Article 1 
Duration and aim of the programme 1. A programme of Community action on rare diseases, including genetic diseases, hereinafter referred to as "this programme", is hereby adopted for the period from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2003 within the framework for action in the field of public health. 2. The aim of this programme is to contribute, in coordination with other Community measures, towards ensuring a high level of health protection in relation to rare diseases by improving knowledge, for example by promoting the setting-up of a coherent and complementary European information network on rare diseases, and facilitating access to information about these diseases, in particular for health professionals, researchers and those affected directly or indirectly by these diseases, by encouraging and strengthening transnational cooperation between voluntary and professional support groups for those concerned, and by ensuring optimum handling of clusters and by promoting the surveillance of rare diseases. 3. The actions to be implemented under this programme are set out in the Annex. Article 2 Implementation 1. The Commission shall ensure implementation of the actions set out in the Annex in close cooperation with the Member States, in accordance with Article 5. 2. The Commission shall cooperate with institutions and organisations active in the field of rare diseases. Article 3 Consistency and complementarity The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between the actions to be implemented under this programme and with those implemented under other Community programmes and actions, in particular in the sphere of public health, on the one hand, and initiatives in the sphere of orphan drugs and medical research, on the other. Article 4 Budget 1. The financial framework for the implementation of this programme for the period referred to in Article 1 is hereby set at EUR 6,5 million. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 5 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee consisting of two representatives of each Member State and chaired by a representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken concerning: (a) the committee's rules of procedure; (b) an annual work programme indicating the priorities for action; (c) the arrangements, criteria and procedures for selecting and financing projects under this programme, including those involving cooperation with international organisations competent in the sphere of public health and participation of the countries referred to in Article 6(2); (d) the evaluation procedure; (e) the arrangements for dissemination and transfer of results; (f) the procedures for coordination with programmes and initiatives which are of direct relevance to achievement of the aim of this programme; (g) the arrangements for cooperating with the institutions and organisations referred to in Article 2(2). The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to above within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event: - the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication, - the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit laid down in the preceding indent. 3. In addition, the Commission may consult the committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of this programme. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the committee. It shall inform the committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. 4. The representative of the Commission shall keep the committee regularly informed of: - financial assistance granted under this programme (amount, duration, breakdown and beneficiaries), - Commission proposals or Community initiatives and the implementation of programmes in other fields which are of direct relevance to achievement of the objective of this programme, so as to ensure consistency and complementarity as referred to in Article 3. Article 6 International cooperation 1. Subject to Article 228 of the Treaty, in the course of implementing this programme, cooperation with third countries and with international organisations competent in the sphere of public health, in particular the World Health Organisation (WHO), shall be encouraged and implemented as regards the actions covered by this programme in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5. 2. This programme shall be open to participation by the associated countries of central Europe, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Association Agreements or Additional Protocols relating thereto concerning participation in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as those applied to the countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those two countries. Article 7 Monitoring and evaluation 1. In the implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure the monitoring and continuous evaluation of this programme, taking account of the aim set out in Article 1. 2. The Commission shall submit an interim report to the European Parliament and to the Council during the third year of this programme and a final report upon completion of this programme. It shall incorporate into these two reports information on Community financing in the various fields of action and on consistency and complementarity with the other actions referred to in Article 3, as well as the results of the evaluation referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. The reports shall also be submitted to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. The interim report should also take account of developments occurring within the framework for Community action in the field of public health. 3. On the basis of the interim report referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission may, if necessary, make appropriate proposals for modifications or adjustments to this programme. Done at Luxembourg, 29 April 1999. For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MÜLLER (1) OJ C 203, 3.7.1997, p. 6, and OJ C 160, 27.5.1998, p. 8. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 4. (3) OJ C 64, 27.2.1998, p. 96. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 11 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6.4.1998, p. 133), Council Common Position of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 227, 20.7.1998, p. 1) and Decision of the European Parliament of 8.10.1998 (OJ C 328, 26.10.1998, p. 148). Decision of the Council of 22 April 1999 and Decision of the European Parliament of 14 April 1999. (5) OJ C 32, 5.2.1996, p. 24. (6) OJ L 193, 22.7.1997, p. 1. (7) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1. (8) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 4.
Article 2 
Implementation 1. The Commission shall ensure implementation of the actions set out in the Annex in close cooperation with the Member States, in accordance with Article 5. 2. The Commission shall cooperate with institutions and organisations active in the field of rare diseases. Article 3 Consistency and complementarity The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between the actions to be implemented under this programme and with those implemented under other Community programmes and actions, in particular in the sphere of public health, on the one hand, and initiatives in the sphere of orphan drugs and medical research, on the other. Article 4 Budget 1. The financial framework for the implementation of this programme for the period referred to in Article 1 is hereby set at EUR 6,5 million. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 5 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee consisting of two representatives of each Member State and chaired by a representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken concerning: (a) the committee's rules of procedure; (b) an annual work programme indicating the priorities for action; (c) the arrangements, criteria and procedures for selecting and financing projects under this programme, including those involving cooperation with international organisations competent in the sphere of public health and participation of the countries referred to in Article 6(2); (d) the evaluation procedure; (e) the arrangements for dissemination and transfer of results; (f) the procedures for coordination with programmes and initiatives which are of direct relevance to achievement of the aim of this programme; (g) the arrangements for cooperating with the institutions and organisations referred to in Article 2(2). The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to above within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event: - the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication, - the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit laid down in the preceding indent. 3. In addition, the Commission may consult the committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of this programme. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the committee. It shall inform the committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. 4. The representative of the Commission shall keep the committee regularly informed of: - financial assistance granted under this programme (amount, duration, breakdown and beneficiaries), - Commission proposals or Community initiatives and the implementation of programmes in other fields which are of direct relevance to achievement of the objective of this programme, so as to ensure consistency and complementarity as referred to in Article 3. Article 6 International cooperation 1. Subject to Article 228 of the Treaty, in the course of implementing this programme, cooperation with third countries and with international organisations competent in the sphere of public health, in particular the World Health Organisation (WHO), shall be encouraged and implemented as regards the actions covered by this programme in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5. 2. This programme shall be open to participation by the associated countries of central Europe, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Association Agreements or Additional Protocols relating thereto concerning participation in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as those applied to the countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those two countries. Article 7 Monitoring and evaluation 1. In the implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure the monitoring and continuous evaluation of this programme, taking account of the aim set out in Article 1. 2. The Commission shall submit an interim report to the European Parliament and to the Council during the third year of this programme and a final report upon completion of this programme. It shall incorporate into these two reports information on Community financing in the various fields of action and on consistency and complementarity with the other actions referred to in Article 3, as well as the results of the evaluation referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. The reports shall also be submitted to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. The interim report should also take account of developments occurring within the framework for Community action in the field of public health. 3. On the basis of the interim report referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission may, if necessary, make appropriate proposals for modifications or adjustments to this programme. Done at Luxembourg, 29 April 1999. For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MÜLLER (1) OJ C 203, 3.7.1997, p. 6, and OJ C 160, 27.5.1998, p. 8. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 4. (3) OJ C 64, 27.2.1998, p. 96. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 11 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6.4.1998, p. 133), Council Common Position of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 227, 20.7.1998, p. 1) and Decision of the European Parliament of 8.10.1998 (OJ C 328, 26.10.1998, p. 148). Decision of the Council of 22 April 1999 and Decision of the European Parliament of 14 April 1999. (5) OJ C 32, 5.2.1996, p. 24. (6) OJ L 193, 22.7.1997, p. 1. (7) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1. (8) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 4.
Article 3 
Consistency and complementarity The Commission shall ensure that there is consistency and complementarity between the actions to be implemented under this programme and with those implemented under other Community programmes and actions, in particular in the sphere of public health, on the one hand, and initiatives in the sphere of orphan drugs and medical research, on the other. Article 4 Budget 1. The financial framework for the implementation of this programme for the period referred to in Article 1 is hereby set at EUR 6,5 million. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 5 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee consisting of two representatives of each Member State and chaired by a representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken concerning: (a) the committee's rules of procedure; (b) an annual work programme indicating the priorities for action; (c) the arrangements, criteria and procedures for selecting and financing projects under this programme, including those involving cooperation with international organisations competent in the sphere of public health and participation of the countries referred to in Article 6(2); (d) the evaluation procedure; (e) the arrangements for dissemination and transfer of results; (f) the procedures for coordination with programmes and initiatives which are of direct relevance to achievement of the aim of this programme; (g) the arrangements for cooperating with the institutions and organisations referred to in Article 2(2). The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to above within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event: - the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication, - the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit laid down in the preceding indent. 3. In addition, the Commission may consult the committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of this programme. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the committee. It shall inform the committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. 4. The representative of the Commission shall keep the committee regularly informed of: - financial assistance granted under this programme (amount, duration, breakdown and beneficiaries), - Commission proposals or Community initiatives and the implementation of programmes in other fields which are of direct relevance to achievement of the objective of this programme, so as to ensure consistency and complementarity as referred to in Article 3. Article 6 International cooperation 1. Subject to Article 228 of the Treaty, in the course of implementing this programme, cooperation with third countries and with international organisations competent in the sphere of public health, in particular the World Health Organisation (WHO), shall be encouraged and implemented as regards the actions covered by this programme in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5. 2. This programme shall be open to participation by the associated countries of central Europe, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Association Agreements or Additional Protocols relating thereto concerning participation in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as those applied to the countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those two countries. Article 7 Monitoring and evaluation 1. In the implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure the monitoring and continuous evaluation of this programme, taking account of the aim set out in Article 1. 2. The Commission shall submit an interim report to the European Parliament and to the Council during the third year of this programme and a final report upon completion of this programme. It shall incorporate into these two reports information on Community financing in the various fields of action and on consistency and complementarity with the other actions referred to in Article 3, as well as the results of the evaluation referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. The reports shall also be submitted to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. The interim report should also take account of developments occurring within the framework for Community action in the field of public health. 3. On the basis of the interim report referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission may, if necessary, make appropriate proposals for modifications or adjustments to this programme. Done at Luxembourg, 29 April 1999. For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MÜLLER (1) OJ C 203, 3.7.1997, p. 6, and OJ C 160, 27.5.1998, p. 8. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 4. (3) OJ C 64, 27.2.1998, p. 96. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 11 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6.4.1998, p. 133), Council Common Position of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 227, 20.7.1998, p. 1) and Decision of the European Parliament of 8.10.1998 (OJ C 328, 26.10.1998, p. 148). Decision of the Council of 22 April 1999 and Decision of the European Parliament of 14 April 1999. (5) OJ C 32, 5.2.1996, p. 24. (6) OJ L 193, 22.7.1997, p. 1. (7) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1. (8) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 4.
Article 4 
Budget 1. The financial framework for the implementation of this programme for the period referred to in Article 1 is hereby set at EUR 6,5 million. 2. The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspective. Article 5 Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee consisting of two representatives of each Member State and chaired by a representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken concerning: (a) the committee's rules of procedure; (b) an annual work programme indicating the priorities for action; (c) the arrangements, criteria and procedures for selecting and financing projects under this programme, including those involving cooperation with international organisations competent in the sphere of public health and participation of the countries referred to in Article 6(2); (d) the evaluation procedure; (e) the arrangements for dissemination and transfer of results; (f) the procedures for coordination with programmes and initiatives which are of direct relevance to achievement of the aim of this programme; (g) the arrangements for cooperating with the institutions and organisations referred to in Article 2(2). The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to above within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event: - the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication, - the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit laid down in the preceding indent. 3. In addition, the Commission may consult the committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of this programme. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the committee. It shall inform the committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. 4. The representative of the Commission shall keep the committee regularly informed of: - financial assistance granted under this programme (amount, duration, breakdown and beneficiaries), - Commission proposals or Community initiatives and the implementation of programmes in other fields which are of direct relevance to achievement of the objective of this programme, so as to ensure consistency and complementarity as referred to in Article 3. Article 6 International cooperation 1. Subject to Article 228 of the Treaty, in the course of implementing this programme, cooperation with third countries and with international organisations competent in the sphere of public health, in particular the World Health Organisation (WHO), shall be encouraged and implemented as regards the actions covered by this programme in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5. 2. This programme shall be open to participation by the associated countries of central Europe, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Association Agreements or Additional Protocols relating thereto concerning participation in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as those applied to the countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those two countries. Article 7 Monitoring and evaluation 1. In the implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure the monitoring and continuous evaluation of this programme, taking account of the aim set out in Article 1. 2. The Commission shall submit an interim report to the European Parliament and to the Council during the third year of this programme and a final report upon completion of this programme. It shall incorporate into these two reports information on Community financing in the various fields of action and on consistency and complementarity with the other actions referred to in Article 3, as well as the results of the evaluation referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. The reports shall also be submitted to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. The interim report should also take account of developments occurring within the framework for Community action in the field of public health. 3. On the basis of the interim report referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission may, if necessary, make appropriate proposals for modifications or adjustments to this programme. Done at Luxembourg, 29 April 1999. For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MÜLLER (1) OJ C 203, 3.7.1997, p. 6, and OJ C 160, 27.5.1998, p. 8. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 4. (3) OJ C 64, 27.2.1998, p. 96. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 11 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6.4.1998, p. 133), Council Common Position of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 227, 20.7.1998, p. 1) and Decision of the European Parliament of 8.10.1998 (OJ C 328, 26.10.1998, p. 148). Decision of the Council of 22 April 1999 and Decision of the European Parliament of 14 April 1999. (5) OJ C 32, 5.2.1996, p. 24. (6) OJ L 193, 22.7.1997, p. 1. (7) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1. (8) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 4.
Article 5 
Committee 1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee consisting of two representatives of each Member State and chaired by a representative of the Commission. 2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken concerning: (a) the committee's rules of procedure; (b) an annual work programme indicating the priorities for action; (c) the arrangements, criteria and procedures for selecting and financing projects under this programme, including those involving cooperation with international organisations competent in the sphere of public health and participation of the countries referred to in Article 6(2); (d) the evaluation procedure; (e) the arrangements for dissemination and transfer of results; (f) the procedures for coordination with programmes and initiatives which are of direct relevance to achievement of the aim of this programme; (g) the arrangements for cooperating with the institutions and organisations referred to in Article 2(2). The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft measures referred to above within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148(2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote. The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply immediately. However, if these measures are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, they shall be communicated by the Commission to the Council forthwith. In that event: - the Commission shall defer application of the measures which it has decided upon for a period of two months from the date of such communication, - the Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within the time limit laid down in the preceding indent. 3. In addition, the Commission may consult the committee on any other matter concerning the implementation of this programme. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the committee. It shall inform the committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account. 4. The representative of the Commission shall keep the committee regularly informed of: - financial assistance granted under this programme (amount, duration, breakdown and beneficiaries), - Commission proposals or Community initiatives and the implementation of programmes in other fields which are of direct relevance to achievement of the objective of this programme, so as to ensure consistency and complementarity as referred to in Article 3. Article 6 International cooperation 1. Subject to Article 228 of the Treaty, in the course of implementing this programme, cooperation with third countries and with international organisations competent in the sphere of public health, in particular the World Health Organisation (WHO), shall be encouraged and implemented as regards the actions covered by this programme in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5. 2. This programme shall be open to participation by the associated countries of central Europe, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Association Agreements or Additional Protocols relating thereto concerning participation in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as those applied to the countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those two countries. Article 7 Monitoring and evaluation 1. In the implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure the monitoring and continuous evaluation of this programme, taking account of the aim set out in Article 1. 2. The Commission shall submit an interim report to the European Parliament and to the Council during the third year of this programme and a final report upon completion of this programme. It shall incorporate into these two reports information on Community financing in the various fields of action and on consistency and complementarity with the other actions referred to in Article 3, as well as the results of the evaluation referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. The reports shall also be submitted to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. The interim report should also take account of developments occurring within the framework for Community action in the field of public health. 3. On the basis of the interim report referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission may, if necessary, make appropriate proposals for modifications or adjustments to this programme. Done at Luxembourg, 29 April 1999. For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MÜLLER (1) OJ C 203, 3.7.1997, p. 6, and OJ C 160, 27.5.1998, p. 8. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 4. (3) OJ C 64, 27.2.1998, p. 96. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 11 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6.4.1998, p. 133), Council Common Position of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 227, 20.7.1998, p. 1) and Decision of the European Parliament of 8.10.1998 (OJ C 328, 26.10.1998, p. 148). Decision of the Council of 22 April 1999 and Decision of the European Parliament of 14 April 1999. (5) OJ C 32, 5.2.1996, p. 24. (6) OJ L 193, 22.7.1997, p. 1. (7) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1. (8) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 4.
Article 6 
International cooperation 1. Subject to Article 228 of the Treaty, in the course of implementing this programme, cooperation with third countries and with international organisations competent in the sphere of public health, in particular the World Health Organisation (WHO), shall be encouraged and implemented as regards the actions covered by this programme in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5. 2. This programme shall be open to participation by the associated countries of central Europe, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the Association Agreements or Additional Protocols relating thereto concerning participation in Community programmes. This programme shall be open to participation by Cyprus and Malta on the basis of additional appropriations in accordance with the same rules as those applied to the countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), in accordance with procedures to be agreed with those two countries. Article 7 Monitoring and evaluation 1. In the implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure the monitoring and continuous evaluation of this programme, taking account of the aim set out in Article 1. 2. The Commission shall submit an interim report to the European Parliament and to the Council during the third year of this programme and a final report upon completion of this programme. It shall incorporate into these two reports information on Community financing in the various fields of action and on consistency and complementarity with the other actions referred to in Article 3, as well as the results of the evaluation referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. The reports shall also be submitted to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. The interim report should also take account of developments occurring within the framework for Community action in the field of public health. 3. On the basis of the interim report referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission may, if necessary, make appropriate proposals for modifications or adjustments to this programme. Done at Luxembourg, 29 April 1999. For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MÜLLER (1) OJ C 203, 3.7.1997, p. 6, and OJ C 160, 27.5.1998, p. 8. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 4. (3) OJ C 64, 27.2.1998, p. 96. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 11 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6.4.1998, p. 133), Council Common Position of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 227, 20.7.1998, p. 1) and Decision of the European Parliament of 8.10.1998 (OJ C 328, 26.10.1998, p. 148). Decision of the Council of 22 April 1999 and Decision of the European Parliament of 14 April 1999. (5) OJ C 32, 5.2.1996, p. 24. (6) OJ L 193, 22.7.1997, p. 1. (7) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1. (8) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 4.
Article 7 
Monitoring and evaluation 1. In the implementation of this Decision, the Commission shall take the necessary measures to ensure the monitoring and continuous evaluation of this programme, taking account of the aim set out in Article 1. 2. The Commission shall submit an interim report to the European Parliament and to the Council during the third year of this programme and a final report upon completion of this programme. It shall incorporate into these two reports information on Community financing in the various fields of action and on consistency and complementarity with the other actions referred to in Article 3, as well as the results of the evaluation referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. The reports shall also be submitted to the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. The interim report should also take account of developments occurring within the framework for Community action in the field of public health. 3. On the basis of the interim report referred to in paragraph 2, the Commission may, if necessary, make appropriate proposals for modifications or adjustments to this programme. Done at Luxembourg, 29 April 1999. For the European Parliament The President J. M. GIL-ROBLES For the Council W. MÜLLER (1) OJ C 203, 3.7.1997, p. 6, and OJ C 160, 27.5.1998, p. 8. (2) OJ C 19, 21.1.1998, p. 4. (3) OJ C 64, 27.2.1998, p. 96. (4) Opinion of the European Parliament of 11 March 1998 (OJ C 104, 6.4.1998, p. 133), Council Common Position of 30 April 1998 (OJ C 227, 20.7.1998, p. 1) and Decision of the European Parliament of 8.10.1998 (OJ C 328, 26.10.1998, p. 148). Decision of the Council of 22 April 1999 and Decision of the European Parliament of 14 April 1999. (5) OJ C 32, 5.2.1996, p. 24. (6) OJ L 193, 22.7.1997, p. 1. (7) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 1. (8) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 4.