natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
The total amount decommitted under the N+2 rule in 2004 was € 219.3 million.
The total amount decommitted under the N+2 rule in 2004 was € 219.3 million.
While this is more than 7 times the total decommitments made in 2004 (€31.1 million), the decommitments are still quite small in comparison with the average annual commitment instalment (around €30 billion).
While this is more than 7 times the total decommitments made in 2004 (€31.1 million), the decommitments are still quite small in comparison with the average annual commitment instalment (around €30 billion).
The decommitments made in 2004 account for 0.58% of the corresponding commitments of 2001.
The decommitments made in 2004 account for 0.58% of the corresponding commitments of 2001.
In September 2005 (provisional data) n+2 decommitments amount to 299 million euro.
In September 2005 (provisional data) n+2 decommitments amount to 299 million euro.
The table below compares n+2 decommitments of 2003, 2004 and 2005.
The table below compares n+2 decommitments of 2003, 2004 and 2005.
(until September, provisional data)
(until September, provisional data)
Amount decommitted
Amount decommitted
31.1 million
31.1 million
219.3 million
219.3 million
299 million
299 million
% of the annual instalment
% of the annual instalment
to be confirmed
to be confirmed
MS concerned
MS concerned
The rapporteurs stress, however, that the payment claims from Member States normally arrive late in the year and, under the N+2 rule, even have a tendency to arrive just before the deadline.
The rapporteurs stress, however, that the payment claims from Member States normally arrive late in the year and, under the N+2 rule, even have a tendency to arrive just before the deadline.
The final figure for decommitments for 2005 is therefore likely to come down as the last payment claims are introduced.
The final figure for decommitments for 2005 is therefore likely to come down as the last payment claims are introduced.
It is worth noting that this rule does not apply to the Cohesion Fund, the regulation for which does however contain a similar provision which takes account of the fact that this fund is used only to finance projects: any financial support granted for projects on which work has not commenced two years after the scheduled starting date must be cancelled.
It is worth noting that this rule does not apply to the Cohesion Fund, the regulation for which does however contain a similar provision which takes account of the fact that this fund is used only to finance projects: any financial support granted for projects on which work has not commenced two years after the scheduled starting date must be cancelled.
RAL 2005 (outstanding commitments/reste à liquider)
RAL 2005 (outstanding commitments/reste à liquider)
The total stock of RAL at the end of 2004 was €73,28 billion, which has, to date (Sept 05), risen to EUR 92,2 billion.
The total stock of RAL at the end of 2004 was €73,28 billion, which has, to date (Sept 05), risen to EUR 92,2 billion.
As a comparison, at the end of 2003 the figure was EUR 69,3 billion which then rose to some EUR 80 billion in September 2004.
As a comparison, at the end of 2003 the figure was EUR 69,3 billion which then rose to some EUR 80 billion in September 2004.
As the majority of payment claims will come towards the end of the year, the rapporteurs stress that an overall increase is therefore normal in the first part of the year and, essentially, corresponds to "normal" RAL as a consequence of the cycle of structural actions spending.
As the majority of payment claims will come towards the end of the year, the rapporteurs stress that an overall increase is therefore normal in the first part of the year and, essentially, corresponds to "normal" RAL as a consequence of the cycle of structural actions spending.
The rapporteurs nevertheless ask the Commission to comment on the current overall trend.
The rapporteurs nevertheless ask the Commission to comment on the current overall trend.
It could also be noted that, as late as the end of 2003, the RAL on the pre-2000 programmes still accounted for 15% of the total.
It could also be noted that, as late as the end of 2003, the RAL on the pre-2000 programmes still accounted for 15% of the total.
The outstanding commitments associated with 2000-2006 programmes increased by some €7 billion in 2004 (€8.3 billion in 2003).
The outstanding commitments associated with 2000-2006 programmes increased by some €7 billion in 2004 (€8.3 billion in 2003).
In relative terms though (the RAL in proportion to an average annual commitment tranche) the RAL was reduced, from 1.77 by the end of 2003 to 1.7 by the end of 2004.
In relative terms though (the RAL in proportion to an average annual commitment tranche) the RAL was reduced, from 1.77 by the end of 2003 to 1.7 by the end of 2004.
Your rapporteurs wish to underline the high implementation rates for the Structural Funds and the positive result of the implementation of the n+2 rule.
Your rapporteurs wish to underline the high implementation rates for the Structural Funds and the positive result of the implementation of the n+2 rule.
The implementation rates in 2005 are good and it was already clear, since some time back, that the Amending Budget to reinforce payments would be necessary.
The implementation rates in 2005 are good and it was already clear, since some time back, that the Amending Budget to reinforce payments would be necessary.
The rapporteurs naturally stress that this expected Amending Budget for the final payment needs in 2005 will also play an important role in assessing the needs for 2006.
The rapporteurs naturally stress that this expected Amending Budget for the final payment needs in 2005 will also play an important role in assessing the needs for 2006.
The budget should be based on real needs.
The budget should be based on real needs.
The rapporteurs can reasonably predict that higher payment appropriations will be necessary.
The rapporteurs can reasonably predict that higher payment appropriations will be necessary.
The rapporteurs finally note that the difference of over EUR 9 billion between the Commission's budget proposal and the Member States forecasts is too big to be justified.
The rapporteurs finally note that the difference of over EUR 9 billion between the Commission's budget proposal and the Member States forecasts is too big to be justified.
They therefore call for increasing the payment appropriations for the Structural Actions for the year 2006.
They therefore call for increasing the payment appropriations for the Structural Actions for the year 2006.
budget lines
budget lines
OBJECTIVE 1
OBJECTIVE 1
OBJECTIVE 2
OBJECTIVE 2
OBJECTIVE 3
OBJECTIVE 3
OTHER ACTIONS (outside obj.1)
OTHER ACTIONS (outside obj.1)
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
TOTAL STRUCTURAL FUNDS
TOTAL STRUCTURAL FUNDS
COHESION FUND
COHESION FUND
Grand total
Grand total
On External Actions
On External Actions
The EP is actually aware of a serious structural problem in heading 4 of the financial perspective- External Actions - where the ever increasing demands on the budget, added incrementally over the years, is a far way off from the levels envisaged at the time of adopting the financial ceilings back in 1999.
The EP is actually aware of a serious structural problem in heading 4 of the financial perspective- External Actions - where the ever increasing demands on the budget, added incrementally over the years, is a far way off from the levels envisaged at the time of adopting the financial ceilings back in 1999.
These problems have been accentuated in an extremely clear way by the Council's Draft Budget.
These problems have been accentuated in an extremely clear way by the Council's Draft Budget.
The rapporteur has also thought it useful to present a table (Annex 1) which gives an indication of the evolution in real terms of the External Actions.
The rapporteur has also thought it useful to present a table (Annex 1) which gives an indication of the evolution in real terms of the External Actions.
It can in fact be concluded that many programs have been eroded over time despite the fact that parts of this heading have been transferred to pre-accession strategy, heading 7.
It can in fact be concluded that many programs have been eroded over time despite the fact that parts of this heading have been transferred to pre-accession strategy, heading 7.
The EP delegation to the July conciliation made this abundantly clear and were acting on the back of support from the Parliament as whole, expressed in the APS report and the Mandate report.
The EP delegation to the July conciliation made this abundantly clear and were acting on the back of support from the Parliament as whole, expressed in the APS report and the Mandate report.
Paragraph 25 of the APS report of March 2005 and paragraph 12 of the mandate report of July 2005 read as follows:
Paragraph 25 of the APS report of March 2005 and paragraph 12 of the mandate report of July 2005 read as follows:
Stresses the current difficulty of reconciling the traditional priorities of the Union with a large number of new budget responsibilities, which have been taken over under Category IV in recent years (Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, tsunami and other natural disasters); reminds the Council that new tasks should not be financed to the detriment of Parliament's traditional priorities;
Stresses the current difficulty of reconciling the traditional priorities of the Union with a large number of new budget responsibilities, which have been taken over under Category IV in recent years (Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, tsunami and other natural disasters); reminds the Council that new tasks should not be financed to the detriment of Parliament's traditional priorities;
Highlights the major external assistance programmes which could not be foreseen at the time of adopting the current financial perspective, such as Afghanistan, Iraq and the recent proposal for a reconstruction programme after the tsunami; is concerned about the need to provides resources for new strategic partnerships and expects the Council to recognise the current difficulties and to clearly commit to agreeing the new priorities without jeopardising the traditional policies; notes worrying decreases both for some geographical and thematic programmes and believes that a re-balancing of budgetary amounts and new resources is necessary; stresses the importance of the European Neighbourhood Policy, including support for democratic change in neighbouring countries; regrets the reduction in particular of the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights, the only external programme which can be applied without host country consent; highlights, further, the need to increase the EU's role at international level in the field of the CFSP and ESDP and wishes to explore the needs in the established joint CFSP-meetings with the UK Presidency before taking a final decision;
Highlights the major external assistance programmes which could not be foreseen at the time of adopting the current financial perspective, such as Afghanistan, Iraq and the recent proposal for a reconstruction programme after the tsunami; is concerned about the need to provides resources for new strategic partnerships and expects the Council to recognise the current difficulties and to clearly commit to agreeing the new priorities without jeopardising the traditional policies; notes worrying decreases both for some geographical and thematic programmes and believes that a re-balancing of budgetary amounts and new resources is necessary; stresses the importance of the European Neighbourhood Policy, including support for democratic change in neighbouring countries; regrets the reduction in particular of the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights, the only external programme which can be applied without host country consent; highlights, further, the need to increase the EU's role at international level in the field of the CFSP and ESDP and wishes to explore the needs in the established joint CFSP-meetings with the UK Presidency before taking a final decision;
In this context, It is also useful to recall that the Commission's PDB suggested additional resources (over and above the financial ceiling) to the tune of EUR 123.5 million (flexibility instrument) to partially finance new tsunami reconstruction needs.
In this context, It is also useful to recall that the Commission's PDB suggested additional resources (over and above the financial ceiling) to the tune of EUR 123.5 million (flexibility instrument) to partially finance new tsunami reconstruction needs.
The PDB thus contained a negative margin of - 123.5 million.
The PDB thus contained a negative margin of - 123.5 million.
As the EU pledged amounts for the tsunami amount to EUR 350 million in total for two years and EUR 170 million is expected to be financed in 2005, an additional EUR 180 million was included in the Commission's PDB.
As the EU pledged amounts for the tsunami amount to EUR 350 million in total for two years and EUR 170 million is expected to be financed in 2005, an additional EUR 180 million was included in the Commission's PDB.
Since the request for flexibility is EUR 46.5 million less, this amount was found through internal cuts in other PDB lines.
Since the request for flexibility is EUR 46.5 million less, this amount was found through internal cuts in other PDB lines.
The EP thus considered the PDB as insufficient, not least because it contained reductions in some important traditional priorities that simply seemed unacceptable.
The EP thus considered the PDB as insufficient, not least because it contained reductions in some important traditional priorities that simply seemed unacceptable.
For example, this was the case for Human Rights line which was cut from EUR 105 million to EUR 77.5 million (- 27.5 million).
For example, this was the case for Human Rights line which was cut from EUR 105 million to EUR 77.5 million (- 27.5 million).
Other cuts already in the PDB included Latin America and Development cooperation policy (see Annex 2).
Other cuts already in the PDB included Latin America and Development cooperation policy (see Annex 2).
The rapporteur underlines that, of course, the financing for the tsunami reconstruction was and is not the only factor to be considered.
The rapporteur underlines that, of course, the financing for the tsunami reconstruction was and is not the only factor to be considered.
The point to remember is that programmes/lines that are increased, or maintained at a high level, such as also Iraq and Afghanistan, have a clear and direct impact on some other, less fortunate, areas.
The point to remember is that programmes/lines that are increased, or maintained at a high level, such as also Iraq and Afghanistan, have a clear and direct impact on some other, less fortunate, areas.
In the Council's DB, the rapporteur underlines that this structural problem has taken an "extreme" expression in that the Council has refused the use of any part of the flexibility instrument.
In the Council's DB, the rapporteur underlines that this structural problem has taken an "extreme" expression in that the Council has refused the use of any part of the flexibility instrument.
The resulting across-the-board speaks for themselves.
The resulting across-the-board speaks for themselves.
As if this wasn't enough, the Council has in fact reduced the PDB by an amount (EUR 165 million) which even creates an entirely artificial margin of EUR 41.7 million.
As if this wasn't enough, the Council has in fact reduced the PDB by an amount (EUR 165 million) which even creates an entirely artificial margin of EUR 41.7 million.
According to the Council, this (illusionary) space could be used to finance a new EUR 40 million proposal to support ACP sugar producers following the EU's reform measures in the sugar sector.
According to the Council, this (illusionary) space could be used to finance a new EUR 40 million proposal to support ACP sugar producers following the EU's reform measures in the sugar sector.
The rapporteur recalls paragraph 13 of the July mandate report in this context:
The rapporteur recalls paragraph 13 of the July mandate report in this context:
Stresses that Parliament, Council and Commission have agreed to back the UN Millennium Development Goals and will undertake to support those goals in the 2006 budget, including relevant targets for social infrastructure, basic health and education, and support for "Quick- Win-Actions"; regrets that there is currently no space under the ceiling to provide a true boost for these goals or to provide for possible support measures related to sugar reform;
Stresses that Parliament, Council and Commission have agreed to back the UN Millennium Development Goals and will undertake to support those goals in the 2006 budget, including relevant targets for social infrastructure, basic health and education, and support for "Quick- Win-Actions"; regrets that there is currently no space under the ceiling to provide a true boost for these goals or to provide for possible support measures related to sugar reform;
As far as Iraq reconstruction is concerned, the rapporteur notes an increasing trend in the Commission's proposals despite obvious difficulties to keep up implementation.
As far as Iraq reconstruction is concerned, the rapporteur notes an increasing trend in the Commission's proposals despite obvious difficulties to keep up implementation.
million EUR in commitments
million EUR in commitments
19 08 07
19 08 07
The € 160 million is provided for Iraq in 2004 was covered by a pledge (EC commitment at Madrid Conference to provide € 200 million for 2003 and 2004).
The € 160 million is provided for Iraq in 2004 was covered by a pledge (EC commitment at Madrid Conference to provide € 200 million for 2003 and 2004).
The amounts for subsequent years are not covered by an official pledge.
The amounts for subsequent years are not covered by an official pledge.
Out of the EUR 190 million in 2005, EUR 100 million was financed through the mobilisation of the flexibility instrument in heading 4.
Out of the EUR 190 million in 2005, EUR 100 million was financed through the mobilisation of the flexibility instrument in heading 4.
In a "monitoring group" on external actions with the rapporteurs from AFET and DEVE, a request was made to the Commission to provide implementation data from the international trust funds that manage the EC contribution.
In a "monitoring group" on external actions with the rapporteurs from AFET and DEVE, a request was made to the Commission to provide implementation data from the international trust funds that manage the EC contribution.
The reply from the Commission showed that the two trust funds - by March 2005 - had managed to implement 20% and 27 %, respectively, of an amount of some EUR 860 million committed not only coming.
The reply from the Commission showed that the two trust funds - by March 2005 - had managed to implement 20% and 27 %, respectively, of an amount of some EUR 860 million committed not only coming.
The rapporteur asks the Commission to update these figures.
The rapporteur asks the Commission to update these figures.
Rather than analysing technically in this document all the various cuts in programmes made by the Council, the rapporteur prefers to reiterate the political message that the Council's attitude is unacceptable in the field of external relations.
Rather than analysing technically in this document all the various cuts in programmes made by the Council, the rapporteur prefers to reiterate the political message that the Council's attitude is unacceptable in the field of external relations.
In order to respect Parliament's priorities, a first reading based on its proper evaluation should be followed.
In order to respect Parliament's priorities, a first reading based on its proper evaluation should be followed.
There is no chance that this necessary exercise can stay even close to the Council's proposal.
There is no chance that this necessary exercise can stay even close to the Council's proposal.
The Commission itself put forward a PDB requesting EUR 123 million in flexibility.
The Commission itself put forward a PDB requesting EUR 123 million in flexibility.
This PDB, as mentioned, did already include, for example, the significant reductions for Human Rights, reductions for Latin America, internal re-programming for Asia, less money for development NGOs, and other doubtful proposals.
This PDB, as mentioned, did already include, for example, the significant reductions for Human Rights, reductions for Latin America, internal re-programming for Asia, less money for development NGOs, and other doubtful proposals.
The fact that Council has wiped out the Commission's request for flexibility (which was considered too modest by EP in the first place) and the fact that Council has introduced EUR 40 million in an entirely new action for sugar measure at the expense of other programmes, all make clear that there is a serious funding shortfall in heading 4.
The fact that Council has wiped out the Commission's request for flexibility (which was considered too modest by EP in the first place) and the fact that Council has introduced EUR 40 million in an entirely new action for sugar measure at the expense of other programmes, all make clear that there is a serious funding shortfall in heading 4.
The rapporteur intends to put forward some tables with various possible options for Cobu members on different scenarios.
The rapporteur intends to put forward some tables with various possible options for Cobu members on different scenarios.
It currently seems that the funding gap to bridge is very substantial indeed and it cannot be excluded that the Council's attitude in the external actions field will be a crucial element as to whether the2006 budget will "make or break".
It currently seems that the funding gap to bridge is very substantial indeed and it cannot be excluded that the Council's attitude in the external actions field will be a crucial element as to whether the2006 budget will "make or break".
(AB 1 and 2 included)
(AB 1 and 2 included)
Council 1st reading
Council 1st reading
4 EXTERNAL ACTION
4 EXTERNAL ACTION
01 - Economic and Financial Affairs
01 - Economic and Financial Affairs
05 - Agriculture and Rural Development
05 - Agriculture and Rural Development
06 - Energy and Transport
06 - Energy and Transport
14 - Taxation and customs union
14 - Taxation and customs union
15 - Education and Culture
15 - Education and Culture
19 - External Relations, of which
19 - External Relations, of which
Multilateral relations and general external relations matters
Multilateral relations and general external relations matters
Common Foreign and Security Policy
Common Foreign and Security Policy
Human Rights and Democratisation
Human Rights and Democratisation
Relations with non-EU OCDE Countries
Relations with non-EU OCDE Countries
Relations with East Europe Caucasus and Centr.Asian Repub
Relations with East Europe Caucasus and Centr.Asian Repub
Relations with middle east and south Mediterranean
Relations with middle east and south Mediterranean
Relations with latin America
Relations with latin America
Relations with Asia
Relations with Asia
Policy strategy and coordination
Policy strategy and coordination
21 - Development and Relations with ACP countries, of which
21 - Development and Relations with ACP countries, of which
Develop.cooper. policy and sectorial strategies
Develop.cooper. policy and sectorial strategies
Relations with ACP, OCT and South Africa
Relations with ACP, OCT and South Africa
22 - Enlargement, of which
22 - Enlargement, of which
Relations with western Balkans
Relations with western Balkans
23 - Humanitarian Aid
23 - Humanitarian Aid
Total 4
Total 4
On pilot projects and preparatory actions
On pilot projects and preparatory actions