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Brussels, 21.6.2005

COM(2005) 278 final

Proposal for a

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

on the mobilisation of the flexibility instrument in favour of the rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance to Tsunami affected countries according to point 24 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 6 May 1999

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

In the framework of the support of the rehabilitation and reconstruction needs in the earthquake/Tsunami affected countries and in the same time of the adoption of its proposal for the Preliminary Draft Amending Budget for 2006[1], the Commission has already presented a draft decision on the mobilisation of the flexibility instrument[2] and has submitted to the budgetary authority a proposal for a Preliminary Draft Amending Budget for 2005[3]. Out of the proposed total amount of EUR 350 million over 2005 and 2006, EUR 170 million are meant to be covered by the budget for 2005 and EUR 180 million by the budget 2006.. Since the ceiling for Heading 4:"External actions" as proposed by the Preliminary Draft Budget for 2006 is already exceeded by EUR 123,5 million, the Commission proposes the mobilisation of the flexibility instrument of a same amount, in accordance with the provisions of the I.I.A. of 6 May 1999.

It is therefore requested that the European Parliament and the Council adopt this proposal for a decision.

Proposal for a

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

on the mobilisation of the flexibility instrument in favour of the rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance to Tsunami affected countries according to point 24 of the Interinstitutional Agreement of 6 May 1999

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 6 May 1999 between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on budgetary discipline and improvement of the budgetary procedure[4], and in particular point 24 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

The Budget Authority has agreed to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction needs in the earthquake/Tsunami affected countries (mainly Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives,) during 2005 and 2006, for a total amount of EUR 350 million, of which EUR 170 million in 2005 and EUR 180 million in 2006. For 2005, a proposal for a decision for the mobilisation of the flexibility instrument has already been submitted to the budgetary authority. As for 2006, since the ceiling for Heading 4:"External actions" as proposed by the Preliminary Draft Budget is already exceeded by EUR 123,5 million, the Commission proposes the mobilisation of the flexibility instrument of a same amount, , in accordance with the provisions of the I.I.A. of 6 May 1999.

HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole article

For the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2006 (hereinafter "the 2006 budget"), the flexibility instrument shall be used to provide the sum of EUR 123 500 000 in commitment appropriations.

This amount shall be used for the financing of the aid for rehabilitation and reconstruction of the earthquake/Tsunami affected countries in Asia, covered by Heading 4 "External actions" of the financial perspective, under the article 19 10 04 "Rehabilitation and reconstruction operations in developing countries in Asia" of the 2006 budget.

Done at Brussels,

For the European Parliament For the Council

The President The President

[1] SEC(2005) 548 final of 27 April 2005

[2] SEC(2005) 548 final of 27 April 2005

[3] PDAB No 3/2005 of 27 April 2005, SEC(2005) 548 final.

[4] OJ C 172 of 18.06.1999, p. 1.