CELEX: 52010PC0720
Language: en
Date: 2010-12-13
Title: Proposition de DÉCISION DU CONSEIL sur une position de l'Union au conseil de stabilisation et d’association UE ancienne République yougoslave de Macédoine en ce qui concerne la participation de l'ancienne République yougoslave de Macédoine en tant qu’observateur aux travaux de l’Agence des droits fondamentaux de l’Union européenne, ainsi que les modalités respectives en matière de participation aux initiatives prises par l’Agence, de contributions financières et de personnel, dans le cadre établi par les articles 4 et 5 du règlement (CE) n° 168/2007 du Conseil

|

52010PC0720

	Brussels, 13.12.2010COM(2010) 720 final2010/0350 (NLE)Proposal for aCOUNCIL DECISIONon a Union position in the EU-the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Stabilisation and Association Council on the participation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as an observer in the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights' work and the respective modalities , within the framework set in Articles 4 and 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007, including provisions relating to participation in initiatives undertaken by the Agency, to the financial contribution and to staffEXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM1. The contextThe European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (hereinafter “the Agency”) was set up by Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007[1] (hereinafter, “the Regulation”).According to Article 2 of the Regulation, the Agency's objective is to provide the relevant institutions, bodies and offices and agencies of the Union and its Member States when implementing Union law with assistance and expertise relating to fundamental rights in order to support them when they take measures or formulate courses of action within their respective spheres of competence to fully respect fundamental rights.Pursuant to Article 28(1) of the Council Regulation 168/2007/EC, the Agency shall be open to the participation of candidate countries as observers. The participation and the respective modalities should be determined by a decision of the relevant Association Council, whereby the particular nature, extent and manner of participation will be defined. Upon adoption of this decision, the Agency will be able to deal with fundamental rights issues in the candidate country in question within the scope of Article 3(1) of the Regulation, to the extent necessary for the gradual alignment of the country to Union law.2. The proposed DecisionThe Commission proposes to the Council the adoption of a decision on a Union position in the EU-the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Stabilisation and Association Council on the issue of the participation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the Agency. The proposed decision includes a draft decision of the Stabilisation and Association Council, which complies with the requirements of Article 28.In conformity with one of the basic principles underpinning the Regulation (i.e., the Agency works on the basis of a thematic, as opposed to country-specific, approach) the draft Decision enables the Agency to carry out in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia the tasks laid down in Article 4 and 5 of the Regulation.The draft Decision also lays down that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shall appoint an observer and alternate observer to the Management Board of the Agency. These persons should comply with the criteria laid down in Article 12(1) of the Regulation. They shall participate in the works of the Management Board on equal footing with the members and alternate members appointed by Member States, but without a right to vote.The Decision for participation in the Agency's work includes also provisions relating to the the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's s financial contribution and to staff.The proposed Decision makes provisions for a financial contribution based on a participation starting in 2011 (first year of participation in annex I, point 5).The draft decision is also in line with the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Communities and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Communities. The ratio between administrative and operational costs of the Agency’s budget for the EU Member States is also applicable, on average on the candidate countries estimates.The draft decision is accompanied by a financial statement.2010/0350 (NLE)Proposal for aCOUNCIL DECISIONon a Union position in the EU-the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Stabilisation and Association Council on the participation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as an observer in the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights' work and the respective modalities , within the framework set in Articles 4 and 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007, including provisions relating to participation in initiatives undertaken by the Agency, to the financial contribution and to staffTHE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 352 in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,Whereas:1.  The Luxembourg European Council of December 1997 made participation in Union agencies a way of stepping up the pre-accession strategy. The European Council's conclusions provide that the Union "agencies in which applicant countries will be able to participate will be determined on a case-by-case basis".2.  Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 establishing a European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights provides that the Agency shall be open to the participation of candidate countries within the framework set in Articles 4 and 5 thereof.3.  The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shares the aims and objectives laid down for the Agency and subscribes to the scope and description of the tasks of the Agency laid down in the Regulation (EC) No 168/2007.4.  The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's ultimate objective is to become a member of the European Union, and its participation in the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights will help the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to achieve this objectiveHAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:Sole ArticleThe position to be taken by the European Union in the EU-the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Stabilisation and Association Council on the participation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as an observer in the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights' work and the respective modalities thereof shall be based on the draft Decision of the EU-the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Stabilisation and Association Council annexed to this Decision.Done at Brussels,For the CouncilThe PresidentANNEXDraftDECISION No …./on the participation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as an observer in the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights' work and the respective modalities , within the framework set in Articles 4 and 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007, including provisions relating to participation in initiatives undertaken by the Agency, to the financial contribution and to staffTHE EU- THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA STABILISATION AND ASSOCIATION COUNCIL,Having regard the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Union, on the one part, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, on the other part,Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 establishing a European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and in particular Article 28(2) thereof,Whereas(1) The Luxembourg European Council of December 1997 made participation in Union agencies a way of stepping up the pre-accession strategy. The European Council's conclusions provide that the "agencies in which applicant countries will be able to participate will be determined on a case-by-case basis".(2) The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shares the aims and objectives laid down for the Agency and subscribes to the scope and description of the tasks of the Agency as laid down in the Regulation (EC) No 168/2007.(3) It is appropriate to enable the participation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as an observer in the Agency's work and to lay down the modalities of such participation including provisions relating to participation in initiatives undertaken by the Agency, to the financial contribution and to staff.(4) It is also appropriate that the Agency should deal with fundamental rights issues within the scope of Article 3(1) of the Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the extent necessary for its gradual alignment to Union law.(5) In accordance with Article 12(2)(a) of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Communities provided for in Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom, ECSC) No 259/68, the Director of the Agency may authorise the engagament of nationals of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia enjoying their full rights as citizens.HAS DECIDED:Article 1The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as a candidate country shall participate as an observer in the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, set up by Regulation (EC) No 168/2007.Article 21. The Agency may deal with fundamental rights issues within the scope of Article 3(1) of Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the extent necessary for its gradual alignment to Union law.2. To this end the Agency will be able to carry out in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia the tasks laid down in Article 4 and 5 of the Regulation (EC) No 168/2007.Article 3The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shall contribute financially to the activities of the Agency referred to Article 4 of the Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 in accordance with the provisions laid down in Annex to this Decision.Article 41. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shall appoint persons complying with the criteria laid down in Article 12(1) of the Regulation as observer and alternate observer, respectively. They may participate in the works of the Management Board on equal footing with the members and alternate members appointed by Member States, but without a right to vote.2. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shall nominate a government official as a National Liaison Officer, as referred to in Article 8(1) of Regulation (EC) No 168/2007.3. Within four months of the entry into force of this Decision, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shall inform the European Commission of the names, qualifications and contact details of the persons referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2.Article 5The data supplied to or emanating from the Agency may be published and shall be made accessible to the public, provided that confidential information is afforded the same degree of protection in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as it is afforded within the Union.Article 6The Agency shall enjoy in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia the same capacity as accorded to legal entities under the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's law.Article 7To enable the Agency and its staff to perform their tasks, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia shall grant the privileges and immunities identical to those contained in Articles 1 to 4, 5, 6, 10 to 13, 15, 17 and 18 of the Protocol (No 7) on the privileges and immunities of the European Union, attached to the Treaties on European Union and on the Functioning of the European Union.Article 8The Parties shall each take any general or specific measures required to fulfil their obligations under this Decision and shall notify them to the Stabilisation and Association Council.Article 9This Decision shall enter into force on the first day of the second month following the date of its adoption.ANNEXIFINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION OF THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA TO THE EUROPEAN UNION AGENCY FOR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS5.  The financial contribution to be paid by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the budget of the European Union to participate in the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (the Agency), as laid down in point 2, represents the full cost of its participation therein.6.  The financial contribution to be paid by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the budget of the European Union shall be as follows:Year 1: | EUR 165,000 |Year 2: | EUR 170,000 |Year 3: | EUR 175,000 |7.  The possible financial support from Union assistance programmes will be agreed separately according to the relevant Union programme.8.  The contribution of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will be managed in accordance with the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Union.9.  Travel costs and subsistence costs incurred by representatives and experts of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for the purposes of taking part in the Agency or meetings related to the implemention of the Agency’s work program shall be reimbursed by the Agency on the same basis as and in accordance with the procedures currently in force for the Member States of the European Union.10.  After the entry into force of this Decision and at the beginning of each following year, the Commission will send to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia a call for funds corresponding to its contribution to the Agency under this Decision. For the first calendar year of its participation the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will pay a contribution calculated from the date of participation to the end of the year on a pro rata basis. For the following years the contribution will be in accordance with this decision.11.  This contribution shall be expressed in euro and paid into a euro bank account of the Commission of the European Union.12.  The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will pay its contribution according to the call for funds for its own part at the latest in period of 30 days after the call for funds is sent by the Commission.13.  Any delay in the payment of the contribution shall give rise to the payment of interest by the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the outstanding amount from the due date. The interest rate corresponds to the rate applied by the European Central Bank, on the due date, for its operations in euro, increased by 1,5 percentage points. LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR PROPOSALS1. FRAMEWORK OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE1.1. Title of the proposal/initiative1.2. Policy area(s) concerned in the ABM/ABB structure1.3. Nature of the proposal/initiative1.4. Objective(s)1.5. Grounds for the proposal/initiative1.6. Duration and financial impact1.7. Management method(s) envisaged2. MANAGEMENT MEASURES2.1. Monitoring and reporting rules2.2. Management and control system2.3. Measures to prevent fraud and irregularities3. ESTIMATED FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVE3.1. Heading(s) of the multiannual financial framework and expenditure budget line(s) affected3.2. Estimated impact on expenditure3.2.1. Summary of estimated impact on expenditure3.2.2. Estimated impact on operational appropriations3.2.3. Estimated impact on appropriations of an administrative nature3.2.4. Compatibility with the current multiannual financial framework3.2.5. Third-party participation in financing3.3. Estimated impact on revenue  LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR PROPOSALSFRAMEWORK OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVETitle of the proposal/initiativeCouncil decision on a Union position on the participation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as an observer in the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights' work and respective modalities, within the framework set in Articles 4 and 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007, including provisions relating to participation in initiatives undertaken by the Agency, to the financial contribution and to staffPolicy area(s) concerned in the ABM/ABB structure[2]Policy area : 18 "Freedom, Security and Justice"ABB Activity: 18 04 "Fundamental rights and citizenship"Nature of the proposal/initiative( The proposal/initiative relates to a new actionObjectivesThe Commission's multiannual strategic objective(s) targeted by the proposal/initiativeThis decision will contribute to the successful preparation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for the full-fledged membership in the European Union.Specific objective(s) and ABM/ABB activity(ies) concernedSpecific objective: The decision will allow the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to participate as an observer in the Agency's work and the Agency to cover fundamental rights issues in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.ABM/ABB activity concerned: 18 04 "Fundamental rights and citizenship".Expected result(s) and impactThis decision will contribute to the successful preparation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for fully-fledged membership in the European Union.Indicators of results and impactSpecify the indicators for monitoring implementation of the proposal/initiativeThe decision enables the Agency to carry out in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia the tasks laid down in Article 4 and 5 of the Regulation.The FRA Performance Measurement Framework will be in place on 2011 and is supplemented by the performance measures which serve to determine the extent to which the Agency will deliver the expected results.The FRA logic model, which is common to all the 9 different but interlinked thematic areas, sets out a pre-defined types of outputs to be delivered within the different projects, which are expected to lead to the immediate outcomes and eventually contribute to the intermediate outcomes and to the final, overarching impact of the Agency ( ultimate outcome )At output level , the ability to benchmark the type of outputs (for example number of institutional reports, surveys, thematic reports, good practices identified, development of statistical tools and methods, training and mutual learning etc.) and the definition of more precise quantitative and qualitative information to be collected throughout the year (standard reporting templates, surveys of participants based on a standardised questionnaire, standard checklist for quality assessment of the delivered outputs) will generate continuously monitoring data throughout that will be summarised, analysed and interpreted twice a year (for interim and annual performance monitoring reports).Likewise, in order to allow more specific information to be collected at outcome level the Monitoring Framework foresees running some annual surveys (for each thematic area); these will be based on largely uniform questionnaires, which will be adjusted to reflect the specific issues pertaining to a particular thematic area.Similarly, more in-depth qualitative desk research will be needed at the intermediate outcome level to enable the analysis and interpretation of achievements across thematic areas to be tracked and reported on. Additionally, focus group meetings will help to interpret the collected monitoring information by contextualising and synthesising (in order to assess e.g. how and to what extent does FRA contribute to (1) effective information-sharing/learning and a greater shared understanding of FR among policy/decision-makers and stakeholders in the Member States (2) evidence-based EU policies and legislation within its area and relevant to needs, challenges and conditions in Member States (3) better incorporation of cross-cutting FR issues and greater consistency in related EU policies and legislation etc).Grounds for the proposal/initiativeRequirement(s) to be met in the short or long termThe decision should allow the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to participate in the Agency's work as an observer and the Agency to cover fundamental rights issues in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.Added value of EU involvementBy dealing with fundamental rights issues in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia the Agency will be of help to the necessary gradual alignment to Union law of the country.Lessons learned from similar experiences in the pastThe proposal for the Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 contained an impact assessment dealing with the issue of the geographical scope of the Agency's activities.The European Monitoring Centre on Racism and Xenophobia (EUMC), the pre-cursor of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights carried out PHARE projects in different candidate countries (i.e. RO, BG, TR and HR) which proved very positive for both candidate countries and the EUMC.Coherence and possible synergy with other relevant instrumentsPart of the cost of the participation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will be borne by IPA.Duration and financial impactProposal/initiative of limited duration-  Proposal/initiative in effect, from 2011 to the date of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's accession to the EU-  Financial impact from 2011 to 2013Management mode(s) envisaged[3]( Centralised indirect management with the delegation of implementation tasks to:-  ( bodies set up by the Communities[4]MANAGEMENT MEASURESMonitoring and reporting rulesSpecify frequency and conditions.The work of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, including the participation of candidate countries in the Agency's activities, shall be regularly evaluated in accordance with the framework laid down in Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 and taking into account the Agency's Multi-Annual Framework as well as the Annual Work Programmes.Management and control systemRisk(s) identified(1) Staff’s knowledge of the particular market.(2) Specific problems in fundamental rights data collection due to lack of providers on the market.(3) Impact on procurement process due to unavailability of service providers for fundamental rights data collection.(4) Impact on research results due to insufficient data collection or unavailability of data.Control method(s) envisaged(1) Analysis of the particular knowledge, skills and competences required for the implementation of the action and identification of necessary training of staff.(2) Strengthen the monitoring on contractors' activities especially if new in providing data on fundamental rights.Clear description of the technical and tender specification and use of multiple framework contracts.Measures to prevent fraud and irregularitiesSpecify existing or envisaged prevention and protection measures.In order to combat fraud, corruption and other unlawful activities, the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 shall apply without restrictions to the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights.The Agency shall accede to the Inter-institutional Agreement of 25 May 1999 between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the Commission of the European Communities concerning internal investigations by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and shall issue, without delay, the appropriate provisions applicable to its entire staff.The decisions concerning funding and the implementing agreements and instruments resulting from them shall explicitly stipulate that the Court of Auditors and OLAF may carry out, if necessary, on-the-spot checks on the recipients of the Agency's funding and the staff responsible for allocating itESTIMATED FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THE PROPOSAL/INITIATIVEHeading(s) of the multiannual financial framework and expenditure budget line(s) affected-  Existing expenditure budget linesHeading of multiannual financial framework | Budget line | Type of expenditure | Contribution |Number [Description………………………...……….] | DA/NDA ([5]) | from EFTA[6] countries | from candidate countries[7] | from third countries | within the meaning of Article 18(1)(aa) of the Financial Regulation |5 | XX 01 01 01 Expenditure related to staff at Headquarters | DNA | NO | NO | NO | NO |Estimated impact on expenditureSummary of estimated impact on expenditureHeading of multiannual financial framework: | 5 | " Administrative expenditure " |EUR million (to 3 decimal places)DG: JLS | Year 2011 | Year 2012 | Year 2013 | TOTAL |( Human resources | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,183 |( Other administrative expenditure | - | - | - | - |TOTAL DG JUST | Appropriations | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,183 |TOTAL appropriations under HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework | (Total commitments = Total payments) | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,183 |EUR million (to 3 decimal places)Year 2011 | Year 2012 | Year 2013 | TOTAL |TOTAL appropriations under HEADINGS 1 to 5 of the multiannual financial framework | Commitments | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,183 |Payments | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,183 |Estimated impact on operational appropriations-  The proposal/initiative does not require the use of operational appropriationsEstimated impact on appropriations of an administrative natureSummary-  The proposal/initiative requires the use of administrative appropriations, as explained below:EUR million (to 3 decimal places)Year 2011 | Year 2012 | Year 2013 | TOTAL |HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework |Human resources | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,183 |Other administrative expenditure | - | - | - | - |Subtotal HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,183 |Outside HEADING 5[8] of the multiannual financial framework |Human resources | - | - | - | - |Other expenditure of an administrative nature | - | - | - | - |Subtotal outside HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework | - | - | - | - |TOTAL | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,061 | 0,183 |Estimated requirements of human resources-  The proposal/initiative requires the use of human resources, as explained below:Year 2011 | Year 2012 | Year 2013 |( Establishment plan posts (officials and temporary agents) |XX 01 01 01 (Staff at Headquarters) | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 |( External personnel (in Full Time Equivalent unit: FTE)[9] |TOTAL | 0,5 | 0,5 | 0,5 |The human resources required by the Commission will be met by staff from the DG who are already assigned to management of the action.Description of tasks to be carried out:Officials and temporary agents | Data collection on fundamental rights issues in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. |Compatibility with the current multiannual financial framewor-  Proposal/initiative is compatible the current multiannual financial framework.Third-party contributions-  The proposal/initiative provides for the co-financing estimated below:Appropriations in EUR million (to 3 decimal places)Year N | Year N+1 | Year N+2 | Total |Specify the co-financing body | 0,165 | 0,170 | 0,175 | 0,510 |TOTAL appropriations cofinanced | 0.165 | 0.175 | 0,175 | 0,510 |Estimated impact on revenue-  Proposal/initiative has the following financial impact:-  ( on own resources-  ( on miscellaneous revenueEUR million (to 3 decimal places)Budget revenue line: | Appropriations available for the ongoing budget exercise | Impact of the proposal/initiative[10] |Year 2011 | Year 2012 | Year 2013 |Article 603.1 | 0,165 | 0,170 | 0,175 |For miscellaneous assigned revenue, specify the budget expenditure line(s) affected.18 04 05 03 and 18 04 05 04Specify the method for calculating the impact on revenue.See annex I of the decisionANNEX to the LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENTName of the proposal/initiative:Council decision on a Union position on the participation of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as an observer in the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights' work and respective modalities , within the framework set in Articles 4 and 5 of Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007, including provisions relating to participation in initiatives undertaken by the Agency, to the financial contribution and to staff.14.  NUMBER and COST of HUMAN RESOURCES CONSIDERED NECESSARY15.  COST of OTHER EXPENDITURE of an ADMINISTRATIVE NATURE16.  Number and cost of human resources considered necessary17.  The proposal/initiative requires the use of human resources, described as follows:EUR million (to 3 decimal places)HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework | Year 2011 | Year 2012 | Year 2013 |( External personnel || FTE | Appropriation | FTE | Appropriation | FTE | Appropriation | | TOTAL HEADING 5 & Outside HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework |0,5 |0,061 |0,5 |0,061 |0,5 |0,061 | |The human resources required will be met by staff from the DG,who are already assigned to management of the action18.  Cost of other expenditure of an administrative nature19.  The proposal/initiative does not require the use of any appropriation of an administrative nature[1] Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007 of 15 February 2007 establishing a European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, JO L 53 of 22.2.2007, p.1.[2] ABM: Activity-Based Management – ABB: Activity-Based Budgeting.[3] Details of management modes and references to the Financial Regulation may be found on the BudgWeb site: http://www.cc.cec/budg/man/budgmanag/budgmanag_en.html[4] As referred to in Article 185 of the Financial Regulation.[5] DA= Differentiated appropriations / DNA= Non-Differentiated Appropriations[6] EFTA: European Free Trade Association.[7] Candidate countries and, where applicable, potential candidate countries from the Western Balkans.[8] Technical and/or administrative assistance and expenditure in support of the implementation of EU programmes and/or actions (former "BA" lines), indirect research, direct research.[9] CA= Contract Agent; INT= agency staff (" Intérimaire") ; JED= " Jeune Expert en Délégation" (Young Experts in Delegations); LA= Local Agent; SNE= Seconded National Expert;[10] As regards traditional own resources (customs duties, sugar levies), the amounts indicated must be net amounts, i.e. gross amounts after deduction of 25% for collection costs.