natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
* EUR 239 million budgeted for the emergency aid reserve is included in the overall amounts but does not count when calculating the margin (i.e. it is financed outside the ceiling).
* EUR 239 million budgeted for the emergency aid reserve is included in the overall amounts but does not count when calculating the margin (i.e. it is financed outside the ceiling).
In the APS communication the Commission had worked with a predicted margin of EUR 334 million, after having added about EUR 23 million to new priorities compared to the January financial programming (climate change, Global Energy Fund, Prince and Development awareness).
In the APS communication the Commission had worked with a predicted margin of EUR 334 million, after having added about EUR 23 million to new priorities compared to the January financial programming (climate change, Global Energy Fund, Prince and Development awareness).
The margin shown in the PDB is EUR 4 million less so there has been some additional allocation made that the Commission should clarify.
The margin shown in the PDB is EUR 4 million less so there has been some additional allocation made that the Commission should clarify.
The PDB margin shown is quite substantial at nearly 5% of total possible expenditure under the ceiling.
The PDB margin shown is quite substantial at nearly 5% of total possible expenditure under the ceiling.
The rapporteur has already drawn attention to the fact that this is due to an exceptional situation, as the full amount of EUR 200 million foreseen for the guarantee fund will not be needed in 2008 and has been added to the margin.
The rapporteur has already drawn attention to the fact that this is due to an exceptional situation, as the full amount of EUR 200 million foreseen for the guarantee fund will not be needed in 2008 and has been added to the margin.
The rapporteur therefore recommends a certain amount of caution since this money (compulsory expenditure) will be needed again in 2009.
The rapporteur therefore recommends a certain amount of caution since this money (compulsory expenditure) will be needed again in 2009.
The rapporteur considers the situation even more worrying when it seems clear that these PDB amounts do not actually cover all that which the Commission wants to request.
The rapporteur considers the situation even more worrying when it seems clear that these PDB amounts do not actually cover all that which the Commission wants to request.
It seems clear that substantial additional amounts could be asked by the Commission for both Kosovo and Palestine .
It seems clear that substantial additional amounts could be asked by the Commission for both Kosovo and Palestine .
This would be new and un-programmed expenditure that would come on top of the existing budget appropriations for these areas.
This would be new and un-programmed expenditure that would come on top of the existing budget appropriations for these areas.
The rapporteur wonders if a similar situation could exist for other areas as well and expects the commission to be as clear as possible.
The rapporteur wonders if a similar situation could exist for other areas as well and expects the commission to be as clear as possible.
In any case, the rapporteur draws attention to the fact that such "new needs", which are not included in the PDB, could possibly amount to as much as EUR 300 million or thereabouts.
In any case, the rapporteur draws attention to the fact that such "new needs", which are not included in the PDB, could possibly amount to as much as EUR 300 million or thereabouts.
If the Commission should come forward with such requests, it would mean that the effective margin could be virtually zero.
If the Commission should come forward with such requests, it would mean that the effective margin could be virtually zero.
Obviously, if so financed, there would then be nothing left for any other priorities!
Obviously, if so financed, there would then be nothing left for any other priorities!
The rapporteur draws attention to the fact that for CFSP an overall amount of at least EUR 1 740 million has been agreed for the period 2007-2013 as part of the IIA.
The rapporteur draws attention to the fact that for CFSP an overall amount of at least EUR 1 740 million has been agreed for the period 2007-2013 as part of the IIA.
On average, this amounts to about EUR 250 million per year.
On average, this amounts to about EUR 250 million per year.
The funding for 2007 was adopted at EUR 159, 2 million and, for 2008, the Commission had in its programming an amount of EUR 200 million.
The funding for 2007 was adopted at EUR 159, 2 million and, for 2008, the Commission had in its programming an amount of EUR 200 million.
The PDB should show an amount just over the 200m mark.
The PDB should show an amount just over the 200m mark.
The character of heading 4
The character of heading 4
In the era of multi-annual frameworks and co-decision, it is true to say that the resources available are more or less fixed and, barring exceptional events (such as Iraq or the tsunami), the magnitude and general thrust of funding will normally be very similar to the previous year.
In the era of multi-annual frameworks and co-decision, it is true to say that the resources available are more or less fixed and, barring exceptional events (such as Iraq or the tsunami), the magnitude and general thrust of funding will normally be very similar to the previous year.
This is not necessarily a bad thing as the Budgets Committee normally defends the "traditional priorities" and, of course, lives by the MFF, but it does highlight the structural difficulty of making any really significant adjustments.
This is not necessarily a bad thing as the Budgets Committee normally defends the "traditional priorities" and, of course, lives by the MFF, but it does highlight the structural difficulty of making any really significant adjustments.
In this sense, there is something to be said for the view that heading 4 is probably still under-funded, something that could not be fully rectified during the MFF negotiations.
In this sense, there is something to be said for the view that heading 4 is probably still under-funded, something that could not be fully rectified during the MFF negotiations.
It is of course possible to make quite significant changes within the heading, but even this pre-supposes broad political support and, crucially, impetus and agreement from various specialised committees.
It is of course possible to make quite significant changes within the heading, but even this pre-supposes broad political support and, crucially, impetus and agreement from various specialised committees.
It would be unrealistic to foresee any major changes in heading 4 for 2008 in what will only be the second year of the new MFF and the new generation of programmes.
It would be unrealistic to foresee any major changes in heading 4 for 2008 in what will only be the second year of the new MFF and the new generation of programmes.
The rapporteur notes that, in what has been the enfant terrible of financial headings over the period 2000-2006, the conflicting demands of, on the one hand, facing "new challenges" and crises and, on the other hand, respecting the traditional policies toward EU neighbours and partners further away, will, again, simply have to be looked at side-by-side.
The rapporteur notes that, in what has been the enfant terrible of financial headings over the period 2000-2006, the conflicting demands of, on the one hand, facing "new challenges" and crises and, on the other hand, respecting the traditional policies toward EU neighbours and partners further away, will, again, simply have to be looked at side-by-side.
This is not a static equation and, luckily, it should have multiple solutions.
This is not a static equation and, luckily, it should have multiple solutions.
The only problem is that some of these solutions might be painful, especially given the traditional attitude of the Council.
The only problem is that some of these solutions might be painful, especially given the traditional attitude of the Council.
It should be noted that the budget structure of heading 4 is now largely "instruments-based" reflecting the agreements reached during last year for the legal bases (regulations) which, in several cases, were co-decided.
It should be noted that the budget structure of heading 4 is now largely "instruments-based" reflecting the agreements reached during last year for the legal bases (regulations) which, in several cases, were co-decided.
As can be seen in the table above, this does not really facilitate the immediate understanding of heading 4 as many people tend to be involved or interested in "regions and countries" rather than "instruments".
As can be seen in the table above, this does not really facilitate the immediate understanding of heading 4 as many people tend to be involved or interested in "regions and countries" rather than "instruments".
From a point of view of transparency and budget scrutiny, it was therefore decided to maintain some geographical splits at the level of budget chapters/lines in B2007.
From a point of view of transparency and budget scrutiny, it was therefore decided to maintain some geographical splits at the level of budget chapters/lines in B2007.
For example, there are different chapters/lines for Asia and Latin America, although most actions will be financed by the same legal Instrument.
For example, there are different chapters/lines for Asia and Latin America, although most actions will be financed by the same legal Instrument.
In addition to the main political scrutiny of the PDB, the rapporteur may also look into the budget structure of the heading and propose some adjustments.
In addition to the main political scrutiny of the PDB, the rapporteur may also look into the budget structure of the heading and propose some adjustments.
The character of the Instruments
The character of the Instruments
Members will recall that an extended legislative battle took place in order to settle the new Instruments for external actions.
Members will recall that an extended legislative battle took place in order to settle the new Instruments for external actions.
Essentially, this centred on the basic character of the legislation, i.e. should the legal instruments have the character of general frameworks and give a very large degree of implementing freedom to the Commission?
Essentially, this centred on the basic character of the legislation, i.e. should the legal instruments have the character of general frameworks and give a very large degree of implementing freedom to the Commission?
Or, should they have a higher degree of policy content co-decided by the Parliament.
Or, should they have a higher degree of policy content co-decided by the Parliament.
In the end, it is fair to say that a European compromise was reached with substantial policy content included but, also, with important aspects left to the implementing phase.
In the end, it is fair to say that a European compromise was reached with substantial policy content included but, also, with important aspects left to the implementing phase.
The need for a certain degree of flexibility ("it is not possible to change the Regulation every time an adjustment is needed") came to be handled through renewed emphasis on concepts such as multi-annual "Strategy Papers" and, at the next lower level, "Annual Action Programmes".
The need for a certain degree of flexibility ("it is not possible to change the Regulation every time an adjustment is needed") came to be handled through renewed emphasis on concepts such as multi-annual "Strategy Papers" and, at the next lower level, "Annual Action Programmes".
Basically, such important "Strategy Papers" and other programming documents of a mixed policy/political-implementation nature fall under the agreement on Democratic Scrutiny , which was negotiated with the adoption of the new IIA on budgetary discipline and sound financial management 2007-2013 and is annexed to this IIA in the form of a Declaration.
Basically, such important "Strategy Papers" and other programming documents of a mixed policy/political-implementation nature fall under the agreement on Democratic Scrutiny , which was negotiated with the adoption of the new IIA on budgetary discipline and sound financial management 2007-2013 and is annexed to this IIA in the form of a Declaration.
As the Budgets Committee played a key role, the rapporteur is keen to follow up on the Commission's commitments under this agreement.
As the Budgets Committee played a key role, the rapporteur is keen to follow up on the Commission's commitments under this agreement.
It could be interesting, in particular, to see how the Commission takes Parliament's comments on the strategy papers into account.
It could be interesting, in particular, to see how the Commission takes Parliament's comments on the strategy papers into account.
Ultimately, it cannot be excluded that the budgetary procedure could be used to strengthen Parliament's position.
Ultimately, it cannot be excluded that the budgetary procedure could be used to strengthen Parliament's position.
As already adopted in the APS resolution, the rapporteur considers that the work of the AFET and DEVE Working-Groups set up to examine these Commission papers and to monitor implementation is very important.
As already adopted in the APS resolution, the rapporteur considers that the work of the AFET and DEVE Working-Groups set up to examine these Commission papers and to monitor implementation is very important.
Indeed, the Budgets Committee has for many years called for an increased role of the specialised committees to monitor implementation.
Indeed, the Budgets Committee has for many years called for an increased role of the specialised committees to monitor implementation.
He is keen to work with the specialised committees in this respect.
He is keen to work with the specialised committees in this respect.
Some budget aspects of the Instruments
Some budget aspects of the Instruments
First of all, with the legislative agreements on heading 4 only being reached recently and with the programming process and calls-for-tenders currently under way, it is unlikely that 2007 implementation will be of much use for the assessment of 2008, at least as far as payments are concerned.
First of all, with the legislative agreements on heading 4 only being reached recently and with the programming process and calls-for-tenders currently under way, it is unlikely that 2007 implementation will be of much use for the assessment of 2008, at least as far as payments are concerned.
For most programmes, the Commission will hopefully reach a satisfactory level of commitment implementation but even this would have to be verified later in the year.
For most programmes, the Commission will hopefully reach a satisfactory level of commitment implementation but even this would have to be verified later in the year.
In any case, most instruments under heading 4 have financial reference amounts, some of them co-decided as previously stated.
In any case, most instruments under heading 4 have financial reference amounts, some of them co-decided as previously stated.
The main co-decisions are the following:
The main co-decisions are the following:
- Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI)
- Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI)
- European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI)
- European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI)
- European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR)
- European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR)
- Instrument for Stability (ifS)
- Instrument for Stability (ifS)
The pre-Accession Instrument (IPA) was only simple consultation but has a reference amount agreed by the Council (not binding like the co-decisions).
The pre-Accession Instrument (IPA) was only simple consultation but has a reference amount agreed by the Council (not binding like the co-decisions).
In general, the rapporteur would like to have a discussion on how to treat the co-decided envelopes.
In general, the rapporteur would like to have a discussion on how to treat the co-decided envelopes.
He is convinced that, as usual, many amendments will be received asking for higher annual amounts and COBU should not just have a random approach to these cases.
He is convinced that, as usual, many amendments will be received asking for higher annual amounts and COBU should not just have a random approach to these cases.
The rapporteur notes that the DCI and ENPI, both co-decided by the Parliament, were endowed with an annual amount in 2007 that would indicate a higher total by 2013 than the legislated reference amounts foresee.
The rapporteur notes that the DCI and ENPI, both co-decided by the Parliament, were endowed with an annual amount in 2007 that would indicate a higher total by 2013 than the legislated reference amounts foresee.
In other words, these programmes were somewhat "front-loaded" in the last procedure.
In other words, these programmes were somewhat "front-loaded" in the last procedure.
The rapporteur is not sure that such an approach should be maintained.
The rapporteur is not sure that such an approach should be maintained.
The rapporteur notes that there could be several ways to deal with this "problem" and would like to hear the views of the political groups:
The rapporteur notes that there could be several ways to deal with this "problem" and would like to hear the views of the political groups:
a) leave the situation for now and, in future years, make reference to the legislative flexibility of +/- 5 % negotiated and included in the IIA?
a) leave the situation for now and, in future years, make reference to the legislative flexibility of +/- 5 % negotiated and included in the IIA?
Given the situation of the ceilings, this may of course imply that if one programme "goes up", another one must "go down".
Given the situation of the ceilings, this may of course imply that if one programme "goes up", another one must "go down".
b) leave the situation for now while hoping that it would be possible to "break" the reference amounts in 2012/2013 or, failing this, make a big reduction in the last year of the MFF?
b) leave the situation for now while hoping that it would be possible to "break" the reference amounts in 2012/2013 or, failing this, make a big reduction in the last year of the MFF?
c) leave the situation for now and aim to do something about it in connection with the 2008/2009 review?
c) leave the situation for now and aim to do something about it in connection with the 2008/2009 review?
d) make some adjustment or, at least, limit any asked increases to these programmes, to bring the annual amount into "conformity" with the average allowed by the overall reference amount?
d) make some adjustment or, at least, limit any asked increases to these programmes, to bring the annual amount into "conformity" with the average allowed by the overall reference amount?
Also, the rapporteur notes that - whether co-decided or not - some aspects of heading 4 traditionally (and unfortunately) have sometimes had to rely on emergency solutions and improvisation.
Also, the rapporteur notes that - whether co-decided or not - some aspects of heading 4 traditionally (and unfortunately) have sometimes had to rely on emergency solutions and improvisation.
This is relevant for humanitarian aid but, increasingly, also for other instruments that might include the co-decided DCI and/or ENPI, as the case of Palestine has proven.
This is relevant for humanitarian aid but, increasingly, also for other instruments that might include the co-decided DCI and/or ENPI, as the case of Palestine has proven.
For the sake of argument, in the case that there should now exist unforeseen (not programmed) needs for 2008 and/or coming years, say an extra EUR 100 million to be implemented under the ENPI or DCI for a new crisis somewhere, the rapporteur would like to ask the Commission if this would always be counted against the co-decided reference amount (meaning a re-programming and taking space away from previously programmed actions?) or if it could somehow be implemented over and above the reference amount?
For the sake of argument, in the case that there should now exist unforeseen (not programmed) needs for 2008 and/or coming years, say an extra EUR 100 million to be implemented under the ENPI or DCI for a new crisis somewhere, the rapporteur would like to ask the Commission if this would always be counted against the co-decided reference amount (meaning a re-programming and taking space away from previously programmed actions?) or if it could somehow be implemented over and above the reference amount?
Would the means of financing make any difference, i.e. if financed within the margin or through additional means such as the flexibility instrument?
Would the means of financing make any difference, i.e. if financed within the margin or through additional means such as the flexibility instrument?
The 2008 PDB margin of EUR 330 million is entirely misleading as an indicator of the real situation in this heading and is the result of some areas/needs not being budgeted yet in combination with the coincidental availability of funds originally foreseen for the guarantee fund.
The 2008 PDB margin of EUR 330 million is entirely misleading as an indicator of the real situation in this heading and is the result of some areas/needs not being budgeted yet in combination with the coincidental availability of funds originally foreseen for the guarantee fund.
Many amounts are locked into co-decided envelopes or, such as for CFSP, other agreements.
Many amounts are locked into co-decided envelopes or, such as for CFSP, other agreements.
Some strategy should be found how to deal with amendments to the annual amounts in these areas.
Some strategy should be found how to deal with amendments to the annual amounts in these areas.
The progress on democratic scrutiny (declaration negotiated in the IIA last year) should be followed in close cooperation with AFET and DEVE.
The progress on democratic scrutiny (declaration negotiated in the IIA last year) should be followed in close cooperation with AFET and DEVE.
Given the late adoption of the new generation of external Instruments, it may be unlikely that 2007 implementation will be of much guidance for assessing 2008 needs.
Given the late adoption of the new generation of external Instruments, it may be unlikely that 2007 implementation will be of much guidance for assessing 2008 needs.
Working document on the information and communication Policy.
Working document on the information and communication Policy.
Budgetary aspects
Budgetary aspects
The general objective pursued by the institutions is to address an accurate information policy to European citizens to raise their awareness of EU activities, structures and decision-making processes.
The general objective pursued by the institutions is to address an accurate information policy to European citizens to raise their awareness of EU activities, structures and decision-making processes.
To that end, the institutions have elaborated a number of strategies run at centralised and decentralised levels, in line with their respective competences.
To that end, the institutions have elaborated a number of strategies run at centralised and decentralised levels, in line with their respective competences.
The centralised actions are initiated by the European Institutions, addressed to Brussels' public and/or to the Member States.
The centralised actions are initiated by the European Institutions, addressed to Brussels' public and/or to the Member States.
At a decentralised level, the information policy is mainly initiated by the Houses of Europe located in the capital cities of the Member States, including the regional offices.
At a decentralised level, the information policy is mainly initiated by the Houses of Europe located in the capital cities of the Member States, including the regional offices.