natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
The Commission will nevertheless consider how to take account of the Court’s remarks in drafting future reports. 
The Commission will nevertheless consider how to take account of the CourtŐs remarks in drafting future reports.
30.11.2004 CS Úřední věstník Evropské unie C 295/27 53. 
30.11.2004 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 295/27 53.
Phare provided assistance to the Sapard countries to set up structures able to implement the acquis, including implementing arrangements for Sapard. 
Phare provided assistance to the Sapard countries to set up structures able to implement the acquis, including implementing arrangements for Sapard.
Yet the main task of setting up implementation systems to transfer EU funds was up to the management of Sapard through the procedures of conferral of management, accreditation of measures etc. 
Yet the main task of setting up implementation systems to transfer EU funds was up to the management of Sapard through the procedures of conferral of management, accreditation of measures etc.
Expenditure available under EAGGF after accession made it essential that the Sapard countries gain experience in managing this type of measure. 
Expenditure available under EAGGF after accession made it essential that the Sapard countries gain experience in managing this type of measure.
The agri-environment measure was a facility for the Sapard countries to gain administrative experience through pilot actions, and was not one of the most important measures needed to restructure the agricultural sector and prepare for accession. 
The agri-environment measure was a facility for the Sapard countries to gain administrative experience through pilot actions, and was not one of the most important measures needed to restructure the agricultural sector and prepare for accession.
With the exception of Slovenia, which had already implemented an advanced national scheme, the complexity of the agri-environmental measures and their lack of experience meant that the Sapard countries were not able to present detailed agri-environmental measures at the same time as the rest of their programmes. 
With the exception of Slovenia, which had already implemented an advanced national scheme, the complexity of the agri-environmental measures and their lack of experience meant that the Sapard countries were not able to present detailed agri-environmental measures at the same time as the rest of their programmes.
In 2000 the Commission began to identify the main environmental key facts of each country and the relevant aspects available in each programme and to draft guidelines to support the Sapard countries. 
In 2000 the Commission began to identify the main environmental key facts of each country and the relevant aspects available in each programme and to draft guidelines to support the Sapard countries.
The guidance paper that emerged was the subject of a seminar in Brussels on 12 and 13 November 2001. 
The guidance paper that emerged was the subject of a seminar in Brussels on 12 and 13 November 2001.
The final formulation of this guidance paper was officially transmitted to all Sapard countries on 21 December 2001. 
The final formulation of this guidance paper was officially transmitted to all Sapard countries on 21 December 2001.
This allowed the approval of agri-environmental measures for six countries in 2002 and 2003, and conferral of management has been granted to the Czech Republic and Slovakia. 
This allowed the approval of agri-environmental measures for six countries in 2002 and 2003, and conferral of management has been granted to the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Even if the conferral of management has not been granted to the other countries, the experience they gained is important because the approved schemes are transposable to the post-accession rural development programmes. 
Even if the conferral of management has not been granted to the other countries, the experience they gained is important because the approved schemes are transposable to the post-accession rural development programmes.
In the particular case of agri-environment, the objective was limited to avoid financing large agri-environment schemes which could have exhausted the Sapard budget without reaching their main objectives. 
In the particular case of agri-environment, the objective was limited to avoid financing large agri-environment schemes which could have exhausted the Sapard budget without reaching their main objectives.
For this reason, the Commission decided that this measure could be only applied at pilot level with the purpose of developing experience in agri-environment implementation. 
For this reason, the Commission decided that this measure could be only applied at pilot level with the purpose of developing experience in agri-environment implementation.
Given the complexity of the measure, calculation of cost, income lost and premium, the Commission is of the opinion that the Sapard countries have gained valuable experience through the programming exercise and most countries are now in a good position to readily implement these measures under the new programmes. 
Given the complexity of the measure, calculation of cost, income lost and premium, the Commission is of the opinion that the Sapard countries have gained valuable experience through the programming exercise and most countries are now in a good position to readily implement these measures under the new programmes.
ASSESSMENT OF SYSTEMS SET UP IN SAPARD COUNTRIES 58. 
ASSESSMENT OF SYSTEMS SET UP IN SAPARD COUNTRIES 58.
The definitive delegation of management is not a priority for either the Commission or the candidate countries, as specified by Section A, Article 4(4) of the MAFA. 
The definitive delegation of management is not a priority for either the Commission or the candidate countries, as specified by Section A, Article 4(4) of the MAFA.
Prior approval of the systems by the Commission is required by Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 1266/99. 
Prior approval of the systems by the Commission is required by Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 1266/99.
The Commission has encouraged the Sapard countries to use the experience from the Sapard agency to set up their paying agency and welcomes the fact that they intend to do so. 
The Commission has encouraged the Sapard countries to use the experience from the Sapard agency to set up their paying agency and welcomes the fact that they intend to do so.
Up to 31 March 2004, the Commission examined 107 files in eight Sapard countries and visited 36 projects on the spot. 
Up to 31 March 2004, the Commission examined 107 files in eight Sapard countries and visited 36 projects on the spot.
In some cases the Commission has also identified that the documentation of checks needs to be improved and has made appropriate recommendations. 
In some cases the Commission has also identified that the documentation of checks needs to be improved and has made appropriate recommendations.
However, extensive evidence has been found of completed checklists and handwritten reports giving sufficient detail of the work performed. 
However, extensive evidence has been found of completed checklists and handwritten reports giving sufficient detail of the work performed.
These results indicate that the situation is improving since the Court’s audit. 
These results indicate that the situation is improving since the CourtŐs audit.
The conformity audits performed by the Commission services found several examples of comprehensive verification of the economic viability. 
The conformity audits performed by the Commission services found several examples of comprehensive verification of the economic viability.
The Commission considers that this is not a systematic problem for all Sapard countries, but will keep the matter under review. 
The Commission considers that this is not a systematic problem for all Sapard countries, but will keep the matter under review.
The knowledge and skills of senior managers and other key managers in both the Sapard Agency and the regional offices were thoroughly checked during a number of interviews before the delegation of management was conferred. 
The knowledge and skills of senior managers and other key managers in both the Sapard Agency and the regional offices were thoroughly checked during a number of interviews before the delegation of management was conferred.
This gave the Commission reasonable assurance as to the abilities of staff. 
This gave the Commission reasonable assurance as to the abilities of staff.
Following the Court’s comments in its 2001 Annual Report (see point 6.19), the Commission has further stepped up the documentation on these checks (principally curriculum vitae, job des-criptions, declarations of independence and impartiality). 
Following the CourtŐs comments in its 2001 Annual Report (see point 6.19), the Commission has further stepped up the documentation on these checks (principally curriculum vitae, job descriptions, declarations of independence and impartiality).
The quality of the staff in place has enabled the accredited systems to operate in a way which may generally be regarded as satisfactory. 
The quality of the staff in place has enabled the accredited systems to operate in a way which may generally be regarded as satisfactory.
According to the Lithuanian authorities, the results of each public competition are recorded in protocols, which are archived for three years. 
According to the Lithuanian authorities, the results of each public competition are recorded in protocols, which are archived for three years.
Nevertheless, for the Sapard countries the Commission will continue to follow up this issue. 
Nevertheless, for the Sapard countries the Commission will continue to follow up this issue.
70.-76. 
70.-76.
Checks on compliance with health and environmental standards, which are an integral part of the acquis communautaire, are the responsibility of the relevant national authorities. 
Checks on compliance with health and environmental standards, which are an integral part of the acquis communautaire, are the responsibility of the relevant national authorities.
The countries involved verify the respect of minimum standards as part of their national controls, which are carried out independently of whether or not Sapard aid has been received. 
The countries involved verify the respect of minimum standards as part of their national controls, which are carried out independently of whether or not Sapard aid has been received.
In Lithuania, an applicant presents with the payment claim documents from these authorities confirming that the project implemented complies with all Community standards. 
In Lithuania, an applicant presents with the payment claim documents from these authorities confirming that the project implemented complies with all Community standards.
C 295/28 CS Úřední věstník Evropské unie 30.11.2004 The Polish authorities have said that the investment supported by Sapard met all the relevant EU standards. 
C 295/28 EN Official Journal of the European Union 30.11.2004 The Polish authorities have said that the investment supported by Sapard met all the relevant EU standards.
However, the whole holding complied with only 74 % of the standards. 
However, the whole holding complied with only 74 % of the standards.
The Commission has also identified certain problems with the respect of minimum standards in the Sapard countries. 
The Commission has also identified certain problems with the respect of minimum standards in the Sapard countries.
They have made recommendations for improvements in systems and controls. 
They have made recommendations for improvements in systems and controls.
77.-79. 
77.-79.
In the Commission’s view, the term ‘normal commercial conditions’ is best evaluated at national level. 
In the CommissionŐs view, the term Ônormal commercial conditionsŐ is best evaluated at national level.
Although the Court may consider that higher interest rates could have been obtained in certain cases, it is primarily for the national authorities to decide upon the appropriate day-to-day arrangements. 
Although the Court may consider that higher interest rates could have been obtained in certain cases, it is primarily for the national authorities to decide upon the appropriate day-to-day arrangements.
For the acceding countries, it is sometimes more important to gain security for their deposits rather than the highest yield. 
For the acceding countries, it is sometimes more important to gain security for their deposits rather than the highest yield.
As a normal procedure in the clearance of accounts, and in cases like this which do not call into question the complete-ness, accuracy and veracity of the accounts, the follow up of the Commission’s recommendations by the certifying body as well as by the paying agency and the national fund are to be assessed the following year. 
As a normal procedure in the clearance of accounts, and in cases like this which do not call into question the completeness, accuracy and veracity of the accounts, the follow up of the CommissionŐs recommendations by the certifying body as well as by the paying agency and the national fund are to be assessed the following year.
This will be done as part of the 2003 Sapard clearance of accounts. 
This will be done as part of the 2003 Sapard clearance of accounts.
IMPLEMENTATION PROBLEMS IN SAPARD COUNTRIES 81. 
IMPLEMENTATION PROBLEMS IN SAPARD COUNTRIES 81.
According to information from the Sapard countries, at this stage a sufficient number of support applications has been received by the Sapard agencies (including measures with a maximum aid rate of 50 %) to commit in at least seven out of the eight acceding countries all available money for the 2000-2003 period at the date of transition to the post-accession regime. 
According to information from the Sapard countries, at this stage a sufficient number of support applications has been received by the Sapard agencies (including measures with a maximum aid rate of 50 %) to commit in at least seven out of the eight acceding countries all available money for the 2000-2003 period at the date of transition to the post-accession regime.
In Bulgaria the most recent information indicates that the full amount available during the whole 2000-2007 period of the programme under the measures concerning investments in agricultural holdings and in processing and marketing will soon have been committed. 
In Bulgaria the most recent information indicates that the full amount available during the whole 2000-2007 period of the programme under the measures concerning investments in agricultural holdings and in processing and marketing will soon have been committed.
The Commission advised the Sapard countries to also make interim payments on expenditure incurred, according to the progress of the project. 
The Commission advised the Sapard countries to also make interim payments on expenditure incurred, according to the progress of the project.
It has also encouraged the Sapard agencies to shorten the interval between expenditure claims being registered and aid being paid. 
It has also encouraged the Sapard agencies to shorten the interval between expenditure claims being registered and aid being paid.
83.-84. 
83.-84.
The mid-term evaluation reports of the programmes also confirm the analysis of the Court that, amongst other things, the lack of appropriations for part-financing may be one of the reasons for the initial slow absorption under the Sapard programmes. 
The mid-term evaluation reports of the programmes also confirm the analysis of the Court that, amongst other things, the lack of appropriations for part-financing may be one of the reasons for the initial slow absorption under the Sapard programmes.
Poland has at this stage informed the Commission that it will not accept any further applications, as the number of registered projects already exceeds the amounts available under the programme (see point 36). 
Poland has at this stage informed the Commission that it will not accept any further applications, as the number of registered projects already exceeds the amounts available under the programme (see point 36).
The Commission is aware of the problem highlighted and has discussed it with the international financing institutes and the applicant countries during the process of programming. 
The Commission is aware of the problem highlighted and has discussed it with the international financing institutes and the applicant countries during the process of programming.
The Commission, with the aid of Phare funds, is supporting a project to improve access to credit for SMEs in Sapard countries, which should help widen access to Sapard. 
The Commission, with the aid of Phare funds, is supporting a project to improve access to credit for SMEs in Sapard countries, which should help widen access to Sapard.
However, in its answer to point 2.41 of the Court’s 2002 Annual Report the Commission referred to the problem that, even when credit is available, some beneficiaries cannot or are reluctant to take out mortgages on property, and other matters of unclear title of ownership, in particular of land, also play a part. 85. 
However, in its answer to point 2.41 of the CourtŐs 2002 Annual Report the Commission referred to the problem that, even when credit is available, some beneficiaries cannot or are reluctant to take out mortgages on property, and other matters of unclear title of ownership, in particular of land, also play a part. 85.
In its reply to the notification of this scheme the Commission asked for further details to give an opinion on the respect of the competition rules. 
In its reply to the notification of this scheme the Commission asked for further details to give an opinion on the respect of the competition rules.
According to the Bulgarian authorities the Sapard agency recently decided not to implement the scheme due to the difficulty of calculating the exact amount of state aid included in this scheme. 
According to the Bulgarian authorities the Sapard agency recently decided not to implement the scheme due to the difficulty of calculating the exact amount of state aid included in this scheme.
Yet, based on the findings of the mid-term evaluation report, the Commission will urge Bulgaria to proceed with this scheme and to make it compatible with the Community competition rules. 
Yet, based on the findings of the mid-term evaluation report, the Commission will urge Bulgaria to proceed with this scheme and to make it compatible with the Community competition rules.
In order to facilitate the application of national credit schemes the Commission, in its recent proposal for a modification of Regulation (EC) No 1268/1999, included a provision that by ‘determi-ning the rate of public aid account shall not be taken of national aid of a nature to facilitate access to credits granted without the benefit of any Community contribution provided under the present instrument’. 
In order to facilitate the application of national credit schemes the Commission, in its recent proposal for a modification of Regulation (EC) No 1268/1999, included a provision that by Ôdetermin-ing the rate of public aid account shall not be taken of national aid of a nature to facilitate access to credits granted without the benefit of any Community contribution provided under the present instrumentŐ.
See also comments under point 82 concerning commitments in Bulgaria. 
See also comments under point 82 concerning commitments in Bulgaria.
The Commission encourages the Sapard countries to use such schemes as long as they respect Community competition rules and aid intensities provided for in the Sapard Regulation. 
The Commission encourages the Sapard countries to use such schemes as long as they respect Community competition rules and aid intensities provided for in the Sapard Regulation.
In the interests of sound financial management the Commission agreed with the Sapard countries in the framework of MAFA not to pay the invoices directly to contractors but to reimburse expenditure borne by the final beneficiaries. 
In the interests of sound financial management the Commission agreed with the Sapard countries in the framework of MAFA not to pay the invoices directly to contractors but to reimburse expenditure borne by the final beneficiaries.
Romania has been advised to pay in instalments and has now introduced this possibility. 
Romania has been advised to pay in instalments and has now introduced this possibility.
As soon as the Commission became aware of this problem it asked the Lithuanian authorities for more information. 
As soon as the Commission became aware of this problem it asked the Lithuanian authorities for more information.
According to the Lithuanian authorities, the Agency promptly collected confirmation documents (payment orders and bank sta-tements) from all the municipalities that received support from the Sapard Programme. 
According to the Lithuanian authorities, the Agency promptly collected confirmation documents (payment orders and bank statements) from all the municipalities that received support from the Sapard Programme.
The financial risk to the Community has thus been addressed. 
The financial risk to the Community has thus been addressed.
Lithuania has now changed its system to comply with MAFA. 
Lithuania has now changed its system to comply with MAFA.
The Commission regrets very much that this practice was not applied in all countries. 
The Commission regrets very much that this practice was not applied in all countries.
It strongly advised them on various occasions to use this facility but it is up to the Sapard countries to decide whether they wish to follow such advice. 
It strongly advised them on various occasions to use this facility but it is up to the Sapard countries to decide whether they wish to follow such advice.
The Commission will monitor the issue via the usual channels. 
The Commission will monitor the issue via the usual channels.
30.11.2004 CS Úřední věstník Evropské unie C 295/29 90. 
30.11.2004 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 295/29 90.
Whenever any of these problems became evident the Commission immediately provided the necessary advice and took appropriate steps to ensure that solutions were found. 
Whenever any of these problems became evident the Commission immediately provided the necessary advice and took appropriate steps to ensure that solutions were found.
The ongoing discussion of the mid-term evaluation reports provides a further opportunity to react to these problems. 
The ongoing discussion of the mid-term evaluation reports provides a further opportunity to react to these problems.
The Commission agrees that the period for providing missing documents must be long enough to cover the issue of new documents and the resubmission of documents with the necessary (supplementary) information. 
The Commission agrees that the period for providing missing documents must be long enough to cover the issue of new documents and the resubmission of documents with the necessary (supplementary) information.
It will be up to the Sapard countries to define the adequate time period. 
It will be up to the Sapard countries to define the adequate time period.
The conclusions of the mid-term evaluation could be useful in defining this period. 
The conclusions of the mid-term evaluation could be useful in defining this period.
93.-94. 
93.-94.
The Sapard countries generally experienced technical and procedural difficulties during the initial period of implementation resulting in delays in processing applications and payment claims. 
The Sapard countries generally experienced technical and procedural difficulties during the initial period of implementation resulting in delays in processing applications and payment claims.
Although there are still certain problems in some countries, overall the situation has improved substantially. 
Although there are still certain problems in some countries, overall the situation has improved substantially.
Under the system of decentralised management the Commission’s influence on the implementation procedures applied in the Sapard countries is limited. 
Under the system of decentralised management the CommissionŐs influence on the implementation procedures applied in the Sapard countries is limited.