authority and published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

Pursuant to Article 7 of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/93, measures financed by the Structural Funds shall be in line with Community policy on the application of the principle of equal opportunities for men and women.

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

CHAPTER B2-1 3 - EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND>TABLE>

Remarks

Commission communication of 21 February 1996 'Incorporating equal opportunities for women and men into all Community policies and activities` (COM(96) 67 final).

This appropriation is intended to cover support for the achievement of priority Objective 1 of the Structural Funds.

Article 130r of the Treaty establishing the European Community stipulates that environmental protection requirements must be integrated into the definition and implementation of other Community policies.

Consequently, appropriations for the Structural Funds cannot be implemented unless the measures financed by these Funds comply with the provisions of the Treaties and the acts adopted pursuant thereto, in particular those concerning environmental protection, as stipulated in Article 7 of Regulation (EEC) No 2052/88.

They should be accompanied by an environmental impact commentary according to the principles of the Commission's letter of intent of 8 December 1995.

To accompany all projects financed by this item, the Commission must submit an environmental statement on the basis of Article 130r of the Treaty and an environmental compliance clause for projects involving more than ECU 50 000 000. The Commission must set up a Task Force for Green Technology with responsibility for establishing a European environment network in close collaboration with national administrations. The list of projects which have been verified must be forwarded to the budgetary authority and published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

Pursuant to Article 7 of Regulation (EEC) No 2081/93, measures financed by the Structural Funds shall be in line with Community policy on the application of the principle of equal opportunities for men and women.

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

SUBSECTION B3 TRAINING, YOUTH, CULTURE, AUDIOVISUAL MEDIA, INFORMATION AND OTHER SOCIAL OPERATIONS

TITLE B3-3 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

CHAPTER B3-3 0 - INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION>TABLE>

Remarks

Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 126 and 127 thereof.

This appropriation is intended to cover the funding of general information and permanent communication measures concerning the European Union implemented jointly by the European institutions and designed to provide European citizens with information about Europe. The European Union's information and communication policy must take duly into account the differing views and philosophies with regard to the European integration process.

These multi-faceted information and discussion measures include opinion-polling, impact assessment, visits, publications, audiovisual productions, documentary and computerized information activities and Europe-wide operations directed at specific target audiences such as young people or women, decentralized operations to meet the specific needs of given countries or regions and representational duties in political circles.

A minimum amount of 30 % of the appropriation entered against this article is intended for coordinating the information activities implemented by the European Union at an interinstitutional level, in order to set up a European Information System with a view to better value for money and communication with citizens according to guidelines to be drawn up in the framework of an interinstitutional dialogue at the highest level of the European Parliament and the Commission.

A maximum amount of ECU 2 000 000 is intended to pay for television information broadcasts on the European Union and its institutions provided by Euronews on the basis of an information contract.

These measures will be aimed at public opinion in general, opinion-leaders and specific target groups (including women and young people) in order to foster a better understanding of the objectives and reality of European integration and the methods used to achieve it, in a context of dialogue between the institutions, firms and citizens.

The Commission will be assisted by an advisory working party comprising representatives of the European Parliament and the Commission - the Working Party on Ongoing Information Activities - chaired by the Commission.

The Commission will submit to the working party for its opinion the annual ongoing information work programme.

A maximum amount of ECU 200 000 may cover expenditure on studies, meetings of experts, conferences and congresses, information and publications directly linked to the achievement of the objective of the measure of which they form an integral part, excluding expenditure concerning the management of these measures or general administration (see the Commission communication of 22 April 1992).

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

Approximately ECU 1 500 000 in revenue will be available for re-use in accordance with Article 27 of the Financial Regulation of 21 December 1977 applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (OJ L 356, 31. 12. 1977, p. 12), as last amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom, ECSC) No 2335/95 (OJ L 240, 7. 10. 1995, p. 12).>TABLE>

Remarks

This appropriation is intended to cover:

- the financing of the International Federation of Europe Houses (ECU 1 700 000),

- the financing of information and documentation outlets (EDC, DEP, Info Points, national information centres and rural information forums) and the European Journalism Centre in Maastricht to meet the growing public demand for information about the Community's work. Such outlets, in the form of public or private organizations or combinations of the two, back up the work of the Commission's offices in the Member States.

The Commission is assisted by an advisory working party comprising representatives of Parliament and the Commission - the Working Party on Ongoing Information Activities, chaired by the Commission.

The Commission submits to the working party for its opinion the annual ongoing information work programme.

A Commission communication summarizing the reports of the main beneficiaries of this measure (in financial terms) on the impact of their work of informing and raising the awareness of the public about European issues will be submitted to the budgetary authority.

A maximum amount of ECU 250 000 may cover expenditure on studies, meetings of experts, conferences and congresses, information and publications directly linked to the achievement of the objective of the action of which they form an integral part, excluding expenditure concerning the management of these actions or general administration (see the Commission communication of 22 April 1992).

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

>TABLE>

Remarks

This appropriation is intended to cover the funding of priority information measures on Community policies.

These measures must be regarded not as propaganda but as an effective channel for communication and dialogue between European Union citizens and the Community institutions. Part of this appropriation must be earmarked for the establishment of such dialogue.

These priority measures must take account of specific national and regional characteristics, in close cooperation with the Member State authorities, and target strategic audiences, such as women and young people.

This appropriation is also intended to pay for television information broadcasts on these priority information measures provided by Euronews on the basis of an information contract for a value of ECU 1 250 000.

The 'Euro` campaign will specifically include, following the Treaty of Amsterdam, a heavy emphasis on employment and its relation to the single currency.

The 'Building Europe Together` campaign will give information on the modifications brought about by the Treaty of Amsterdam and on the reaction of the European Parliament to this Treaty, but will concentrate on the themes which European citizens, according to the polls, are most interested in and concerned with, such as consumer and environmental issues, at the same time emphasizing the importance of the cultural dimension to the European integration project.

The Commission will be assisted by an advisory working party comprising representatives of the European Parliament and the Commission - the Working Party on Priority Information Measures - chaired by the Commission.

The Commission will submit to the working party for its opinion the annual programme of priority information measures.

These priority measures will encompass publications, conferences, seminars and congresses, audiovisual and promotional material (including material produced by Euronews), pilot schemes, support for specific outlets and networks in the areas concerned and the organization of training for specialists and opinion-leaders.

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

SUBSECTION B5 CONSUMER PROTECTION, INTERNAL MARKET, INDUSTRY AND TRANS-EUROPEAN NETWORKS

TITLE B5-3 INTERNAL MARKET

CHAPTER B5-3 1 - STANDARDIZATION AND EVALUATION MEASURES>TABLE>

Remarks

Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Articles 8a, 30 to 36, 52 to 66, 100, 100a, 100b, 113, 169 and 171 thereof.

Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article K thereof.

Council Directive 83/189/EEC of 28 March 1983 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations (OJ L 109, 26. 4. 1983, p. 8), as last amended by Directive 92/400/EEC (OJ L 221, 6. 8. 1992, p. 55).

Council Regulation (EEC) No 339/93 of 8 February 1993 on checks for conformity with the rules on product safety in the case of products imported from third countries (OJ L 40, 17. 2. 1993, p. 1).

Common position (EC) No 14/95 adopted by the Council on 29 June 1995 with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing a procedure for the exchange of information on national measures derogating from the principle of the free movement of goods within the Community (OJ C 216, 21. 8. 1995, p. 41).

Council directives implementing the 'new approach` in specific sectors, such as construction products, the safety of machinery, and personal protective equipment.

Council directives adopted for the removal of technical barriers to trade in areas not covered by the 'new approach`.

Council directives adopted for the removal of technical barriers to trade, the recognition of professional qualifications, the opening-up of public procurement, the development of a financial services market, European company law, and industrial and intellectual property.

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive, submitted by the Commission on 30 May 1996, relating to cocoa and chocolate products intended for human consumption (OJ C 231, 9. 8. 1996, p. 1).

Proposal for a Council Directive, submitted by the Commission on 30 May 1996, relating to certain sugars intended for human consumption (OJ C 231, 9. 8. 1996, p. 6).

Proposal for a Council Directive, submitted by the Commission on 30 May 1996, relating to honey (OJ C 231, 9. 8. 1996, p. 10).

Proposal for a Council Directive, submitted by the Commission on 30 May 1996, relating to fruit juices and certain similar products intended for human consumption (OJ C 231, 9. 8. 1996, p. 14).

Proposal for a Council Directive, submitted by the Commission on 30 May 1996, relating to certain partly or wholly dehydrated preserved milk for human consumption (OJ C 231, 9. 8. 1996, p. 20).

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Directive, submitted by the Commission on 30 May 1996, relating to coffee extracts and chicory extracts (OJ C 231, 9. 8. 1996, p. 24).

Proposal for a Council Directive, submitted by the Commission on 30 May 1996, relating to fruit jams, jellies and marmalades and chestnut purée intended for human consumption (OJ C 231, 9. 8. 1996, p. 27).

This appropriation is intended to cover standardization and harmonization measures under the internal market strategic programme.

A maximum amount of ECU 50 000 may cover expenditure on studies, meetings of experts, conferences and congresses, information and publications directly linked to the achievement of the objective of the measure of which they form an integral part, excluding expenditure concerning the management of these measures or general administration (see the Commission communication of 22 April 1992).

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

Revenue accruing from conference fees and from the sale of publications arranged or edited using appropriations from this article is available for re-use, in accordance with Article 27 of the Financial Regulation of 21 December 1977 applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (OJ L 356, 31. 12. 1977, p. 1), as last amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom, ECSC) No 2335/95 (OJ L 240, 7. 10. 1995, p. 12).

SUBSECTION B6 RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

TITLE B6-7 INDIRECT ACTION (SHARED-COST PROJECTS), CONCERTED ACTION AND SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAMMES - EC FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME (1994 TO 1998)

CHAPTER B6-7 1 - FIRST ACTIVITY: RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMMES>

TABLE POSITION>

Remarks

Council Decision 94/801/EC of 23 November 1994 adopting a specific programme for research and technological development, including demonstration, in the field of telematics applications of common interest (1994 to 1998) (OJ L 334, 22. 12. 1994, p. 1).

The aim of this specific programme is to develop applications for information and communication technologies with emphasis on interoperability throughout the European Union.

It will contribute to satisfying the basic needs of modern society in areas of common interest (health, education and training, transport, access to information, etc.); meeting the requirements of Community policies; preparing European industry for the new markets which this research will open up; fuelling growth and employment by developing new systems and services for which there is demand; providing a return on the financial investments already made in programmes such as Esprit, RACE or their national equivalents.

The term 'telematics applications` covers all the systems (hardware and software) and services (distance learning, remote medicine, remote management of road or air traffic, multilingual transactional processing, etc.) developed by this programme.

When allocating funds to specific items the Commission will take into account the results of the codecision procedure between the Council and the European Parliament on the second revision of the fourth research and technological development framework programme.

The amount available for administrative and staff expenditure is limited to ECU 22 751 000.

This appropriation is intended to cover staff expenditure in respect of 155 staff (82 A, 24 B and 49 C).

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

To the appropriations entered in this item must be added the contributions from the EFTA States pursuant to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and in particular Article 82 and Protocol 31 thereof:

- ECU 4 225 662 in commitments,

- ECU 3 231 900 in payments.>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Decision 94/572/EC of 27 July 1994 adopting a specific programme for research and technological development, including demonstration, in the field of advanced communication technologies and services (1994 to 1998) (OJ L 222, 26. 8. 1994, p. 35).

The general objective of the programme is to develop advanced communication systems and services for economic development and social cohesion in Europe, taking account of the rapid evolution in technologies, the changing regulatory situation and opportunities for development of advanced trans-European networks and services.

The work will consolidate European technological leadership in digital broadband communications and enable effective network management and service deployment in a diverse and competitive communication environment. In particular, the work will stimulate and coordinate the emergence of digital multimedia services and integrated photonic systems with a view to their widespread introduction in Europe from the year 2000, including development of the technological basis for deployment of optical fibre networks.

It will ensure mobility on fixed networks and, through them, the introduction of advanced wireless, radio and satellite systems across Europe, with particular emphasis on user access in both public and private networks.

Lastly, methods to assure the integrity, confidentiality and availability of information and to demonstrate how the systems operate, will be installed.

The amount available for administrative and staff expenditure is limited to ECU 11 393 000.

This appropriation is intended to cover staff expenditure in respect of 111 staff (63 A, 14 B and 34 C).

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

To the appropriations entered in this item must be added the contributions from the EFTA States pursuant to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and in particular Article 82 and Protocol 31 thereof:

- ECU 3 147 474 in commitments,

- ECU 3 192 550 in payments.>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Decision 94/802/EC of 23 November 1994 adopting a specific programme for research and technological development, including demonstration, in the field of information technologies (1994 to 1998) (OJ L 334, 22. 12. 1994, p. 24).

The objective of this specific programme is to:

- help enhance the quality of life and improve the competitiveness of all European industry,

- contribute to the establishment of an information infrastructure in Europe,

- strengthen the scientific and technological base of European industry,

- promote preparatory and validation activities with a view to standardization.

It covers the following fields:

- software technologies,

- technologies for IT components and subsystems,

- multimedia systems,

- long-term research,

- open microprocessor systems initiative,

- high-performance computing and networking,

- technologies for business processes,

- integration in manufacturing.

In view of the growing interdisciplinarity in nanotechnology, special attention is paid to coordination with the specific research, technological development and demonstration programmes on biotechnology and industrial and materials technologies.

When allocating funds to specific items the Commission will take into account the results of the codecision procedure between the Council and the European Parliament on the second revision of the fourth research and technological development framework programme.

The amount available for administrative and staff expenditure is limited to ECU 35 637 000.

This appropriation is intended to cover staff expenditure in respect of 276 staff (147 A, 46 B and 83 C).

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

To the appropriations entered in this item must be added the contributions from the EFTA States pursuant to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and in particular Article 82 and Protocol 31 thereof:

- ECU 9 204 300 in commitments,

- ECU 7 987 140 in payments.>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Decision 94/911/EC of 15 December 1994 adopting a specific programme of research and technological development, including demonstration, in the field of environment and climate (1994 to 1998) (OJ L 361, 31. 12. 1994, p. 1).

European Parliament resolution of 28 March 1996 on the guidelines for the 1997 budget procedure - Section III - Commission (OJ C 117, 22. 4. 1996, p. 64).

The objective of this specific programme is to contribute to implementing Activity I.6 of the fourth framework programme for Community research, technological development and demonstration activities (1994 to 1998) concerning 'Environment and climate`. The programme provides the degree of continuity needed to maintain and develop the RTD capacity set in place during previous programmes. It aims at pursuing and making use of the work to build up environmental RTD at European level, in particular by consolidating the establishment of networks of excellence.

The programme focuses on a limited number of themes and areas where action by the European Union is justified.

It covers the following areas:

- research on the natural environment, environmental quality and global change,

- environmental technologies,

- space techniques applied to environmental monitoring and research,

- human dimensions of environmental change.

The programme will be implemented by means of:

- shared-cost research contracts,

- study contracts, scholarships, grants and specific contracts,

- education and training,

- coordination, evaluation and dissemination of the results,

- technical operating costs (computer hardware and software),

- expenditure on inviting delegates from the Member States to participate in meetings of the management committees,

- expenditure on extra staff (contracts for experts to coordinate the work or provide technical assistance for Commission departments).

When allocating funds to specific items the Commission will take into account the results of the codecision procedure between the Council and the European Parliament on the second revision of the fourth research and technological development framework programme.

The amount available for administrative and staff expenditure is limited to ECU 9 226 000.

This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure in respect of 62 staff (34 A, 4 B and 24 C).

For all significant projects financed by this item, the Commission must submit an environmental statement on the basis of Article 130r of the Treaty.

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

To the appropriations entered in this item must be added the contributions from the EFTA States pursuant to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and in particular Article 82 and Protocol 31 thereof:

- ECU 2 736 210 in commitments,

- ECU 1 998 845 in payments.>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Decision 94/804/EC of 23 November 1994 adopting a specific programme of research and technological development, including demonstration, in the field of marine science and technology (1994 to 1998) (OJ L 334, 22. 12. 1994, p. 59).

European Parliament resolution of 28 March 1996 on the guidelines for the 1997 budget procedure - Section III - Commission (OJ C 117, 22. 4. 1996, p. 64).

The objective of this specific programme is to contribute to implementing Activity I.7 of the fourth framework programme of research, technological development and demonstration activities concerning 'Marine sciences and technologies`.

The MAST III programme extends, develops and refocuses the activities carried out under the first two MAST (Marine Science and Technology) programmes. For the period considered, it is a step in a longer-term strategy which will enable Europe to make a full contribution to the knowledge and management of the oceans.

It covers the following four areas of activity:

- marine sciences,

- strategic marine research,

- marine technology,

- supporting initiatives.

The programme will be implemented by means of:

- shared-cost research contracts,

- study contracts, scholarships, grants and specific contracts,

- education and training,

- coordination, evaluation and dissemination of the results,

- technical operating costs (computer hardware and software),

- expenditure on inviting delegates from the Member States to participate in meetings of the management committees,

- expenditure on extra staff (contracts for experts to coordinate the work or provide technical assistance for Commission departments).

The amount available for administrative and staff expenditure is limited to ECU 3 873 000.

This appropriation is intended to cover expenditure in respect of 22 staff (13 A, three B and six C).

For all significant projects financed by this item, the Commission must submit an environmental statement on the basis of Article 130r of the Treaty.

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

To the appropriations entered in this item must be added the contributions from the EFTA States pursuant to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and in particular Article 82 and Protocol 31 thereof:

- ECU 1 145 208 in commitments,

- ECU 876 695 in payments.

CHAPTER B6-7 9 - ACTIVITIES TO PROVIDE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO COMMUNITY POLICIES ON A COMPETITIVE BASIS>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Decision 94/918/EC of 15 December 1994 adopting a specific programme for research and technological development, including demonstration, to be carried out for the European Community, on the one hand, by the JRC and, on the other, by means of activities within the framework of a competitive approach and intended for scientific and technical support to Community policies (1995 to 1998) (OJ L 361, 31. 12. 1994, p. 114).

This appropriation is intended to cover activities to provide scientific and technical support to Community policies within the framework of a competitive approach.

The JRC may participate in these activities on a competitive basis and thus receive these appropriations. These appropriations cover resources of all kinds (staff, general services, operation, equipment, contracts, etc.) used to meet objectives which are to be set. These activities are in principle fully funded from the Community's own resources.

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

To the appropriations entered in this article must be added the contributions from the EFTA States pursuant to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and in particular Article 82 and Protocol 31 thereof:

- ECU 963 900 in commitments,

- ECU 502 740 in payments.

SUBSECTION B7 EXTERNAL ACTIONS

All contracts for outside staff charged to operating expenditure should be centralized and harmonized by a unit for the management and supervision of outside contracts under the responsibility of the Commissioner responsible for the budget.

TITLE B7-2 HUMANITARIAN AND FOOD AID

CHAPTER B7-2 1 - HUMANITARIAN AID>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid (OJ L 163, 2. 7. 1996, p. 1).

This appropriation is intended to cover the financing of assistance, relief, protection and emergency food-aid operations to help people in central and eastern Europe hit by natural disasters, man-made crises (wars, outbreaks of fighting, etc.) or comparable emergencies for as long as is necessary to meet the humanitarian needs that such situations give rise to. It may also be used to finance operations to prepare for or prevent disasters or comparable emergencies.

The aid is granted to victims without discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, nationality or political affiliation.

In particular, it should be used to fund the return and reintegration of Bosnian refugees who have taken refuge for several years in various European Union countries, particularly Germany.

Also charged to this article are the purchase and delivery of any product or equipment needed for the implementation of such operations, including the building of homes or shelters for affected groups of people, short-term rehabilitation and reconstruction work, notably of infrastructure and facilities, the costs associated with external, expatriate or local staff, storage, international or national shipment, logistic support and distribution of relief and any other action aimed at facilitating freedom of access to the recipients of the aid.

This appropriation also covers:

- feasibility studies into humanitarian operations and the evaluation of humanitarian-aid projects and plans,

- monitoring of humanitarian-aid projects and plans,

- supervision and coordination of the implementation of aid operations forming part of the aid concerned,

- measures to strengthen Community coordination with the Member States, other donor countries, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and organizations representing the latter,

- public awareness and information campaigns,

- the technical assistance necessary for the implementation of humanitarian projects and the financing of technical assistance contracts to facilitate the exchange of technical know-how and expertise between European humanitarian organizations and agencies or between such bodies and those of non-member countries,

- humanitarian mine clearance operations including public awareness campaigns for local communities on anti-personnel mines.

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

TITLE B7-3 COOPERATION WITH DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IN ASIA, LATIN AMERICA AND SOUTHERN AFRICA, INCLUDING SOUTH AFRICA

CHAPTER B7-3 0 - COOPERATION WITH ASIAN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 443/92 of 25 February 1992 on financial and technical assistance to and economic cooperation with developing countries in Asia and Latin America (OJ L 52, 27. 2. 1992, p. 1).

This appropriation is intended to cover development schemes in Asian developing countries, in particular the poorest of them, aimed at tackling macro-economic and sectoral problems. Emphasis is placed on operations influencing economic organization and institutional development, the strengthening of civil society, operations concerning the environment, the education of women, the promotion of consumer policy, drug abuse control, democratization, regional cooperation, disaster anticipation and reconstruction measures.

Investments on lands traditionally inhabited by indigenous peoples or by other local communities, and other projects significantly affecting their livelihood or social organization, shall not be carried out without, as far as possible, their prior consultation and informed consent.

At least 10 % of these funds are to be used for environmental policies resulting from the Agenda 21 Programme agreed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, held in Rio de Janeiro from 3 to 14 June 1992.

This appropriation also covers systematic monitoring and evaluation to assess the environmental impact of the development schemes funded by this article and the publication of an annual report of the assessment.

The release of funds earmarked for Nepal will be subject to the provision of a guarantee by the Nepalese authorities that they will not turn back refugees from Tibet.

Within the framework of the Commission's strategies vis-à-vis health policy and with a view to supporting programmes designed to improve primary health care services, appropriations shall also be earmarked for implementation of a programme for the prevention of rheumatic fever.

This appropriation furthermore covers funding of operations by non-governmental organizations and specialized agencies to assist the growing numbers of street children.

A maximum amount of ECU 4 250 000 may cover expenditure on studies, meetings of experts, conferences and congresses, information and publications directly linked to the achievement of the objective of the action of which they form an integral part, excluding expenditure concerning the management of these actions or general administration (see the Commission communication SEC(92) 769 final of 22 April 1992).

Also charged to this article is expenditure on operations and other measures of a horizontal nature to enhance the profile or increase awareness of European Union cooperation with Asian developing countries.

This appropriation also covers small loans and credits granted through the informal banking system (through the Grameen Bank and similar operations in Bangladesh) that support, in particular, initiatives to promote employment for women.

This article is also intended to cover support for the development of civil society and, in particular, support for the activities of non-governmental organizations promoting and defending the rights of vulnerable groups, such as women, children and ethnic minorities.

Community assistance shall not be given to any country or organization which encourages or allows compulsory abortion, enforced sterilization or infanticide as a means of controlling population growth.

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

TITLE B7-5 COOPERATION WITH COUNTRIES OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE, THE NEW INDEPENDENT STATES AND MONGOLIA

CHAPTER B7-5 0 - COOPERATION WITH COUNTRIES OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Remarks

Conclusions of the European Council in Lisbon on 26 and 27 June 1992.

Conclusions of the European Council in Copenhagen on 21 and 22 June 1993.

Conclusions of the European Council in Essen on 9 and 10 December 1994.

Conclusions of the European Council in Cannes on 26 and 27 June 1995.

Conclusions of the European Council in Madrid on 15 and 16 December 1995.

In accordance with the provisions of the abovementioned acts, the European Union pursues a policy of cooperation with the countries of central and eastern Europe, which is part of a European Union pre-accession strategy towards these countries. Furthermore, the appropriations of this Chapter are intended to cover the financing of accompanying measures for the pact for stability in Europe.>

TABLE POSITION>

Remarks

Council Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 of 18 December 1989 on economic aid to the Republic of Hungary and the Polish People's Republic (OJ L 375, 23. 12. 1989, p. 11).

Council Regulation (EEC) No 2698/90 of 17 September 1990 amending Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 in order to extend economic aid to other countries of central and eastern Europe (OJ L 257, 21. 9. 1990, p. 1) (Bulgaria, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, German Democratic Republic).

Council Regulation (EEC) No 3800/91 of 23 December 1991, amending Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 in order to extend economic aid to include other countries in central and eastern Europe (OJ L 357, 28. 12. 1991, p. 10) (Albania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, excluding the German Democratic Republic).

Council Regulation (EEC) No 2334/92 of 7 August 1992 amending Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 in order to extend economic aid to include Slovenia (OJ L 227, 11. 8. 1992, p. 1).

Council Decision 93/246/EEC of 29 April 1993 adopting the second phase of the trans-European cooperation scheme for higher education (Tempus II) (1994 to 1998) (OJ L 112, 6. 5. 1993, p. 34), as extended for the period 1998 to 2000 by Decision 96/663/EC (OJ L 306, 28. 11. 1996, p. 36).

Council Regulation (EEC) No 1764/93 of 30 June 1993 amending Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 on economic aid for certain countries of central and eastern Europe (OJ L 162, 3. 7. 1993, p. 1) (Czech and Slovak Republics).

Council Regulation (EC) No 1366/95 of 12 June 1995 amending Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 in order to extend economic aid to Croatia (OJ L 133, 17. 6. 1995, p. 1).

Council Regulation (EC) No 463/96 of 11 March 1996 amending Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 with a view to extending economic assistance to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (OJ L 65, 15. 3. 1996, p. 3).

Council Regulation (EC) No 753/96 of 22 April 1996 amending Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 with a view to extending economic aid to Bosnia and Herzegovina (OJ L 103, 26. 4. 1996, p. 5).

During the period 1990 to 1994, this appropriation was intended to assist the countries of central and eastern Europe in their transition to a market economy and democracy.

Following the Essen European Council, the role of the Phare programme has gradually evolved into that of an instrument of support to the applicant countries in their bid for accession. In implementing the Phare programme, therefore, the Commission must ensure that the beneficiaries of these measures respect European social policy and the fundamental social rights enshrined in the Social Charter on the basis of the acquis communautaire.

With a view to stepping up the pre-accession strategy as a whole, subject to the formal adoption of Phare guidelines in accordance with the legislation in force, Phare operations are to be geared to two main priorities:

- institution building, so as to develop an effective capacity to implement the acquis communautaire, in particular by means of:

- the approximation of legislation,

- promoting consumer organizations,

- structural reforms and regional policies,

- promoting democracy and civil society and active cooperation in the fields of justice and home affairs,

- opening up Community programmes (see Article B7-5 0 3),

- investment financing, notably in order to help the candidate states comply with Community legislative standards.

Three types of operation are planned:

- contributions to a national fund to promote investments involving the acquis communautaire,

- co-financing of major infrastructure projects involving notably the European Investment Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank and, in the framework of the trans-European networks, the restructuring and modernization of industry, energy, telecommunications, the environment and inter-regional cooperation projects,

- a horizontal facility for SMEs.

Approximately 30 % of the Phare budget is thus earmarked for the first priority, institution building, and some 70 % for infrastructure financing. These figures are for indicative purposes only and may vary according to the particular circumstances of the beneficiary state concerned, in particular as regards its requirements and absorption capacity.

In line with the policy of integrating the dimension of equal opportunities between women and men into all Community activities ('mainstreaming`), this appropriation will ensure equal participation of women in all programmes and develop indicators to ascertain women's level of involvement in projects.

The Commission will provide a breakdown four times a year by country and by sector of commitments and payments made.

A maximum amount of ECU 12 200 000 may cover expenditure on studies, meetings of experts, conferences, congresses, information and publications directly linked with the achievement of the objective of the measure of which they form an integral part.

Also charged to this article, provided this is stipulated in the financial memorandums or equivalent documents, are contracts concluded by the Commission for the duration of programmes in order to supply technical support and cover relevant administrative expenditure for the mutual benefit of the Commission and the recipient countries. The contracts are concluded for a period of one year (renewable) with experts responsible for preparing the terms of reference of the projects, evaluating tenders, and undertaking monitoring and audit activities. Upon submission of a reasoned request by each arm of the budgetary authority, the Commission must supply all relevant information, including the outcome of the work of the experts, relating to the implementation of the programmes. The appropriations committed under this heading may not exceed 2 % of the appropriations authorized for the Phare programme, for appropriations entered in this article.

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>

CHAPTER B7-5 2 - COOPERATION WITH THE NEW INDEPENDENT STATES AND MONGOLIA

Remarks

Conclusions of the European Council in Lisbon on 26 and 27 June 1992.

Conclusions of the European Council in Edinburgh on 11 and 12 December 1992.

The European Union shall pursue a policy of cooperation with the New Independent States and Mongolia in accordance with the abovementioned provisions.>TABLE>

Remarks

Council Regulation (Euratom, EEC) No 2053/93 of 19 July 1993 concerning the provision of technical assistance to economic reform and recovery in the Independent States of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia (OJ L 187, 29. 7. 1993, p. 1).

Council Decision 93/246/EEC of 29 April 1993 adopting the second phase of the trans-European cooperation scheme for higher education (Tempus II) (1994 to 1998) (OJ L 112, 6. 5. 1993, p. 34), as extended for the period 1998 to 2000 by Decision 96/663/EC (OJ L 306, 28. 11. 1996, p. 36).

Council Regulation (Euratom, EC) No 1279/96 of 25 June 1996 concerning the provision of assistance to economic reform and recovery in the New Independent States and Mongolia (OJ L 165, 4. 7. 1996, p. 1).

This appropriation is intended to cover the financing or part-financing of assistance measures designed to support the transition to a market economy.

Operations will be carried out in the fields of public and private management training, energy, nuclear safety, transport, financial services, the distribution of food products, the environment, social system and education and health, and the promotion of democracy and equal treatment for men and women in the States concerned.

While carrying out the operations the Commission shall give priority to:

- using part of the Tacis investment share authorized as a fund for making investments to follow up Tacis technical assistance projects,

- increasing funding for co-financing facilities and for the utilization of NGOs' experience in the provision of social security and health services,

- promoting development of the consultancy market in the New Independent States by encouraging the involvement of local consultants in the Tacis programme (equal opportunity of access to participation in tendering).

In line with the policy of integrating the dimension of equal opportunities between women and men into all Community activities ('mainstreaming`), this appropriation will ensure equal participation of women in all programmes and develop indicators to ascertain women's level of involvement in projects.

This appropriation may also be used to cover, in 1998, a maximum additional amount of ECU 25 000 000, representing the European Union's contribution to the Chernobyl Shelter Fund (Article B7-5 3 6).

Total appropriations allocated to the nuclear sector may not exceed 13 % of the total appropriations available for this programme.

A maximum amount of ECU 6 200 000 may cover expenditure on studies, meetings of experts, conferences, congresses, information and publications directly linked with the achievement of the objective of the measure of which they form an integral part.

Also charged to this article, provided this is stipulated in the financial memorandums or equivalent documents, are contracts concluded by the Commission for the duration of programmes in order to supply technical support and cover relevant administrative expenditure for the mutual benefit of the Commission and the recipient countries. The contracts are concluded for a period of one year (renewable) with experts responsible for preparing the terms of reference of the projects, evaluating tenders, and undertaking monitoring and audit activities. Upon submission of a reasoned request by each arm of the budgetary authority, the Commission must supply all relevant information, including the outcome of the work of the experts, relating to the implementation of the programmes. The appropriations committed under this heading may not exceed 3,5 % of the appropriations authorized for the Tacis programme, for appropriations entered in this article.

The likely schedule of payments vis-à-vis commitments is as follows:>TABLE>