title: The Phare Programme - Annual Report 1995

eurovoc_concepts:
Central and Eastern Europe
EU financing
EU programme
European integration
development policy

text: Phare European Commission: The Phare Programme Annual Report 1995 Brussels 23. 07. 1996 Com (96) 360 final The main priorities for Phare funding are common to all countries, and include restructuring of state enterprises including agriculture, private sector development, reform of legislation and public administration, reform oi' social services, employment, education and health, development of energy, transport and telecommuni cations infrastructure, and environment and nuclear safety. institutions, For countries that have signed Europe Agreements, Phare is the financial instrument of the European Union's pre- accession strategy which will lead them to full member ship. What is Phare? The Phare Programme is a European Community initiative which supports the development of a larger democratic family of nations within a prosperous and stable Europe. Its aim is to help the countries of central Europe rejoin the future mainstream of European development membership of the European Union. through Phare does this by providing grant finance to support its partner countries through the process of economic transfor mation and strengthening of democracy to the stage where they are ready to assume the obligations of membership of the European Union. In the first six years of operation to 1995, Phare has made available ECU 5,416. 9 million to eleven partner countries, making Phare the largest assistance programme of its kind. Phare works in close cooperation with its partner countries to decide how funds are to be spent, within a framework agreed by the European Community. This ensures that Phare funding to each government's own reform policies and priorities. is relevant Phare provides know-how from a wide range oi non commercial, public and private organisations to its partner countries. Phare acts as a powerful catalyst by unlocking funds for important projects from other donors through studies, capital grants, guarantee schemes and credit lines. It also invests directly in infrastructure, which will account for more Phare funds as the integration process progresses. Contents Commissioner's statement Phare 1995 financial overview Political developments in 1995 Phare in 1995 Operational management of Phare Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Estonia Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia 1990 - 1995 funds committed by country 1990 - 1995 funds committed by sector Phare funding by country Phare funding by sector Phare financial performance Major programmes launched in 1995 2 3 3 6 10 13 14 16 18 19 20 21 23 25 27 29 30 32 34 40 44 47 Commissioner's statement Over the last year the Phare Programme has greatly increased its role as a provider of grant finance and know- how to the countries of central Europe. As political relations between those countries and the European Union have progressed, Phare has embraced a new purpose. In 1995, therefore, Phare began to function as the financial instrument of the European Union's pre-accession strategy. Unveiled at the European Council in Essen, December 1994, the pre-accession strategy is the means whereby the central European countries can progress towards full membership of the European Union. It is designed to help them bridge the gap between their political and economic systems and those of the European Union. In 1995, the European Commission published its White Paper on the preparation of the partner countries for integration into the internal market. Phare is supporting the implementation of the White Paper, which guides the partner countries in their efforts to harmonise their legislation with that of the European Community. At the same time, 1995 was a year in which Phare focused on to sectors whose development integration, such as infrastructure investment and cross- border cooperation. is closely linked Phare's role in the pre-accession strategy is also reflected in the new programming cycle. National and cross-border programmes are now mapped out over a multi-annual period. This means that Phare operates in the framework of medium-term objectives, and can respond more flexibly to the needs of the partner countries. As shown in this Report, Phare has also made its operational procedures. This has been possible because of the dedication and commitment of the Commission staff who work on Phare. improvements in the objective The Dayton peace agreement reached in December required the help of the international community. In the same month, the European Commission and the World Bank organised the first meeting of donors for Bosnia- Herzegovina, with identifying reconstruction needs and mobilising donor assistance. A programme was prepared and, on the basis of a multi lateral plan, the first phase of the Phare Essential Aid Programme (worth ECU 62. 5 million) was launched in January 1996. Above all, this programme illustrates the concrete support given by the European Union to the peace process which will eventually bring Bosnia- Herzegovina into the scope of Phare funding. of As a new millennium approaches, the enlargement of the European Union is an ambitious project which requires the support of both the Union and the central European countries preparing to join. Phare is at the heart of that project. As the European Commissioner responsible for the Programme in 1995 and who will take the Programme forward in 1996,1 commend this Annual Report to you. Hans van den Broek Member of the European Commission Phare 1995 financial overview In 1995, the Phare Programme committed a total of ECU 1,154. 7 million to its partner countries. This is an increase of 19 per cent on 1994 (ECU 973 million), and represents a commitment rate of 99. 4 per cent. Total commitments over the life of the Programme (1990 to 1995) now equal ECU 5,416. 9 million. During 1995, Phare contracted funds totalling ECU 1,142. 9 million. This represents an increase on 1994's total contracts (ECU 665 million) of 72 per cent and is a significant achievement for the Programme. Phare also paid ECU 762. 4 million in 1995 which was an increase of 5 per cent. In total, therefore, 62. 3 per cent of all Phare funds committed have been contracted, and of the contracted funds 85. 9 per cent have been paid. The following chart shows the breakdown of Phare funds committed year on year, 1990 - 1995. 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 It should be noted that the 1995 Phare Annual Report contains figures from all five budget lines managed within the framework of the Phare Programme. Owing to reporting software limitations, figures contained in the 1994 Phare Annual Report only included two budget lines. This therefore accounts for the small discrepancy in the historical figures between the 1994 and the 1995 Phare Annual Reports. Political developments in 1995 the European Community and Phare is at the heart of the political and economic relations the partner between countries of central Europe. Those countries are now preparing for full membership of the European Union. The pre-accession strategy, adopted at the Essen Council in December 1994, provides the framework for their preparations. Phare is the financial instrument of that strategy. Pre-accession strategy The pre-accession strategy is the path which leads the central European countries with Europe Agreements towards full membership of the European Union. It is designed to help the partner countries bridge the gap between their political, economic and legal systems and those of the European Community. The strategy for accession was adopted at the Essen Council in December 1994. This represented a clear turning point in the relationship between the European Union and its partner countries. The strategy has three main elements: the Europe Agreements, the structured dialogue, and the Phare Programme. Europe Agreements The Europe Agreements are the framework for bilateral relations between the European Communities and their Member States on the one hand, and the partner countries on the other. Developed by the European Community in 1990 and then signed with individual countries over the following years, the Europe Agreements cover trade related issues, political, economic and cultural cooperation and list Phare and the European Investment Bank as providers of financial assistance. They are based on shared understandings and values, and prepare the way for progressive convergence in a wide range of areas. Given that accession to the European Union is now the explicit goal of the partner countries, the Europe Agreements have become the framework within which these countries prepare for membership. Country Bulgaria Czech Republic Estonia Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia Europe Agreement signed Europe Agreement came into force Official application for EU membership March 1993 October 1993 June 1995 February 1995 February 1995 December 1991 February 1994 June 1995 June 1995 December 1991 February 1993 October 1993 June 1996 February 1994 February 1995 February 1995 December 1995 January 1996 November 1995 March 1994 October 1995 December 1995 April 1994 June 1995 June 1995 June 1996 The Europe Agreements acquired greater political significance following the European Council summit in Copenhagen in 1993. There, the European Council explicitly agreed that "the associated countries in central and eastern Europe that so desire shall become members of the European Union. Accession will take place as soon as an associated country is able to assume the obligations of membership by satisfying the economic and political conditions required". Under the Agreements, the partner countries commit themselves to approximating their legislation, particularly in the areas relevant to the internal market, to that of the European Community. One of the key elements of the Europe Agreements is the Association Councils. These are a series of bilateral meetings between the European Communities, their Member States and each of the partner countries. During 1995, these Association Councils have concentrated on the implementation of the pre-accession strategy and regional cooperation. The Association Councils are complemented by Association Committees, which review all areas under the Europe Agreements, and Joint Parliamentary Committees. the Structured dialogue The second instrument of the pre-accession strategy is the 'structured dialogue'. Dialogue has always been a cornerstone of the European Community's cooperation with the central European countries. As they emerged from decades of isolation from the rest of Europe, it played an essential part in bringing about an improved understanding of their requirements and interests. The Copenhagen European Council in June 1993 agreed on a multilateral framework of regular meetings at ministerial level between the Union and the partner countries. This framework was endorsed at Essen, where the specific arrangements of the structured dialogue were set out. The structured dialogue fulfils an essential role in preparing the partner countries for membership of the Union, enabling discussion of issues of common concern, in areas where solutions require action at European level. The areas of policy range from cultural cooperation to the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). The discussion of issues of common concern also allows prospective members to become more involved in the European Union's activities before accession negotiations begin and more familiar with the institutions of the European Union and how they function. As a result, the structured dialogue close working enhances relationship essential to the European integration process. the The heads of government of the partner countries were invited to the European Councils at Cannes and Madrid. Ministers also met to discuss a wide range of issues with a trans-European angle, such as telecommunications, transport, environment and scientific research, as well as other matters related to the European Community's internal market. In the field of justice and home affairs, cooperation has focused on the fight against organised crime. A new focus for Phare Developed initially as an immediate response to the challenges facing the central European countries, the Phare Programme is now also the financial instrument of the pre-accession strategy. The pre-accession strategy, as outlined at the Essen Council, states that "integration will be supported by the European Union's Phare Programme which will develop on an indicative basis into a medium-term financial to promote instrument with intra-regional infrastructure cooperation". improved possibilities development and to its funds In concrete terms, this means that Phare is devoting a the co-financing of greater share of infrastructure development projects and to promoting cross-border cooperation. Phare introducing measures to promote cooperation between the partner countries and to place a greater emphasis on investment support. is also To prepare the partner countries for participation in the internal market, it was decided to support their efforts to harmonise their legislation, standards and norms with those existing within the European Community. This will involve the provision of significant support for the system of public administration to ensure that the necessary legislation can be implemented effectively. In its progress report on the pre-accession strategy which it submitted to the European Council in December 1995, the European Commission stated that further emphasis still needed to be placed on support for investment and infrastructure. It also stated that Phare would also be supporting a number of projects in the area of justice and home affairs. to increase the efficiency of In order the Phare Programme, the European Commission coordinates its assistance activities with the other donors supporting the central European countries, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) or the World Bank. Emphasis is given to particular sectors in order to heighten the impact of assistance. The Cannes European Council The European Commission, in accordance with the conclusions of the Essen summit, presented its White Paper on the preparation of the partner countries for integration into the internal market of the European Community. The Cannes European Council concluded that "the preparation of the associated countries for integration into the internal market is, as was affirmed by the Essen European Council, the main element of the strategy of preparation for accession. " to an increase The Council also agreed the Programme's financial envelope until 1999. The Phare budget will rise from ECU 1,154 million in 1995 to ECU 1,634 million in 1999, a total of ECU 6,693 million over the period, thereby reinforcing the commitment of the European Union to accession. in Before the publication of the White Paper, the partner countries had already begun approximating legislation and moving towards the economic freedoms on which the internal market is founded. However, with the prospect of full membership of the European Union moving closer, it was decided to produce a document which sets out the body of essential internal market legislation. for funding is already being used Phare the implementation of the White Paper. Above all, this is a technical manual which forms a key element of the pre- accession strategy. As it guides the partner countries through the legislation, structures and broad economic conditions essential to the functioning of the internal market, the White Paper's purpose is to clarify the task of approximating national laws to those of the European Union. For each of the twenty-three sectors of internal market legislation, the White Paper proposes a logical sequence in which to tackle the approximation exercise. While it is considered vital to lay down priorities for action, it is the countries themselves who identify those areas where the greatest impact will be achieved. The White Paper marks the beginning of a process in which the partner countries play the leading role. The task of enacting, implementing and enforcing the necessary laws can be carried out only by the partner countries themselves. Support will be provided by the European Union and its Member States, but it is important that this is coordinated so that the provision of assistance is both efficient and effective. and legislation the necessary It is for this reason that the White Paper recommended that the Commission sets up and manages a Technical Assistance Information Exchange Office. This is being supported by the Phare multi-country programme and will be the focal point for the provision of advice and expertise on implementation structures. It will house an internal market database through which all interested parties will have access to information concerning the support available under Phare and other European Union programmes. It will also serve as a clearing house, matching requests for support from the partner countries with specialists and programmes available at national and European levels. In this way, the Office will direct support provided by Phare and by the various other public and private sector sources, towards the needs of the partner countries. countries. The Commission also presented reports on the progress made in the pre-accession strategy, and on the impact of enlargement on the European Union's policies. The Madrid Council announced the European Union's intergovernmental conference (IGC) would begin in March 1996. While the conference will have no direct impact on the Phare Programme, it will shape the European Union's institutions for the next century. that In the course of 1995, the following countries made official applications for full membership of the European Union: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovakia. Poland and Hungary applied in 1994. The Czech Republic decided to wait until the beginning of 1996, while Slovenia submitted its application in June 1996. Madrid Council and enlargement In December 1995, at the Madrid summit, the European Commission submitted its study on alternative strategies for the development of relations in the field of agriculture the partner between the European Community and The Madrid Council "hopes that the preliminary stage of negotiations will coincide with the start of negotiations with Cyprus and Malta". These should begin six months after the conclusion of the IGC, which is due to finish in mid-1997. Phare in 1995 1995 was a year of both continuity and change for the Phare Programme. In many areas, the Programme continued the work started in 1994. This meant that infrastructure projects continued to be of great importance, the gained momentum, and Phare continued to provide know-how and grant finance to its partner countries. cross-border cooperation programme In other areas, however, Phare made some fundamental changes. The new role as the financial instrument of the pre-accession strategy, and this its represented, meant organisational structure, while continuing to improve its programming process, create a new monitoring structure and enhance its financial management. that to modify that Phare had the challenge The following sections outline both the changes which Phare made in 1995 and the areas in which it continued to concentrate its efforts. Concentration on infrastructure investment In 1995, Phare continued to concentrate on infrastructure projects and intensified the work begun in 1994. The Essen European Council in December 1994 recognised the increasing importance of Phare's work in this area by increasing the limit of Phare spending allowed on infrastructure to 25 per cent from a previous level of 15 per cent. This increased the Programme's ability to play a complementary role to its traditional provision of know- how by providing targeted grant funds in key areas. In practice, this means that Phare has been able to unblock projects which may otherwise have stalled, by providing a International Financial financing the Institutions or private governments of the partner countries. Phare's investment in infrastructure is subject to a number of ground rules. investors between bridge sector and The most important of these are that • the project must be a stated priority for the partner country. This is in line with the spirit of the pre- accession strategy which places the responsibility for determining the priorities along the road to accession with the partner countries themselves. The partner country is therefore required to contribute counterpart funds itself to the project. Environmental projects have also been identified which tackle regional 'hot spots' in air and water pollution, especially where there is a cross-border impact. Other areas include projects of nature conservation such as coastal zone and wetlands management, environmental projects which have immediate health benefits such as the clean-up of rural water supplies or industrial and military sites, and the introduction of cleaner technologies. • Phare's contribution must bring a clear additional benefit to the project which would not otherwise be present. This might include, amongst others, unblocking a high priority project which cannot go ahead because a country is unwilling to support a project where the costs are concentrated in its own areas but the benefits span several countries; or where Phare's money would attract additional commercial finance through the multiplier effect. In the field of energy, infrastructure projects which have received Phare investment include the environmental and safety upgrading of power plants, projects aimed at increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy, and local projects with clear environmental benefits. Finally, Phare has helped to fund the development of rural telephony pilot projects - a significant step towards creating the communications infrastructure vital in today's global business environment. • Phare's contribution must complement and not compete with the normal actors in this area, such as the partner country governments, private operators, commercial lenders and the International Financial Institutions. Cross-border cooperation The Phare cross-border programme, established in 1994 at the initiative of the European Parliament, continued to play an essential part in the pre-accession strategy. the project must be supported by an overall strategy which is in line with European Union standards. and private telecommunications Phare's infrastructure investment in 1995 has continued to concentrate on the areas of transport, the environment, energy, sector development. In particular it has been focused on two broad but critical areas. The first of these are trans- European networks, recognised as a priority sector in the 1992 Maastricht Treaty and still an integral requirement of an effective internal market. This caused a number of infrastructure improvements to be identified in 1995, including roads and railways linking Berlin and Warsaw; Dresden and Prague; Nuremberg and Prague; Trieste, Ljubljana and Budapest; a telematic platform in the Baltic Sea and a Baltic ring electricity network. The second area concerns projects which assist the countries of central Europe in the transition from a centrally-planned economy to a market economy. In the area of transport, this has included the restructuring and modernisation of both road and rail networks, the elimination of border crossing bottlenecks, and the development of traffic management systems. Whereas in 1994 efforts focused on the creation or adaptation of the necessary institutional framework for the and communication, programming, monitoring of the programme, 1995 saw a number of concrete steps being taken. implementation Phare worked closely with Directorate General for Regional Policies, which manages INTERREG, in order to ensure coherence with regional cooperation aims and practices. Commission Regulation N° 1628/94 on cross- border cooperation between the Member States and the central European countries in the framework of the Phare Programme, provides the rules for financing actions of a structural nature in border regions of central European countries sharing a common border with Member States, in harmony with the European Union structural policies, and with INTERREG II in particular. Joint Programming and Monitoring Committees composed of the appropriate authorities from both sides play the principal role in the planning and assuring overall coordination implementation stages, and in monitoring the programmes selected. in have focused Although the bulk of the Phare cross-border cooperation projects the development of on infrastructure, transport, telecommunications and energy, the new approach adopted for 1995-1999 will include more "soft" actions such as tourism, human resources and culture. This has been underpinned by the setting up of a Small Project Fund Facility. In 1994, the central European countries eligible for participation were Albania, Bulgaria, the Baltic states, the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovenia. In 1995, Hungary and Slovakia were added to the list (owing to Austria's accession to the European Union) as well as new border regions in the Czech Republic and Slovenia. The eligible border regions were determined by the partner countries the European collaboration with themselves Commission to ensure coherence with INTERREG. in in order In 1995 the Phare Management Committee gave a favourable opinion on cross-border projects for Albania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. These projects transport, environment, agriculture, mainly concerned human resources and economic development and a budget of ECU 169 million was agreed. from funding regarding cooperation programmes the Sectoral environment and interregional cooperation were also given a favourable opinion. This type of programme involves International Financial an Institution and/or a European Union Member State. Phare provides for the necessary support during the project appraisal and preparation period as well as its implementation. A wide range of measures is eligible, such as the abatement of air pollution, waste water management and minimising the environmental effects of transport projects. As for the interregional cooperation programme, already built upon the ECOS and Ouverture instruments of the European Union, it is the first time funding has been provided for cities and regions in all Phare partner countries and those of the European Union. Over 100 interregional cooperation projects are being funded. to Looking to the future, as the countries of central Europe the Phare cross-border come closer infrastructure cooperation programme will shift from project implementation and evaluation, towards increased training, administration and development of socio integration, economic structures. This will allow the programme to respond better to the needs of the integration process. Opening of Community programmes In 1993, at the Copenhagen Summit, heads of the Member States took the political decision to offer to the associated central European countries the possiblity of participating in Community programmes. On 4 December 1995, the Commission and the Council, in agreement with the European Parliament, concluded Additional Protocols to the Europe Agreements with Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Romania legal to provide framework for their participation in these programmes. An Additional Protocol was also signed with Slovakia, pending the European Parliament's agreement. The additional protocols for the Baltic states are integrated into the Europe Agreements with each country. the necessary in order legislation for Europe This will allow the partner countries to participate in the Socrates, Leonardo, and Youth III programmes. It will also allow those countries whose is compatible with European audiovisual Community law to participate in the Media II programme. Other programmes covering the fields of culture, environment, health, energy and the internal market will have to be adapted in order to take into account future participation by the central European countries. Corine (satellite mapping), LIFE (environment), SAVE II (energy efficiency) (energy cooperation) are examples of programmes which have been designed for, or extended to, the central European countries. and Synergy In 1995, a budget of ECU 9. 9 million was committed for the preparation of the associated countries' participation through information sessions, visits and training for national administrators, the transmission of the necessary documentation, and establishment of the appropriate national structures or information offices for the purposes of acquiring a better understanding of these programmes. Specific programmes under the Fourth Framework Programme for Research and Development have also been opened under certain conditions to the partner countries. Coordination with other donors to increase the efficiency of European In order Community assistance, and particularly that of the Phare Programme, the European Commission coordinates its assistance activities with the other donors supporting the central European countries. Since the G7 summit of heads of state and government held in Paris in July 1989, the Commission has the official task of coordinating the activities of all those donors. In this capacity, and given the importance of Phare, the Commission works closely with the G-24 countries, as well as the International Financial Institutions such as the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Phare and the OECD have collaborated, for example, on the SIGMA programme (Support for Improvement in Governance and Management in central and eastern Europe). SIGMA provides support to the partner countries to develop coherent reform strategies and efficient public institutions. An example of Phare/EBRD co-financing is the environment project preparation facility, a horizontal programme launched at the end of 1995 which facilitates the implementation of critical environmental projects in the central European countries. In March 1995, at the High Level meeting, the G-24 donors together analysed the reforms undertaken during the first five years of transition in central Europe. The general conclusion was that this transition is irreversible. The donor organisations committed to continuing active support for the integration of the central European countries international economic the community. Moreover, their assistance will be designed to fit into and enhance the pre-accession strategy. themselves into in mind, these objectives With the European Commission's coordination work will be strengthened on the ground, in the partner countries, with emphasis being given to distinct sectors in order to heighten impact. The organisations will work together at programme and project level. In 1995, the profile of foreign-aid coordination was raised in the public eye. The peace agreement reached by the republics of the former Yugoslavia requires the support of the international community. In December 1995, the European Commission and the World Bank organised the first meeting of donors for Bosnia-Herzegovina. The key objectives were to identify the needs of the country in its task of reconstruction, and to mobilise the donors' assistance. Above all, this illustrates the concrete support given by the European Union to the peace process, and its role as the world community's aid coordinator for central Europe. Phare and former Yugoslavia 1995 marked the year in which reconstruction of the former Yugoslavia began. The financing plan approved by the European Commission for support to the peace process allocated ECU 600 million, to be spent over the period 1996-99. Likewise, in the light of the Dayton peace agreement, reached in December 1995, it was of utmost importance that the short and medium-term reconstruction of Bosnia- Herzegovina start as quickly as possible. A number of international institutions, notably the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the European Community prepared a programme for that purpose. The first phase of the Phare Essential Aid Programme was elaborated on the basis of the multilateral plan, and a first tranche of aid worth ECU 62. 5 million was due to be launched immediately in January 1996. The Court of Auditors In November 1995, the Court of Auditors delivered its report on the financial and operational performance of the European Commission during 1994. The Court recognised that the efforts made by Phare management had led to a number of improvements in the Programme. The Court did, however, highlight scope for further improvement, in particular better use of the PHACSY financial reporting system; greater rigour in the tendering process; and a more operational use of the results of studies conducted using Phare funds, especially to encourage real investments. As outlined in the section below, both the financial management systems and the operational procedures for Phare were already being reviewed during the course of 1995 and improved. A new monitoring unit was also established. Operational management of Phare Since its inception Phare has sought to involve its partner countries as much as possible in the strategic and operational activities of the Programme. It has, therefore, adapted its structure over time to accommodate the changing needs of its partners, to increase cooperation and coordination between the Commission and the countries, and to heighten the impact of the programmes carried out within the Phare framework. This process of operational improvement continued in 1995. The internal structure of the Directorate and the management of the Programme were changed so as to forge closer links between work on Phare, the Europe Agreements and the pre-accession strategy. Management processes were improved. The financial and management reporting systems were overhauled, and the number of standardised and regular independent audits increased. A stand-alone monitoring and assessment unit the was created with operational quality of Phare programmes and ensuring a more cost-effective use of funds. This will support the process of decentralisation which in importance as the pre-accession strategy runs its course. intention of improving increasing the is Finally, the emphasis on increasing openness in the Phare Programme was maintained targeted communications programme to other European Union institutions, European Union Member States - notably the public services and commercial sectors - and partner countries. through a responsibility for all aspects of relations with the central European countries. This was designed to focus on all aspects of each country's pre-accession needs at the same time as improving the performance of the Programme by enabling a faster, co-ordinated response to country issues, and operational synergy between the Delegations in the partner countries and staff in Brussels. Many Phare programmes do, however, involve several partner countries. So as not to lose the overview necessary to manage these, separate horizontal and sectoral units were created with responsibility for policy coordination and the management of multicountry and horizontal programmes. These ensure that cooperation between countries that opportunities for is maintained and synergies are identified and implemented. The Directorate began to work on this new geographical basis from June 1995 onwards so as not to lose the momentum created by the Essen and Cannes Councils and the launch of the pre-accession strategy. Phare also launched an initiative to address the issue of staff, both at Headquarters in Brussels and in the Delegations. Studies are underway to identify those tasks which are core to managing the Phare Programme, which fall within the executive competence of Commission service, and which will therefore need to be carried out by Commission staff. Other tasks identified as non-core can then be contracted out, thereby using existing staff in the most efficient way. Operational structure A new programming approach The Directorate which manages the Phare Programme within Directorate General IA (Europe and the New Independent States, Common Foreign and Security Policy and External Missions) was reorganised in 1995. Up until this point, the Phare service had been organised largely on a sector basis, with staff divided into sectoral units such as agriculture or infrastructure. It became clear, however, that an integrated geographical structure was needed to reflect the needs of the pre-accession strategy and the structured relationship and financial cooperation which were critical to its success. the Europe Agreements, and Therefore, in July 1995, the Commission reorganised the Directorate responsible for Phare on a country by country basis. Three geographical units were created, with 1995 saw the streamlining and improvement of the Phare programming approach. The Essen and Cannes Councils had provided a clearer definition of common objectives and the opportunity therefore to target funds more effectively. They had also provided Phare with a multi- annual financial horizon with the intention that the Programme be allied more closely with the medium term strategic ambitions of the partner countries. This resulted in new, multi-annual indicative programmes being prepared in 1995 for four countries (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia), with multi- annual indicative programmes planned for the other Phare countries by the middle of 1996. These are prepared in partnership with the countries concerned and cover the period up until and including 1999. They lay out for each of the countries its objectives, priority sectors, activities 10 to each and timeframes, including an indication of funds to be allocated indicative programmes were produced for eleven cross-border programmes, covering all partner countries except Romania. sector. Multi-annual This new approach has benefits for both the partner countries and the partner the Member States. For countries, it brings accession into a sharper focus, provides a series of concrete objectives, and allows them to build the Phare Programme into their medium term restructuring programmes and strategies for accession. For the Member States, it gives them an opportunity to make a strategic contribution and longer, more comprehensive view of each country's Phare priorities. take a to Whilst the multi-annual indicative programmes have given Phare a medium-term perspective, it should be remembered that the implementation of the programmes remains subject to an annual budgetary procedure. This means that the allocation of funds which appears in the multi-annual programme is purely indicative and therefore only a statement of intent. Each year, the Commission allocates the appropriate funds to each country based on a country operational programme which includes all the programme components in one document. This is based on the multi-annual indicative programme, but need not faithfully reproduce it. This allows an additional flexibility to both the country and Phare, should circumstances or priorities change. Nevertheless, the introduction of multi-annual indicative programmes has eased the pressure caused by the annual programming round, has cut down the time lag between commitment, contracting and payment, and significantly simplified the programming process. Changes in implementation is Implementation the most critical area of Phare programmes. The ability to manage the individual projects on the ground determines the degree of their impact and thus the effectiveness of the use of public money. thus Certain limits are set by the Council's financial regulation, attributing full responsibility for the use of funds to the Commission, to which responsibility can be delegated to the partner countries. Nevertheless, 1995 saw continued attempts to reconcile this potential conflict and to arrive at an implementation process which was both effective and stringent. the extent limiting towards in 1995 Further progress was made the decentralisation of the implementation process. This was started in 1994 with the publication of the Decentralised Implementation System manuals, a response to the need for a common operating system across the whole Programme and an attempt to reconcile the management skills and habits of partner administrations with respect for the Phare Regulation. During 1995, further work was done, in conjunction with the partner countries, on improving the Decentralised Implementation System. This concentrated on. simplifying the programming approach, with special attempts to reduce the overall workload by establishing a closer link between the documents needed for both programming and implementation. This will reduce duplication of effort. • transferring implementation responsibility at the two most important levels - firstly, from the Commission to the partner country, and secondly, from Phare staff in Brussels the country delegations. In practice this will mean a gradual transfer from ex ante approval to ex post monitoring and assessment, without the overall supervisory responsibility of the Commission. to Commission sacrificing staff in • clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of the main implementation players, particularly the Brussels headquarters and the Delegations. This has involved agreeing job descriptions which again will reduce duplication of effort, allow more efficient use to be made of the resources available and increase the levels of understanding between the teams. Work was also done in 1995 on making the Decentralised Implementation System manuals themselves more accessible and user friendly. These will be reissued, covering all the new procedures, in 1996 and be backed up the by additional Programme Management Units. the Delegations and training for Financial management The complexity and range of the Phare Programme, combined with the Commission's responsibilities for supervision, require a sophisticated financial management system. Launched in 1994, the PHACSY system was designed to gather all programming information directly from the Programme Management Units, and to use this as a monitoring tool. PHACSY was refined in early 1995 and reissued in a new, more user-friendly format. the Prior to this it was merged with Desiree, the main Phare information database, which was in turn fully integrated with SINCOM, the financial management system of the entire Commission. This has made financial management process for Phare more streamlined and accurate, has reduced duplication and wasted effort, and has extended the reach of the system among PMUs. By the end of 1995, about 95% of all available management information from PMUs was contained in PHACSY and efforts will be made in 1996 to obtain the remaining information. This has been supported by the increased number of independent financial audits in 1995 which will continue into 1996. Monitoring and assessment Crucial to the process of ensuring greater decentralisation while maintaining the Commission's responsibilities is the creation of an effective monitoring and assessment system. When the Directorate responsible for Phare was restructured in 1995, a new unit was created with specific responsibility for monitoring and assessment. The unit is responsible for the implementation of a monitoring and assessment system which will be independent, credible and based on the principle of common ownership and involvement of the partner countries. In doing so, it was asked to move to a standard system which could be widely applied across all Phare projects. In 1995, the foundations were put in place for the new monitoring and assessment system. A regional structure was created, with three regional offices staffed with independent consultants from the European Union and local experts. It is planned that these offices will become fully operational in the first half of 1996 and that over four hundred projects will be both monitored and assessed each year. The process developed is primarily an operational tool for all those involved in the Phare Programme. By providing a regular assessment of the status and progress of Phare projects, the new unit will be able to identify and share best practice across all the partner countries, pinpoint poorly performing projects and suggest remedial action, and provide rapid feedback to those designing future programmes. As the monitoring and assessment system 12 to dovetail with regular has been designed programming process, information will allow the programmes to be adapted more closely to the needs of the partner countries. the Communications Since 1993, Phare has actively responded to increasing interest shown by European Community institutions and advisory bodies, Member States and partner countries in the Programme. 3. 2 million 1995, Phare In on spent ECU communications. It published 67 separate titles in 18 languages and distributed over 800,000 copies in 26 countries. The Information Unit responded to over 60,000 telephone enquiries, letters and faxes, and about 5,000 personal visits. Information Unit staff also made over 100 speeches and presentations on the Phare Programme to conferences and workshops, mainly in the Member States. to identify and to satisfy people's In 1995, the research programme was continued in find appropriate partner countries mechanisms information needs. Delegation information programmes became much more focused on communicating with decision-makers and opinion-formers about pre-accession and what it may mean to join the European Union. These programmes include local-language publications, media relations, the development and implementation of contact programmes, and the creation of local communications databases. The bimonthly "European Dialogue" magazine was launched and, by the beginning of 1996, was being mailed in six centra] European languages to 20,000 decision-makers and opinion-formers in the region. Specific communi cations programmes were the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. Television documentaries about the European Union began appearing increasingly in the partner countries to give more information about the Union to the general public as well. launched in Contracts were also drawn up during 1995 to launch a Phare 'on-line' information service on the Internet. This will provide contract information, access to the Phare address book, and other general information on Phare. It will also give people an opportunity to communicate easily with Phare through an e-mail facility. This will be a further communication programme, will lead to greater speed of access to information, and will make the communications process more efficient and cost effective. for Phare's forward step Albania The Albanian economy has begun to recover from the collapse of an economic system whose closed and centrally-planned structure was more pronounced than that of other former communist countries. In 1995, it achieved one of the highest growth rates (11. 3 per cent) of all the central European countries. Inflation fell to 6. 0 per cent, a result of a disciplined monetary policy, and unemployment also dropped to 14 per cent. The privatisation process is on track, with all the remaining state enterprises being joint-stock companies in April 1995. This has made possible a mass- privatisation programme which will begin in 1996. transformed into During 1995, progress was also made towards bringing Albanian institutions and laws closer to those of the European Union's standards. New civil, penal and labour codes were adopted resulting in a more robust judicial framework. Albania also signed the convention of the Council of Europe for the protection of minorities and was granted full membership of the Council in July 1995. In 1995, Phare continued to provide considerable support to Albania's progress towards reform. Albania is no longer dependent on essential aid and therefore Phare's focus within the country has evolved to reflect the country's considerable economic improvement. ECU 35 million was therefore allocated through the 1995 indicative programme for the development of. the transport, telecommunications and energy sectors. an effective higher education system through the. • Tempus programme local community infrastructure through the Albanian Development Fund the private sector, public administration and judicial systems. Within this, Phare's priorities in 1995 shifted from the agricultural sector towards infrastructure development, particularly roads and ports, telecommunications and energy. Development in these areas is essential if Albania is to participate fully in the single market. The main infrastructure priority for 1995 was the rebuilding and upgrading of the East-West corridor. This meant that Phare financed, together with the European Investment Bank, the following projects • upgrading of the Durres-Elbasan and Pogradec- Kapshtica sections (a total of 146 km) of the East-West corridor. developing the Durres ferry terminal. Funds allocated by sector 1995 ECU 88 million Education, training and research 3. 5 Financial sector 35 Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) 34 These projects demonstrate the important role Phare can play in unlocking funds from other international financing institutions. In other areas, Phare also played a leading role. Work has been done on improving primary healthcare and developing hospitals, programmes have been set up to strengthen local government, and measures have been taken to channel funds directly to small-scale projects which will have a direct and beneficial impact on local communities. Phare will also continue to support the energy sector, placing emphasis on the preparation of a national strategy, policy and legislative framework and the provision of pre-investment studies in key areas. the increased Absorption capacity of the Phare Programme in Albania continued to be satisfactory with around 73 per cent of total committed Phare funds contracted by the end of emphasis on 1995. Nevertheless, infrastructure projects which require longer periods of preparation as well as more complex tendering processes, coupled with the logistical limitations on the pace of land registration and the inability of the banking sector to provide the necessary credit lines when needed, have resulted in some slowing down in implementation and payment during 1995. Looking forward, the stable economy will allow the Phare Programme in Albania to plan for the longer term and a multi-annual indicative programme covering the period 1996 to 1999 is being developed. Albania also hopes to make progress towards its goal of association with the European Union. In March 1995 Albania made a formal request to open negotiations for a specific agreement. 13 Funds allocated by sector in 1995 ECU 83 million Education, training and research 21 Environment and nuclear safety 7 Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) 48 The 1995 transport programme confinanced, with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the World Bank, a major project for railway rehabilitation (approximately 400 km). the restructuring of the Sofia urban transport system. supported It also In the energy sector, Phare supported the improvement of energy efficiency (electricity, district heating and gas), pre-investment studies and measures to promote the introduction of the 'acquis communautaire'. In 1995, a multi-annual indicative programme for cross- border cooperation with Greece was also approved. Covering the period 1995-1999, the programme was allocated an indicative budget of ECU 115 million. Set against the background of good bilateral relations between the two countries, the programme will support the development of Bulgaria's border regions with Greece, within the overall Bulgarian policy of regional co operation. Key areas of work are transport, environment, economic development and human resources. implementation A closer monitoring of programme enabled occasional problems and delays to be identified at an early stage and remedied, and political stability has allowed medium-term planning to be considered. Bulgaria Bulgaria's social and economic transformation has not been easy. The changes in government, combined with levels of parliamentary support, resulted in varying relatively slow decision-making in key areas of structural reform. In addition, the collapse of the Comecon markets, the Gulf crisis, and the UN sanctions against former Yugoslavia also affected economic growth. Nevertheless, the basis for a market economy has been created and the foundations have been laid for a democratic and civil society. In 1995, the economic improvement begun in 1994 continued. Gross Domestic Product grew by 2. 5 per cent, inflation and unemployment fell and privatisation progressed. This, plus a greater political stability, created a more constructive environment for the management of the Phare Programme programme in Bulgaria management structures became more stable, and therefore more efficient. and The 1995 Phare Programme supported projects in the following areas in Bulgaria for a total of ECU 60 million the approximation of legislation the promotion of private agriculture human resources development transport development energy and nuclear safety. Phare provided ECU 5 million in 1995 for a number of agricultural projects. These included policy support to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, registering and rights and other land ownership restoring historic transactions, restructuring and privatising state-owned industries, and the development of production and marketing structures. In the area of education, Phare continued to support the Tempus programme for the reform of higher education. Based on a 1993 pilot project, a programme was started for the development of post-secondary vocational training and the financial management of secondary education. The programme also supported the creation of a higher education accreditation and assessment agency. 14 As a result, part of the backlog of uncommitted funds dating from previous years was cleared and the overall contracting rate increased from 48 per cent in 1994 to 56 percent in 1995. The 1995 programme for the approximation of laws aimed at developing a comprehensive match between Bulgarian legislation. and European Community Accordingly, Phare assisted with the drafting of new laws and provided training to target groups in the public administration as well as the judiciary. It is also intended that the programme will draw on the information and experts made available by the Technical Assistance Information Exchange Office, established in Brussels in 1996. In February 1995, the Europe Agreement with the European Communities and their Member States came into force and the first Association Council was held in May 1995, at which the two parties discussed Bulgaria's progress within the pre-accession strategy. Phare is the main instrument to support that strategy. In December 1995, Bulgaria submitted its official application for membership. The government has declared European integration to be among its main priorities and has established an inter-ministerial European integration structure. 15 Czech Republic 1995 was the year when the country's Europe Agreement with the European Union came into force, and the national economy continued the substantial progress already made. In the same year, the country was the first from central Europe to be accepted, as of 1 January 1996, into the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a move which endorsed the economic reforms carried out by the Czech government. The continued policy mix of macroeconomic stabilisation and, on the microeconomic level, price liberalisation, deregulation and privatisation enjoyed positive results. Growth was strong and unemployment, at 3. 5 per cent, was low. In 1995, the koruna, the national currency, was made fully convertible. The entry into force of the Europe Agreement meant that the Czech Republic could take part fully in the 'structured dialogue' with this framework the first Association Council took place in April 1995, and the Joint Parliamentary Committee in May where the White Paper on the internal market was discussed. the European Union. Within first meeting of the this new direction In 1995, the Phare Programme in the Czech Republic took a new direction in the support it provides. As with the other associated countries, is characterised by the direct linkage of Phare to the preparation of the Czech Republic for membership of the European Union, with a special focus on improving the infrastructure in the areas bordering Germany and Austria and on strengthening the institutions central to the integration process and future membership. The Czech Republic was allocated a total of ECU 110 million, including ECU 71 million for the 1995 country operational programme, together with ECU 8 million for the Tempus programme, and ECU 25 million and ECU 6 million for cross-border cooperation with Germany and Austria respectively. Funds allocated by sector 1995 ECU 110 million Social development Other 3 and employment 2 Private sector Public institutions an<^ administrative reform 5 support 1 Infrastructure (energy transport, telecom. ) 91 focus of Phare during 1995 was The main the development of the Czech Republic's infrastructure. Phare has contributed to the construction of the Berlin-Decin- Prague-Breclav-Vienna rail corridor and a number of infrastructure investment initiatives under the cross-border cooperation programme. It has also, since 1995, started to support socio-economic development and tourist projects in the border region, including the renovation of historical monuments. Since the accession of Austria to the European Union at the beginning of 1995, some 67 per cent of the Czech Republic's border is shared with member states of the European Union. This, plus the dramatic increase in road and rail traffic (particularly between the Czech Republic and Germany), has increased the focus on the border regions and the structural and environmental impact that is being made. the Phare cooperation Accordingly, programme is financing improvements to roads and railways, improving or creating new border crossings and introducing measures to reduce bottlenecks. Phare will cross-border also improve the quality of air and water in the regions by, amongst other projects, building new gas and steam pipelines, introducing environment-friendly technology in heat and power generation, improving sewage systems and building new water treatment plants to reduce river pollution and improve drinking-water standards. Phare has also contributed to the strengthening of Czech legislative and institutional capacity by financing expert assistance and training to Czech civil servants and by supporting the ministries and institutions central to the integration process, such as customs, statistics, industrial property, competition and standards administration. A considerable part of this effort has focused on assisting the Czechs to ensure the approximation of their laws with European Union legislation. the Phare multi-annual Looking forward, indicative programme for 1995-99 was signed and approved, with increasing emphasis placed on investment support and the use of Phare as a medium-term financial instrument. With a total budget of between ECU 300 million and ECU 330 million, including cross-border cooperation, the indicative programme will be devoted to the following priority areas •. the ultimate goal of adopting legislative integration with the European Communities, with 'acquis communautaire' infrastructure integration with the European Union, particularly in the fields of transport, energy and the environment the including SME and • socio-economic development, and regional promotion, export promotion of foreign direct investment and social security reform. development, 17 Estonia Estonia has undergone a remarkable economic recovery in the past few years. In terms of trade liberalisation and the macroeconomic aspects of reform, the country is well advanced. This was reflected in GDP growth in 1995, with a six per cent increase being recorded for the second consecutive year. Importantly, foreign investment also remained at the high level achieved during the previous year. These results have been made possible by the substantial progress made in the area of structural reform. Two areas of the economy will, however, need special attention over the coming period: the relatively high level of inflation, and the trade deficit, which was running at approximately ECU 300 million at the end of the year. the European Union Estonia submitted its formal application for membership of in November 1995, and participates in the structured dialogue of the pre-accession strategy. In November, the European Union signed an agreement with Estonia to open a Delegation of the European Commission in Tallinn. The privatisation process was accelerated in 1995, helped by Phare's contribution to the Privatisation Agency. Though work remains to be done in the large, state-run enterprises, the privatisation of small enterprises is almost complete, with small and medium-size enterprises now accounting for over 40 per cent of employment. The privatisation of the economy was further helped by the Estonian government's efforts legal framework for the national stock exchange, which is expected to open in the first half of 1996. to create the Phare's focus in 1995 was to help Estonia build on its economic success and prepare itself for eventual accession to the European Union. Estonia's Europe Agreement was signed in June 1995, and now awaits ratification by all the European Union Member States. Estonia remains the only central European country not to have requested a transitional period within which to liberalise its trade policy. Phare funding for Estonia increased to ECU 24 million in 1995. This brings the total amount committed to Estonia for the period 1991-1995 to ECU 68. 5 million. Continued cooperation between the Estonian government and the Phare Programme has resulted in a steady increase in the amount of funds committed. 18 Funds allocated by sector 1995 ECU 24 million Social development and employment 2. 9 Public institutions and administrative reform 2. 8 Education, training and research 4. 2 Private sector development and enterprise support 9. 1 nfrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) 5 In the agricultural sector, Phare has continued to support planning processes, the development of rural credit facilities, land registration and land privatisation. In addition, Phare will focus on institutional and human resources development in the Ministry of Agriculture. This will help to improve the efficiency of agro-industries through the provision of professional advice to farmers, the training of advisors in farm and business analysis, and the provision of support for rural credit agencies. the Phare also provided support during 1995 for development of an energy strategy aimed at achieving greater energy efficiency; reducing the levels of pollution; investing in transport infrastructure; and reforming the social safety and health systems. Within the framework of the multi-annual indicative programme, which has been allocated a budget of ECU 84 million for the period 1995-1999, Phare will focus on the following priority sectors • European integration • export development • regional development • public sector management development. and infrastructure It is planned that throughout the period the focus of the programmes will shift to both public and private investment, particularly in the areas of agricultural and regional development. The change in focus is partly emphasis placed intended previously on urban development, but also to take account of the pre-accession strategy. to counterbalance the Hungary Among the first countries to benefit from Phare support, Hungary has established a system of democratic political the institutions which enjoys general support from country's main social and political forces, and has made a serious effort to develop harmonious relations with its neighbouring countries. Its history as the most market-oriented of the former Comecon countries also enabled Hungary to attract the largest inflow of foreign investment in the region (40. 5% of the region's total in the 1989-94 period). Privatisation laws, aimed at speeding up the privatisation of state companies, were rapidly introduced and all the basic structures of a market economy have been established. Nevertheless, in 1995, the Hungarian government was faced with serious macroeconomic strains which led to the adoption of a stabilisation plan intended to reduce the budget and current account deficits and accelerate public finance reform. Phare's support in 1995, therefore, concentrated on supporting the government in its move towards further economic orthodoxy, and in helping Hungary achieve the pre-accession strategy measures outlined in the White Paper. Hungary was the first former communist country to submit its application for full membership of the European firm Union commitment to the pre-accession process has meant that Phare has placed a great deal of focus on supporting the harmonisation of legislation and restructuring the public administration. (April 1994), and the government's In practice this has meant providing sector and legal analyses, drafting new legislation and translating existing into Hungarian, establishing Community training structures, providing necessary sessions for public officials and other decision-makers, and organising public relations actions targeted at key target audiences. legislation institutional Another area of great importance is the transformation and reform of the Hungarian transport and communications infrastructure. In its current state it partly discourages domestic and foreign investment and contributes to the uneven economic development of different regions within the country. Phare is actively supporting the development of appropriate standards and is cofinancing, amongst road building, others, railway lines and combined transport terminals. improvements, infrastructural Funds allocated by sector 1995 ECU 92 million Social development and employment 2 Integrated regional measures Private sector development and enterpri support 6 Public institutions and administrative reform 3 Infrastructure (energy, transport. Environment and nuclear safety 12 In 1995 the Phare multi-annual indicative programme (1995-1999) was adopted to give support worth ECU 425 million in the following priority areas • European integration, including approximation of laws and public administration reform • education and training with emphasis on the establishment of a human resources development fund • economic development, focusing on agriculture, privatisation and restructuring, small and medium-sized enterprises development, regional development, trade and investment promotion, tourism development • public finance and social sector reform • infrastructure development with emphasis on road and transit, water communications, rail management, energy and the environment transport, • participation in European Community programmes. For the year 1995, ECU 85 million was allocated to support these priorities. the 1995 also saw first cross-border cooperation programme between Hungary and Austria. A multi-annual indicative cross-border cooperation programme, covering the period 1995-1999, has been agreed with the Hungarian authorities on the basis of their bilateral cooperation with Austria. 19 Latvia In 1995, Latvia once again enjoyed a substantial improvement in the economy, following the recession in the early 1990s. Economic growth was particularly strong in the service, construction and forestry sectors although, as a result of necessary restructuring, both the industrial and agricultural sectors continued to decline. Efforts to privatise small and medium-sized enterprises proved successful in 1995, although progress has been much slower with regard to larger enterprises. The process has been supported by the creation of a single national privatisation agency. The agency will progressively tender the remaining state-owned companies over the course of the next few years, and in the meantime enterprises still in the public sector will be managed by a State Property Fund. In the area of private sector development, Latvia still needs to complete and simplify the legal basis which is investment. Phare has been essential for attracting providing assistance both to the Latvian Privatisation Agency and the State Property Fund. Like the other countries of central Europe, Latvia places strong emphasis on the approximation of legislation as a key step towards eventual accession to the European Union. The reform of public administration is an essential part of this effort, and a Phare-funded scheme will train as many civil servants as possible by the year 2000. Despite its economic success, the Latvian economy suffered a number of setbacks in 1995. In June 1995 the main commercial bank, Bankas Baltija, was declared insolvent, precipitating a general banking crisis. The European Union pledged to give ECU 2. 5 million to help the financial sector. A further economic setback was caused by a shortfall in government revenue as a result of tax evasion. This resulted in a budget crisis in the first half of 1995 and for 1995 of to a state budget deficit contributed approximately 4. 8 per cent of Gross Domestic Product. took a number of steps In 1995, Latvia towards membership of the European Union. A Europe Agreement was signed in June 1995 and Latvia submitted its formal application for membership of the European Union on 27 October 1995. The country participates fully in the structured dialogue of the pre-accession strategy. Phare's assistance to Latvia has focused on the provision of know-how. This has concentrated in particular on public 20 Funds allocated by sector 1995 ECU 32. 5 million Social development and employment Public institutions and administrative reform 1. 3 Education, training and research 2 Financial sector 2. 5 Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) 9. 2 Private sector development and enterprise support 8. 3 administration reform, privatisation, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and the improvement of the banking, agriculture, telecommunications, energy, transport, health and higher education sectors. During 1995, however, Phare support was broadened to include support for economic reform, institutional and human resources development and infrastructure development the energy sector Within Phare's efforts to support Latvian infrastructure development, received particular attention. The country has no hydrocarbon resources, and is to a great extent dependent on energy imports. However, there are domestic sources which can be developed, notably hydropower, wood and peat and Phare has financed studies to examine the feasibility of their development. Phare funds for Latvia were ECU 32. 5 million in 1995. This brings the total of funds committed to Latvia for the period 1991-1995 to ECU 108 million. Looking forward, the multi-annual indicative programme, signed in 1995, will focus on the following priority sectors during the period 1996-99 • • private sector development: this includes restructuring and privatisation, banking, small and medium-sized enterprise development, foreign investment and trade promotion and agricultural reform institutional integration, human resources and social sector, cooperation, public administration reform, higher education, public finance and accounting, and social sector reform infrastructure environment and transport development. the energy sector, - focusing on including statistical • Lithuania The Lithuanian economy emerged from deep recession following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and, having declined in 1992 and 1993, Gross Domestic Product grew by 1. 5 per cent in 1994 and 5 per cent in 1995. The privatisation process has been satisfactory and, in the small companies sector, has progressed rapidly, conducted mainly through the exchange of vouchers or through local investors. By mid-1995, a new law on privatisation was passed by the parliament outlining the relative responsibil ities of the economic ministries, state institutions, and local authorities. The law clearly marks a commitment by the government to complete the privatisation process. In addition, a privatisation agency was created in 1995 which, assisted by a resident Phare advisor, has rapidly become operational. The agency is a semi-autonomous body whose objective is to prepare and implement the remaining privatisation programme under the supervision of the Prime Minister's office. Both the new law and the operations of the agency are expected to boost the privatisation process, with an additional focus put on to provide further restructuring companies those technical competence or financial means companies already privatised. in order to small enterprises independent and medium-sized As part of the development of the private sector, in 1995 the government also started to define the legal framework for and a development agency has been established as a non-profit and institution. Entrepreneurs, however, continue to suffer from a lack of finance for capital formation. To a certain extent this has been helped by the investment (some ECU 254 rapid growth in foreign million between 1989 and 1994) although is significantly less than the other Baltic states. The problem of coordination among the various economic development agencies established over the past few years is being addressed by the government. this Funds allocated by sector 1995 ECU 42 million Social development and employment 4. 4 Public institutions and administrative reform 5. S Education, training nd research 3. 5 Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) 19 to that of its legislation As part of this, Lithuania made efforts in 1995 to begin to the European approximate Community's 'acquis communautaire'. Phare helped this process by supporting the development of legislation in financial services (banking law, insurance and securities), commercial law, labour law, European Community and international law, and constitutional and administrative law. An amendment to the Lithuanian constitution, relating to the purchase of land by foreigners and made necessary by the Europe Agreement, is expected to be passed by the parliament the first half of 1996. The Europe Agreement is also expected to be ratified during 1996. in In 1995, Phare committed ECU 38 million to Lithuania, an increase of ECU 4 million on the previous year. This money was focused on the priority areas outlined in the 1994-1995 indicative programme: economic development, investment infrastructure programme, European integration and human resources development. development, the public Lithuania's formal application to join the European Union was presented in December 1995 and was reinforced by a declaration adopted by the Lithuanian parliament. The Europe Agreement was signed by Lithuania during June 1995 and the country has subsequently actively participated in all the meetings organised within the framework of the structured dialogue. Moreover, the government has been active in setting up both the institutional and legislative framework the European Integration process. to begin Phare's contribution to the development of the private sector has been to help to launch a network of Business Advisory Centres and a Euro-Correspondence Centre in Vilnius. It has also continued to provide one resident advisor to the Lithuanian Investment Promotion Agency which was set up in 1993 to promote the country. 21 largest Phare has also been active in the agricultural sector which has suffered a decline over the past few years but remains the economy. The sector of the second privatisation of holdings has led to a break-up of the land into small parcels and this, together with the limited availability of capital, business skills and know-how, continues to depress the sector. Phare has therefore helped to develop policies aimed at strengthening economic planning in the sector and to deliver business and technical advice and credit and loan finance. Phare was also active in programmes focusing on public administration reform, where a policy design programme in March 1995; the health sector, was completed particularly in primary healthcare; and the provision of strategic advice in the social sector and labour market area, 22 Poland In 1995, Poland moved significantly further along the road of economic reform. Over half of national income is now generated by the private sector, the transformation to a market economy is established and economic performance is becoming independent of political developments. increasingly The country's economic progress was reflected most clearly in the 1995 growth rate: after a 5 per cent increase in 1994, Gross Domestic Product grew by 7 per cent in 1995 due to a strong surge in exports and investment. On the back of this economic performance, the Polish government officially launched the mass privatisation programme in November 1995. The programme created 15 national investment funds run by professional asset managers. Each of the funds acts as the holding company for some 500 medium-sized enterprises being privatised, with the public able to buy shares in the funds at a symbolic price. The European Community, through its Phare Programme provided support to this programme by financing the public awareness campaign, as well as the printing and distribution of share certificates. The state-owned privatisation of enterprises will be continued in 1996. remaining 4,400 the Funds allocated by sector 1995 ECU 174 million Private sector development and enterprise support 9 Public institutions and administrative reform 2 Agricultural restructuring 13 Environment and nuclear safety 22 The multi-annual indicative programme focuses on the following key areas, which were chosen in line with the Polish government's economic strategy for 1994-1997 • bringing industrial relations closer to those existing in structural environmental economy, and counteracting improving the market unemployment protection As part of this privatisation process, renewed efforts were made to restructure and privatise the banking sector which is still 60 per cent state-owned. Phare continued to provide support to the banking work-out unit in charge of this process and decisive acceleration in this area is expected in 1996. Under its Phare Programme for Poland in 1995, the European Union committed ECU 174 million. This amount is part of the multi-annual indicative programme for Poland, whose budget for 1995 to 1999 totals ECU 1,015 million of grant funds. The main objective of Phare support within this framework is to facilitate Poland's participation in the process of European integration by supporting the process of socio-economic transformation. • continuing institutional reforms in the fields of social security, social services and the financial sector increasing the competitiveness of the Polish economy. Within the 1995 Phare programme for Poland, the continued support for the development of the country's infrastructure represented 52 per cent of the funds committed. Of this, ECU 22 million were attributed to the co-financing, with the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, of the modernisation of the E-20 railway line linking Berlin, Warsaw, Minsk and Moscow. ECU 53 million were attributed to cross-border cooperation in 1995. The funds are to be attributed in a concentrated manner, with only eight regions on the border with Germany and the Baltic Sea receiving funds. Ultimately, the infrastructure on Poland's western border until it reaches a the programme aims to develop 23 Other major areas of support under the 1995 Phare programme tourist for Poland development and the educational sector. included agriculture, The significant acceleration of Phare implementation in 1995 was encouraging and reflected the enhancement of relations between Poland and the European Union which could be observed in 1995. Within the framework of the Europe Agreement, the bilateral Association Council held its second meeting in July 1995. The Council focused on three issues: Poland's strategy for integration into the European Union; intra-regional cooperation; and trade- related issues. level similar to that achieved in the eastern part of Germany. Funds are mainly concentrated on transport infrastructure and the environment, 55 per cent of which is devoted to border crossings. Further infrastructure support is regional through development activities financed by Phare in various regions of Poland, for which ECU 20 million were committed. continued generated being The continued importance of the environmental sector was reflected in the extension of financing for the National Environment Fund by ECU 18 million. This was in accordance with a recommendation by the European Parliament to maintain Phare funding for environmental clean-up projects. 24 Romania For Romania, 1995 was a year of steady economic progress and stronger political relations with the European Union. Official government figures for the year 1995 show a 6. 9 per cent increase of gross domestic product, a halving of the inflation rate to 27. 8 per cent, a reduction in the unemployment rate from 10. 9 per cent to 8. 9 per cent and a 16. 3 per cent increase in the average real wage. However, the deterioration of the balance of payments and of the public's confidence in the national currency which occurred in the last part of the year shows that, even if impressive achievements have been recorded, not all the macroeconomic conditions for sustainable growth are in place. At the microeconomic level in 1995, the State Ownership Fund managed to divest itself of over 650 companies, the best annual performance to date in terms of the number of companies. This brings the total number of privatised companies in Romania to 1,524, representing some 10 per cent of the total employed workforce. Moreover, in June 1995 a revised Mass Privatisation Programme was launched. Under this new programme, Romanian citizens will receive a significant shareholding in up to 4,000 Romanian enterprises. The State Ownership Fund will retain significant residual stakes which will be sold for cash by one of several methods: auction, public offering, trade sale. Public interest in the programme was limited and an extension of the subscription period up to March 1996 was established. The programme will facilitate the decentralisation of the productive sector and will prove an important step towards a functioning market economy. For 1995, Phare committed ECU 66 million to programmes in Romania for implementation foreseen over two to three years. This amount is part of the multi- annual financial perspective for Romania, whose budget totals ECU 550 million. for Assistance for the period 1990-1994 totalled ECU 542 million. the 1995-1999 period In 1995, Phare was particularly active in implementing assistance in the areas of privatisation and industrial restructuring. Support was provided for the implementa tion of the government's Mass Privatisation Programme, which included a public awareness campaign to maximise public understanding and involvement. In addition, substantial Phare assistance is being granted to the State Ownership Fund to assist in the disposal of its residual stakes. Funds allocated by sector 1995 ECU 66 million Education, training and research 18 In the restructuring of the major state-owned enterprises, progress was slow in 1995. There was a substantial Phare contribution in terms of the preparation of financial recovery plans for 26 heavily-indebted enterprises, but these plans have not yet been put into effect. Phare continued to help the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through support to a network of SME advisory centres backed up by a grant aid scheme. Phare also financed an assistance programme for banks to help them in doing business with SMEs. Beyond the enterprise sector, there was substantial progress in other areas of reform. For example, the reform of vocational education is gathering pace with major Phare assistance both to the process at national level and to a key group of 25 vocational schools around the country. In addition, the new Education Law foresees the development of university autonomy, and a Phare programme has been developed to support this approach. Restructuring of the research and technology sector, which played a big role in the centralised economy, was also initiated under support from Phare. Phare has been active in supporting decentralised projects developed by local partnerships between public and private sector bodies in towns throughout the country. The most developed programme in this area is focused on the development of active employment measures. 25 Phare grants worth ECU 50,000 were awarded to projects in 21 towns in 1995. The number of towns will increase in this nature under 1996. Additional programmes of preparation in 1995 include support to local economic development and social services. and citizens; In its efforts to develop civil society, Phare has supported, through the Democracy programme, the implementation of 19 micro-projects in the following areas: training of young politicians; encouraging dialogue between local government strengthening Romanian organisations and their cooperation with authorities at local and national levels; promoting children's rights; Hungarian-Romanian dialogue and other multi-cultural activities. In the health sector, Phare contributed to the development of techniques to preserve vaccines in rural areas. The Europe Agreement between Romania and the European Communities and their Member States came into force in February 1995. The first meeting of the Association Council took place in April 1995. At the Association Committee in October 1995, access to the Phare cross-border and implementation of multi-country programmes were discussed, together with commercial funding issues. In June 1995, the country submitted its formal application for membership of the European Union. Declaration of support for Romania's accession was signed by all the parties attached to the application. Likewise, the "national strategy for accession", which accompanied Romania's formal application, placed great emphasis on the national consensus driving Romania's political, social and economic transition. supported the development Phare of Romanian infrastructure both directly through co-financing, with the European Investment Bank, of a major road rehabilitation project and, indirectly, through the financing of feasibility studies and other preparatory work in the sectors of transport, telecommunications and energy. In line with the White Paper on the internal market, Romania began work on the harmonisation of national legislation with that of the European Community. Priority has been given to competition, state aids, public and financial services, and the free movement of people. 26 Slovakia an achieved Slovakia impressive macroeconomic performance in 1995. It recorded high GDP growth and low inflation, while the trade balance remained positive and the government deficit fell significantly. The only negative elements were the unemployment rate and the low level of foreign investment. After the spectacular economic turnaround in 1994, when the economy expanded by 4. 8 per cent, real GDP growth accelerated further in 1995 to reach 7. 4 per cent. Higher real wages and some increase in employment promoted private consumption, and economic growth was finally having a positive impact on investment. Despite the acceleration in economic growth, inflation fell below 10 per cent, thanks mainly to a continued tight monetary policy. Higher growth also led to higher import levels, which reduced the current account surplus and the contribution of net exports to growth. Phare committed ECU 46 million to Slovakia in 1995, an increase on the previous year's figure of ECU 40 million. The total Phare commitment was the first tranche of the multi-annual indicative programme, agreed in 1995. This states that Phare's support in the medium term will focus on the following broad strategy areas • adopting the 'acquis communautaire', including the modernisation of the structures of state and society, and the approximation of laws, standards and regulations • private sector development and restructuring • human resources development, including social sector reform infrastructure development. • Under the multi-annual indicative programme for 1995- 1999, committed funds in the future may be modulated on the basis of needs and absorption capacity. The latter is of particular importance given that the Slovak performance on past programmes leaves room for improvement. An on-going dialogue with the Slovak authorities is in progress on how the efficiency and effectiveness of Phare. improve to Funds allocated by sector 1995 ECU 46 million Public- health 2 Social development and employmen Integrated regional measures 1 Public institutions and administrative reform 5 Agricultural restructuring 2. 6 Civil society and démocratisation 0 Education, training and research 5 Environment and nuclear safety 1 Financial sector 3 Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) 8. 2 Phare support in 1995 concentrated mainly on the provision of know-how and investment support to assist private sector development. Specifically, Phare supported the following projects vital to assisting Slovakia in its preparation for membership of the European Union • and Development • a post privatisation fund, a joint Phare-European Bank for Reconstruction initiative providing equity capital and know-how to Slovak medium-sized enterprises the successful small and medium-sized enterprises programme which brings financial assistance and know-how transfer to Slovak small and medium-sized enterprises. The financial the programme have all been well subscribed, particularly the small loans fund. This financial assistance, together with business counselling through a network of assistance centres, provides small and medium-sized enterprises with a valuable service instruments under • continued know-how transfer to the Slovak National bank and the Ministry of Finance in support of their important role in economic reform and European integration in the human resources development area, a health programme was launched in 1995, focusing on primary health care and health financing. • further support to the Slovak customs administration, the standards office, the judiciary and the civic society programme 27 a significant infrastructure initiative, funded in 1995, providing investment support for the drilling of a geothermal well a Slovak-Austrian cross-border cooperation programme, involving the commitment of ECU 4 million to a number of environmental (sewage and waster water treatment) projects as well as feasibility studies in transport, socio-economic development and regional planning fields. Slovakia has made integration into western political, economic and security structures, and particularly membership of the European Union, a priority. On 27 June 1995, Slovakia formally applied to join the European Union. It participated fully in the structured dialogue with the Member States throughout the year and furthered the implementation of the Europe Agreement through the first meeting of the Association Council in May and the Joint Parliamentary Association Committee in November. 28 Slovenia Through a series of rapid economic adjustments, Slovenia has achieved a high level of macroeconomic stability. In terms of income per capita, the country is at a level similar to that of some Member States of the European Union. In 1995, the economy grew by almost 5 per cent, and the rate of inflation fell below 10 per cent. 65 per cent of the country's exports are sold to the European Union. Slovenia's performance within the Phare Programme is impressive: the contracting rates have been particularly high with almost 100 per cent of funds committed in 1992 and 1993, and almost 60 per cent of those committed in 1994 being contracted. This reflects the efficient way in which Slovenia uses Phare funds. In 1995, Slovenia was allocated ECU 16. 4 million within the framework of the country operational programme. In addition, funding committed to cross-border cooperation (ECU 6 million) and the Tempus programme (ECU 2. 6 million) brought the total amount of Phare funding in 1995 to ECU 25 million. In 1995, Phare had an immediate impact in certain key areas. There was continuing support for sector and enterprise restructuring, including the training of business executives, and for the voucher privatisation scheme. Funds were used to unblock the border-crossing to Hungary at Dolga Vas, a major transport bottleneck on one of the principal routes into central Europe, and the reform of public finances and the banking sector, including the creation of a new fiscal system, were also supported. the improvement of The cross-border cooperation programme with Austria involved the Jezersko border- crossing, and the reconstruction of the sewage system in Gornja Radgona. A similar programme with Italy covered, among others the environment, human resources development, and cultural cooperation. infrastructure, transport areas, Funds allocated by sector in 1995 ECU 25 million Education, training and research 2. 6 Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) 7. 4 Social development and employment 4. 4 Private sector development and enterprise support 3 • through. preparing to take on obligations of membership (the the progressive 'acquis communautaire') adaptation of laws, standards and rules to achieve compatibility with those of the European Union. This includes making provisions for their implementation and enforcement as well as adjustments to take account of key internal Union policies, such as in agriculture. the development and strengthening of economic, commercial and physical links, not only with the Union, but also with associated countries and, where appropriate, other neighbouring regions. This is an essential element in preparation for future enlargement and sustainable development of the region as a whole. • medium-term economic and social structural reform. This includes raising the competitiveness of industry and services levels, as well as promoting further development of the private sector, investment, export capacity and capital markets. In addition, the social sector and public administration will need to be reformed, as well as the science and technology, infrastructure and environmental protection sectors, and regions facing difficulties with reform will need to be supported. international to In June 1995, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the National Phare Coordinator and the Commission which outlined the strategy for future Phare multi-annual assistance to Slovenia. This served as a basis for the 1996-1999 multi-annual indicative programme which, in line with the principal government policy objective of closer integration with the European Union and eventual membership, outlines three broad areas where Phare will support Slovenia's pre-accession strategy During the year under review, Slovenia's Europe Agreement was initialled. The Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement, signed in 1993, continued to underpin trade relations between the two sides. Since the signature of the Europe Agreement on 10 June 1996, Slovenia participates fully in the pre-accession strategy and the Government has drafted a white paper for a national pre-accession strategy, and set up the structures for its implementation. 29 1990 -1995 funds committed by country (in ECU million) m 106. 5 34 99 6 100 1990 0 1991 0 1992 0 1993 1994 1995 1990 1991 1992 1993 0 1994 0 1995 0 1990 0 1991 0 1992 1993 1994 1995 1990 1991 0 1992 0 1993 0 1994 0 1995 0 10 12 22. 5 24 i us 1990 0 1991 0 1992 1 1993 1994 1995 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 25 39 42 ^t*$9$ftWRR 197 200 225 (208/8, Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland 30 Romania Slovakia Slovenia Former Yugoslavia Multi-country programmes Other programmes Note: The 1995 Phare Annual Report contains figures from all five budget lines (B7-5200 Phare Democracy Programme, B7-6000 Assistance for economic restructuring in the countries of central and eastern Europe (Phare), B7-6020 Cross-border Community to measures taken by NGOs, B7-6330 contribution to associated Opening of Community programmes countries of central Europe) managed within the framework of the Phare Programme. cooperation, B7-6310 243. 2 Owing to software limitations figures contained in the 1994 Phare Annual Report only included two budget lines. This therefore accounts for the small discrepancy in the historical figures between the 1994 and the 1995 Phare Annual reports. 31 1990 -1995 funds committed by sector (in ECU million) Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Critical aid Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom munications) Private sector development and enterprise support Public health Public institutions and administrative reform 32 48. 2 47. 3 1990 0 1991 0 1992 0 1993 0 1994 0 1995 | 2 1990 0 1991 0 1992 0 1993 Hp5 1994 p4 1995 0 I Social development and employment Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Financial sector Integrated regional measures Other sectors Note: The 1995 Phare Annual Report contains figures from all five budget lines managed within the framework of the Phare Programme. Owing to software limitations, figures contained in the 1994 Phare Annual Report only included two budget lines. This therefore accounts for the small discrepancy in the historical figures between the 1994 and the 1995 Phare Annual reports. Owing to the financial reporting process it is possible to provide more accurate sector breakdown. This accounts for the increase in sectors from 9 in 1994 to 15 in the 1995 Annual Report. 33 Phare funding by country Albania (in ECU million) Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Critical aid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Critical aid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 0 Ô 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1990 0 16 0 0 3. 5 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24. 5 Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Critical aid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~" 0 " 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1991 6 0 0 0 Ô 0 10 Ô 0 0 0 0 0 Ô 0 10 1991 0 25 0 5 19 10 20 5 0 0 20 0 2. 5 0 0 106. 5 1991 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1992 0 15 0 1. 2 0 35 50 4. 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 4. 4 110 1993 1. 2 10 0 2. 5 3. 3 35 10 0 0 0 7 0 0 6 0 75 1994 4. 6 5 0 2. 4 0 0 7 23 0 Ô 0 0 0 7 0 49 1995 0 0 0 3. 5 0 35 0 34 0 0 0 8. 5 0 0 7 88 Total 5,8 30 0 9. 6 3. 3 105 77 61. 4 0 0 7 8. 5 0 13 11. 4 332 Note: Albania entered the Phare Programme in 1991 1992 0 10 0 0 ()" 21 0 0 22. 5 0 0 15 0 87. 5 1992 0 0 0 0 0 0 0"" 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1993 16 0 0 17. 5 15. 6 5"" 0 13. 9 0 "" 0 6 0 4 10. 5 1. 5 90 1993 0 "(T o o o o 9 " ô 0 "27" 0 "8 0 8 60 1994 1. 2 0 1. 2 12 5 0 0 62. 6 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 85 1994 4. 5 Ô 5. 5 0 0 0 25 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 60 1995 " "O 5 0 21 ""7 """" 0 0 48 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 83 1995 """5 0" 0 8 0 0 0 91 0 0 1 0 ""2 0 3 110 Total 17. 2 56 1. 2 63. 5 61. 1 15 25 150. 5 2 0 51. 5 0 6. 5 25. 5" 1. 5 476. 5 Total 16 "4. 5 Ô "21. 5 0 0 0 125 0 0 28 0 24 0 11 230 Note: Prior to 1993 funds were provided to Czechoslovakia Bulgaria Czech Republic 34 Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Critical aid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 0 0 0 4 30 0 ~W 0 6 0 0 0 0 (T (T 34 1991 0 "IT ~o" "9 ~T" o "6 lT "6 "o 39 "IT 15" ""0 2Ï)" 99 1992 "" Ô" IT 4" """25 " ~~Q~ o 1993 '"" " ô rr IF 0 " ~"T" o "o "10 " 0 """ 0 31 " I T" """ o "" ~ o """" 3 0" 100 1994 0 0" ""()" Ô 0 0 0 0 """() 0" 0 (")" """ 0 0 ô" 0 1995 Total 0 0 "4 "38" 35 0 " 0 "21 " 0 " 0 70 " 0 ~i~5 " 0 50 233 Note: from 1993 Phare funding was provided separately to the Czech republic and Slovakia Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Critical aid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 1991 1992 0 0 0 0 9 To 1993 0 0 "0 1. 5 0 ô "0 1) 0 " 0 """0 0 '"()' 0 10. 5 12 1994 0 0 "Ô 4. 5 2. 5 0 ~~ Ô" "~ 6 "6 o "8 0 """""(")" ô "~[. 5" 22. 5 1995 2. 8 0 0 4. 2 (") ()'" O" " 5" " "()" 0 9. 1 0 Y9 " (V o 24 Total 2. 8 0 0 11. 2 2. 5 "'() 0 II 0 0 17. 1 0 2. 9 ""'"'() 21 68. 5 Note: Estonia entered the Phare Programme in 1992 Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 0 0 0 1 20 6 0 0 0 0 (T Ï4 35 " 1991 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0"" 0 1992 (T '""(F " 0 b ô 6 o ~'"o o o " "o" 6 1993 _ 0' 0"" " "0 "0 ""~ô ô~ (T 0 () " 0 '~~ô~ 0 0 1994 (T "o "o "" "o" o "o o o o 0 " 0 0 0 1995 Total 0 " 0 0 " 1 20 0 0 0 " 0 0 0 "14 "35 Note: Support to GDR ceased after the German unification in 1990 35 Hungary Latvia Lithuania 36 Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Critical aid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 b" b" 7. 5 27" 5 ""b OX b b" 26 b "" 3" " 0 0 8 93 1991 7. 5 b " 0 45. 5 "" "0" 0 " " "0 b" 115 1992 TT3" 5" b 2T """ ib o b o o o H ""To " 2 6" 0 4 101. 5 1993 1. 5 TÔ3" b" 26" ""' b" o "0 b b 31 "" 0 _. " To l 100 1994 """" b ""'o """' "o 24"" T 5:5 0 """ b" 2 9" 0 " 0 16. 5 __ Q. 0 "" 0 0" 85 1995 3 To "b 16 12" 0 0" 36 0 "0 6 "5 2 "O '2 92 Total " 2 7" """"78. 5 0 T 1 1. 5 74. 5""" 19 b" 7 3. 5" 0 """ "'"" 0 136 " " 15 " 31 10 7 582. 8 Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Critical aid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 o 0 b" b" (T b" ""b" _ _. " "0 """b" b" 0 " b" "b" "0" 0 1991 ~~rT" b """b" jT o" " IT b" "b" "0 1992 b" 0 0 1. 5 "0 " " 0" 0 0" "b" 0 "b" 0 b 0 '"'"15" 1993 b" b 2 0 " b". „_ 0" "~ b" __ ^ """ b 0 " 0 "0 "T"6" 18 1994 " 0" 0 b 5 "5. 5" 14. 5 " "" b b" " b" """""'b 0 0 "" 0 0" 4. 5""" 29. 5 1995 1. 3 0 " 0" 2 ""Ô" "2. 5" 0 9. 2 "~0 b "875 0 "9T2 b" "0 32. 5" Total 1. 3 0 0" 10. 5 5. 5" "17 " 0 9. 2 (") "" 0" 8. 3 0 "92" 0" 34 95 Note: Latvia entered the Phare Programme in 1992 Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Critical aid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 0 " " 0" TT" 0" 0" "0 " 0 b 0 "b" "b"" b b" 0 "0 1991 0" "b "b" b"" b" 0 0 b 0 "0 "b 0 " b" 0 1992 b" b" b"" 1. 5 0 0 0 0 """b" 0 "9. 5 b"" 0 b 9 20 1993 0 2. 5" "0 b " "b" 0 "0" 0 b" 0 0 0 '22. 5 "2T" 1994. ___ "b"" b" 6 14. 5 b" 16. 5 0 0 0 " "" 0 """ 0 0 r 39 1995 5. 5 " 0" 0 "375" "b" ""0" 0 19 " "0 0 "9. 6 " "0" "4. 4" "0 0 42 Total 5. 5 0 " 0 13. 5" 1 14. 5 " 0 35. 5 "" " b" 0 T9. 1 b" 4. 4 0 "32. 5 T26 Note: Lithuania entered the Phare Programme in 1992 Poland Romania Slovakia Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Critical aid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 10 100 0 2. 8 22 2 0 6 0 0 38 0 0 0 0 180. 8 1991 7. 5 "TT b 14. 5 35 16 0 10 0 0 56 0 18 20 3 197 1992 1992 972 T8 " 0" 42 18 4. 7 0" 26. 4 0 0 74. 5 0 7. 2 " 0 0 200 1993 27 30 "b" "45" "0 21 "b" 63" 0 ""5" 7 " b" "b 0" 27 225 1994 21. 5 2. 5 0 "39 12 22 0 "93. 8 0 0 9 0 9 0 b 208. 8 1995 " 2"" 13 b "37 22 0 "0" 91" "b" 0 9 0 0 b " 0 174 Total "7772 " " T8b;5 b 180. 3 "Ï09 65. 7 0 29072 0 " ""'5 " 193. 5 0" "3472 " "20 30 ,185. 6 Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Critical aid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 b" o 15. 5 0 b b "b o o ô 0" 1991 0 34 0 10 0 0" " 3 4. 3" 9 b b" b o "o 275 22 1343 1992 0 32 22 0 0 "0 40" 0 15" 0 20 152 1993 10 5 0 18 b 0 "979 0 0 "b " 7b 0 0 b " 27 139. 9 1994 9. 6 0 '"" 5" 37 " b o o 25 0 " "0 "2374 0 "0 0 0 100 1995 0 10 0 18 b 0 b" 38 0 "b" "o" o o o o 66 Total 19. 6 81 5 96 "" 5 5 " 8 1. 7 72 0 0 133. 4 0 15 25 69 607. 7 Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Critical aid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 1991 1992 1993 0 ' "5" "b "o"" "o" 5 b o "19" b "3" 0 5 40 0 b b b b b" b 0 0 o b b" b b b 0 1994 4 """""5 b 9 b 5 "b " 6. 5 0 0 0" 0 "5. 5 " 0 5 40 1995 "T 2J6 0. 5" 5 3 "0" 8. 2 "b o T472" 1. 5" ""2. 4" 2" 0. 6 46 Total ""'"' 9 10. 6 0. 5 19 1 8 0 19. 7 "" 0 0 373. 2 " T. 5" 10. 9 2 "ÏÔ. 6" 126 Note: prior to 1993 funds were provided to Czechoslovakia 37 Slovenia Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Critical aid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 1991 "To" b" (T 1992 2. 3 __. 0 " b" " b o " b" o o " b" To" 6. 7 "9" 1993 o "TT "TT "375" "b" b "o "b "To" "o b " b" To" To" 7. 5 11 1994 "0 b" b"" "5. 5"" b" o b" " 6" " o" o " 12. 5 " o" 0" " 0 b" 24 1995 b"" b Total "TT """"""" 0 2T5" 0 0 " 0 "7"T"" "0 0" 3 b "TT "b ~7"6 25 0 13. 9 0 0 0 13. 4 0 0 15. 5 """" 0 4. 4 """"" 0 Tl. 8" 69 Note: Slovenia entered the Phare Programme in 1992 Former-Yugoslavia Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Critical aid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 0 0 0 0 0 0 "TTbTT" 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0" 1991 0 0 0 6 0 0 7 T" 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ô 1992 0 0" b" 0 0" 0" T"7". 7"" b 0" "0" "b" 0 0 "0" 0" 3 0 7 1 T 3 7 Ï" 4 7. 7 1993 25 0 "b 0 0 0 "b 0 0 "25" 1994 """" 2 0 O 0 " b" "0 " 23 0 0" """ "" 0" " " O" 0 0 " b" "0 " 2 5" 1995 0 0 " O" 0 0 "0 T 5" "0 ""() "0 "0" 0 "0 0 0 "25"' Total 2 0 0 6 0 ()" 158 0" 0" 0 0 0 0 " 0 0 166 Multi-country programmes Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Critical aid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 0 0 0 2 13 0 0 51 0 0 0 0 0 0 "F " 0 7273 1991 11 0 0 28. 1 2375. " b 0 "0 0 20" 473" "b" b" L5 88. T 1992 1. 5 0 "24" "46" " 0" " 0" 35" "b" 0 3 6. 5 o 0' Q 116" 1993 0 2078" ""20" 0 24 "b 0 "27. 5 10 "b" 0 b" TÎ23 1994 25 0 "b" 13 13 b" "b" 31 b" 0 " b" ""4" "0 0" 0 86 1995 0 ""875" "20" 0 "0 70. 5 """Ô 0 "5 0 b b" "0 TÔ4 Total 4 7. 5 "" " b " b" 115. 7 T22. 5 0 5 1" 160. 5 0" 0 " 55. 5""" " 2 4. 8 0 0 " 1. 5 " 5 79 38 Other programmes Funds allocated by sector 1990-1995 Public institutions and administrative reform Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation Education, training and research Environment and nuclear safety Financial sector Criticalaid Infrastructure (energy, transport, telecom. ) Approximation of legislation Consumer protection Private sector development and enterprise support Integrated regional measures Social development and employment Public health Other Total 1990 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1991 0 0 0 0. 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 "b 13. 4" 13. 4 0 10 10. 4 1992 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 TT " 3 8. 6 43. 6 1993 0 0 10 9. 9 0 1994 3 0 10 7 23 1995 0 0 JO 17. 8 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 54^9 74. 8 0 2 0 4 21 0 0 6 0 0 0 2 74 32 20 0 4 3. 5" 6 74 243. 2 119. 5 Total 3 0 35 35. 1 43 0 0 2 0 6 95 32 20 6 227. 8 504. 9 39 Phare funding by sector Agricultural restructuring Civil society and démocratisation 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR 0 16 0 0 0 0 Hungary 20 Latvia Lithuania 0 0 Poland 100 Romania Slovakia Slovenia Former Yugoslavia Multi-country programmes 0 0 0 0 0 Other Total 0 136 (in ECU million) 0 25 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 17 34 0 0 0 0 0 89 15 10 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 18 32 0 0 0 0 0 80 10 0 0 0 0 0 30. 5 0 0 5 0 4. 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 2. 5 0 5 0 0 0 5 3 0 0 0 0 78. 5 0 5 0 0 0 0 30 56 4. 5 0 0 0 10 78. 5 0 0 13 10 0 0 180. 5 81 2. 6 10. 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 0 40. 6 441. 1 Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia Former Yugoslavia Multi-country programmes J)ther Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1. 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1. 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0. 5 0. 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 10 10 16. 2 10 10. 5 35 15. 7 Approximation of legislation Consumer protection 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia Former Yugoslavia Multi-country programmes Other Total Albania Bulgaria 0 Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia Former Yugoslavia Multi-country programmes Other Total 40 Critical aid Environment and nuclear safety 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15. 5 34. 3 22 9. 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 7. 1 47. 7 0 0 0 0 25 0 Former Yugoslavia 30. 2 Multi-country programmes 51 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 77 25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 81. 7 0 0 158 51 Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia Former Yugoslavia Multi-country programmes 0 3. 5 0 30 0 20 27 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 Other 0 Total 101. 7 0 0 71. 4 119. 7 0 44. 9 0 0 25 392. 7 Other 0 Total 102. 5 0 19 0 5 0 0 10 0 0 35 (I 0 0 0 3. 3 15. 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 2. 5 0 15. 5 5. 5 1 12 0 0 0 0 3. 3 61. 1 0 35 2. 5 20 74. 5 5. 5 1 109 5 1 0 0 23. 5 0 92. 5 20 0 38. 9 13 23 77. 5 122. 5 43 82 483. 4 90 Education, training and research Financial sector 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR 0 0 0 4 0 1 Hungary 7. 5 Latvia Lithuania 0 0 0 5 0 9 0 0 17 0 0 Poland 2. 8 14. 5 1. 2 8 0 25 1 0 21 1. 5 1. 5 42 13 0 2. 3 0 24 2. 5 17. 5 8 0 1. 5 0 26 2 2. 5 45 18 5 3. 5 0 20. 8 2. 4 12 5. 5 0 4. 5 0 24 5 6 39 37 9 5. 5 0 13 Romania Slovakia Slovenia Former Yugoslavia Multi-country programmes Other 0 0 0 0 21. 3 0 36. 6 10 0 0 6 28. 1 0 7 0. 4 90 140. 5 162. 2 169. 9 9. 9 3. 5 21 8 0 4. 2 0 9. 6 63. 5 21. 5 38 11. 2 1 16 111. 5 2 3. 5 37 18 5 2. 6 0 10. 5 13. 5 180. 3 96 19 1. 3. 9 6 115. 7 8. 5 17. 8 35. 1 147. 1 746. 3 Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia Former Yugoslavia Multi-country programmes Other Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 10 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 35 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 4. 7 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14. 5 14. 5 22 0 5 0 0 0 35 105 0 0 0 0 0 0 2. 5 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 19 17 14. 5 65. 7 5 8 0 0 0 0 40 0 44J 0 56 0 0 40. 5 249. 2 41 Infrastructure Public health 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR 0 0 0 0 0 0 Hungary 0. 8 Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia Former Yugoslavia Multi-country programmes 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 Other Total _0_ 6. 8 0 5 0 II 0 0 7. 5 0 0 10 9 0 0 0 0 0 42. 5 4. 4 21 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 13. 9 62. 6 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 0 6 0 29 0 16. 5 93. 8 25 6. 5 6 0 34 48 91 0 5 0 36 9. 2 61. 4 150. 5 125 21 II 0 73. 3 9. 2 19 35. 5 91 38 8. 2 7. 4 0 290. 2 72 19. 7 13. 4 0 Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia Fonner Yugoslavia 26. 4 63 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 35 24 31 70. 5 160. 5 Multi-country programmes 0 0 2 2 96. 8 114. 9 326. 4 457 3 1,044. 7 0 Other total 0 15 6 10. 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (I 26. 5 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 13 20 25 0 0 0 0 0_ 45 13 25. 5 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 20 25 0 0 0 _ 6 To 1. 5 Private sector development and enterprise support Public institutions and administrative reform 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia 0 0 0 Estonia GDR Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia Former Yugoslavia Multi-country programmes 0 0 20 22. 5 0 39 0 0 45. 5 0 0 0 31 0 0 II 0 9. 5 74. 5 40 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 8 0 27 0 0 0 31 16. 5 0 0 9 23. 4 0 0 7 70 19 0 0 27. 5 0 0 1 0 7 51. 5 28 70 9. 1 17. 1 0 6 8. 3 9. 6 9 0 0 136 8. 3 19. 1 193. 5 133. 4 Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR Hungary Latvia Lithuania 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14. 5 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 Poland 10 7. 5 9. 2 4. 6 1. 2 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 21. 5 9. 6 1. 2 16 0 0 0 0 1. 5 0 0 27 10 0 0 0 5. 8 17. 2 16 0 2. 8 0 27 1. 3 5. 5 77. 2 19. 6 9 0 2 47. 5 0 3 1. 3 5. 5 2 0 5 0 0 0 3 _0 _ 24\6 233. 9 0 14. 2 33. 2 12. 5 0 0 3 0 5 15. 5 0 55. 5 Romania Slovakia Slovenia Fonner Yugoslavia Multi-country programmes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 26. 5 1. 5 0 25. 2 10 0_ 65. 7" 25 3 "81. 9 Other Total 0 0 64 180. 5 191. 5 194. 5 0 21 95 74 93. 4 139. 2 863. 1 JDther Total 0_ To 42 Social development and employment Other sectors 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia Former Yugoslavia Multi-country programmes 0 2. 5 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 0 0 7. 2 15 0 0 0 0 Other Totaf 0 35. 5 0 48. 2 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 5. 5 0 0 0 0 28. 5 0 0 2 0 2. 9 0 2 9. 2 4. 4 0 0 2. 4 4. 4 0 0 0 6. 5 24 15 2. 9 0 31 9. 2 4. 4 34. 2 15 10. 9 4. 4 0 0 20 47. 3" 20 177. 5 Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia Former Yugoslav îa Multi-country piogrammes 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Other Total 13. 4 "27. 4" Integrated regional measures 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total Albania Bulgaria Czech Republic Czechoslovakia Estonia GDR Hungary Latvia Lithuania Poland Romania Slovakia Slovenia Former Yugoslavia Multi-country programmes Other Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4. 3 0 4. 3 6. 5 0 T6. 5 8. 5 8. 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 1. 5 1. 5 0 0 0 32 47 0 0 24. 8 32 81. 8 0 0 0 4. 4 0 0 20 30 0 1. 5 8 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 4 13. 5 9 0 20 0 6. 7 0 0 10. 5 1. 5 0 1 16 22. 5 27 27 5 7. 5 0 0 0 0 4. 5 1 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 22 0 0 0 1. 5 10 56. 5 7 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0. 6 7. 6 0 0 11. 4 1. 5 II 50 21 14 7 34 32. 5 30 69 10. 6 21. 8 0 1. 5 54. 9 38. 6 135. 2 180. 9 43. 5 55. 5 67. 4 227. 8 543 87. 6 4. 3 Phare financial performance Fig. 1 - Funds committed, contracted and paid 1990-1995 (in ECU million) "3" o 1995 saw Phare continuing to improve its financial performance. Phare has reached a situation where the contracting in a given year is at the same level as the commitments in that year. It is hoped that further efforts to be taken in 1996 to to decentralise Phare and streamline procedures effectively will enable these levels of contracting to be sustained and increased. The financial performance of the Phare Programme is indicated by the levels of funds committed, contracted and paid and the relationship between these three over time. 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 • commitments • contracts payments Fig. 2 - Cumulative funds committed, contracted and paid 1990-1995 (in ECU million) The total amount of funds committed, contracted and paid for each of the years 1990 - 1995 are shown in Figure 1. The cumulative funds committed, contracted and paid over the same period are shown in Figure 2. Committed funds 1995 saw the Phare Programme maintaining the high percentage of the Phare budget actually committed. As with previous years, this was close to 100 per cent at 99. 4 per cent of the 1995 budget. 44 1992 I commitments • contracts payments Contracted funds Phare's increase in the amount of funds contracted continued during 1995 with the largest contracted amount (ECU 1,142. 9 million) of any year since the Programme began. The improvement in contracting can be attributed to the following three factors The budget year to which the contracts signed in each calendar year refer can be seen in Figure 3. Fig. 3 - Contracts concluded by calendar year (in ECU million) the distribution of • decentralisation - implementation structures in each of the partner countries are now in place and the efforts made in 1994 to standardise procedures, most notably through the Decentralised Implementation System procedures manuals, started to bear fruit in 1995. Accordingly, 1995 was the first year in which the contracting level was higher among the Programme Management Units in Brussels. improved programme quality in programme design, especially in 1994, led to a faster execution of programmes and more efficient and effective contracting. implementation review - during the first half of 1995, a systematic and detailed follow up of all programmes was undertaken. Through this process, programmes were reviewed, difficulties in implementation identified and measures designed to speed up implementation. This resulted in higher contracting levels. improvements (PMUs) than • • - Funding procedure As part of the Phare Programme, there are three steps which the take to the point where Budgetary Authority projects are implemented and funds disbursed. the annual budget approved by through Phare has a financial management procedure which matches this process. Commitment - Each year a Phare budget is agreed, indicating the funds which the Commission is prepared to commit through the Phare Programme in each country. Country operational programmes are then designed and financing proposals prepared. Once these financing proposals have been given a favourable opinion by the Phare Management Committee and funds decided by associated with these proposals are said to have been 'committed'. Phare must commit its entire annual budget within the year to which that budget applies. the Commission, the relevant ^ I M 5 _3 1990 budget 1991 budget 1992 budget 1993 budget 1994 budget 1995 budget 98. 4% 99. 0% 81. 1% 59. 6% 46. 6% 21. 1% % contracted as of 31. 12. 95 contracted in 1990 • contracted in 1991 • contracted in 1992 • contracted in 1993 • contracted in 1994 • contracted in 1995 • not yet contracted Contracting - Once funds have been committed, tenders are issued so that the activities outlined in the operational programmes can be put into practice. As soon as a tender has been successfully completed and a contract signed, the relevant funds are said to have been 'contracted'. Contracting is a key measure of the implementation of the Programme, as it is via the contracts that Phare funding is unlocked and real implementation on the ground can start. Payment - Payment is the final stage of the funding process. It takes place over the period of each contract, reflecting the completion of each component of the project. As projects may take several years, payments are often spread over the same time. It is for this reason that payments always lag behind the committed and contracted amounts. 45 Fig. 4 - Payments in each budget year (in ECU million) Paid funds Payments in 1995 were 85. 3 per cent of the budgeted amount. This was lower than the 1994 level of 99 per cent mainly because of two specific factors • • the suspension of ECU 20 million of macro-economic aid to Albania, and the difficulties in operation. implementing cross-border co Nonetheless, payments increased in 1995 by 5. 5 per cent over 1994. the high Given level of contracting previously, in 1994 it is anticipated payments will rise as these contracts run their course. in 1995 and, that levels of The budget year to which the payments in each year relate can be seen in Figure 4. 1990 budget 98. 3% 1991 budget 92. 3% 1992 budget 77. 9% 1993 budget 54. 5% 1994 budget 30. 4% 1995 budget 5,5% % paid as of 31. 12. 95 paid in 1990 paid in 1991 • paid in 1992 • paid in 1993 • paid in 1994 • paid in 1995 • not yet paid Cumulative contracts and payments as a percentage of cumulative commitments. Fig. 5 - Cumulative contracts and payments 1990-1995 (%) These are important indicators. In the first place, they demonstrate the extent to which Phare has cut down the time taken between committing funds and issuing the necessary contracts. This is therefore a measure of the efficiency they demonstrate the time taken between issuing the contracts and paying the funds. This is a both a measure of Phare's efficiency and an indicator as to the efficiency of project management on the ground. of Phare procedures. Secondly, It is therefore encouraging that both ratios continued to improve in 1995. Cumulative contracts as a percentage of cumulative commitments grew 10 per cent from 1994 to 62 per cent, and cumulative payments also showed a respectable increase of 3 per cent to 53%. The ratios over time are shown in Figure 5. 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 31. 0 36. 0 44. 0 48. 0 52. 0 62. 0 35. 0 36. 0 39. 0 43. 0 50. 0 53. 0 Cumulative contracts as percentage of cumulative commitments Cumulative payments as percentage of cumulative commitments 46 Major programmes launched in 1995 Agriculture Education and health Agricultural and rural development programme Poland ECU 13 million Higher education reform programme Romania ECU 8 million Agricultural and rural development programme Hungary ECU 10 million Programme for social safety and health Estonia ECU 2. 9 million Agricultural and rural development programme Romania ECU 10 million Agricultural programme Bulgaria ECU 5 million Agriculture and land registration programme Slovakia ECU 2. 6 million Strategic measures for achieving reform targets (SMART) Poland ECU 7 million Vocational education and training, education reform, science and technology Bulgaria ECU 9 million Cross-border cooperation Cross-border cooperation programme Baltic Sea region ECU 14 million Cross-border cooperation programme Czech Republic with Austria ECU 6 million Cross-border cooperation programme Hungary with Austria ECU 7 million Cross-border cooperation programme Slovenia with Austria ECU 3 million Cross-border cooperation programme Slovakia with Austria ECU 4 million Cross-border cooperation programme Poland with Germany ECU 49 million Cross-border cooperation programme Czech Republic with Germany ECU 25 million Cross-border cooperation programme Albania with Greece ECU 9 million Cross-border cooperation programme Bulgaria with Greece ECU 23 million Cross-border cooperation programme Albania with Italy ECU 9 million Cross-border cooperation programme Slovenia with Italy ECU 3 million Energy Conventional energy programme Bulgaria Conventional energy programme Romania ECU 5 million ECU 21 million Energy infrastructure development programme Slovenia ECU 4. 4 million Energy programme Hungary Environment Environment programme Hungary Environment programme Poland Water management programme Hungary Infrastructure ECU 4 million ECU 7 million ECU 18 million ECU 5 million Infrastructure development programme Estonia ECU 5 million Infrastructure development programme Latvia ECU 6. 2 million 47 Infrastructure development programme Lithuania ECU 9. 5 million Privatisation programme Hungary ECU 5 million Infrastructure development programme Slovakia ECU 5. 2 million Regional development and steel reconversion programme ECU 5 million Hungary Infrastructure investment programme Czech Republic ECU 60 million Regional development programme (STRUDER II) Poland ECU 20 million Programme for technical support for the telecommunications and posts sector Romania ECU 12 million Public investment financing programme Lithuania ECU 5. 5 million Transit facilitation programme Hungary ECU 8 million Transport and communications programme Hungary ECU 17 million Transport infrastructure programme Poland ECU 22 million Transport programme Albania Transport programme Bulgaria Transport programme Romania ECU 16 million ECU 20 million ECU 5 million Private sector development and enterprise restructuring Banking sector programme Latvia ECU 2. 5 million Economic development programme Lithuania ECU 9. 6 million Economic reform programme Estonia Economic reform programme Latvia Economic reform programme Slovenia ECU 6. 1 million ECU 8. 3 million ECU 7. 6 million Foreign investment promotion programme Czech Republic ECU 1 million Private sector development programme Slovakia ECU 18. 7 million Small and medium-sized enterprise programme Poland ECU 3 million Tourism programme Hungary ECU 1 million Tourism programme (TOURIN III) Poland ECU 6 million Public institution and administrative reform European integration programme Estonia European integration programme Latvia European integration programme Lithuania European integration programme Slovakia ECU 2. 8 million ECU 1. 3 million ECU 5. 5 million ECU 5. 55 million Framework programme for the approximation of national law to EU law Bulgaria ECU 2 million Human resources development programme Czech Republic ECU 2 million Human resources development programme Lithuania ECU 4. 4 million Institutional and human resources development programme Slovenia ECU 4. 4 million Institutional and human resources development programme Latvia ECU 9. 2 million Programme for human resources development Estonia ECU 2. 7 million Public administration reform programme Hungary ECU 3 million 48 ECU 2 million Programme to facilitate transit ECU 30 million Programme for institutional integration with the EU Czech Republic Safe society programme Poland ECU 5 million ECU 2 million Social development Social assistance programme Hungary Social protection, labour markets and health programme Slovakia ECU 4. 4 million Multi-country programmes Community action for cooperation in the field of economics (ACE) ECU 10 million Cooperation in distance education ECU 10 million Cooperation in higher education ECU 3. 5 million Democracy programme ECU 10 million Environment project preparation facility ECU 15 million Facility to support approximation of environmental legislation ECU 10 million Intellectual property programme ECU 2 million Multilateral cross-border programme Partnership programme ECU 12. 95 million ECU 10 million Programme for the energy sector ECU 9 million Programme for the environment ECU 20 million Programme for telecommunications and posts ECU 7 million Programme to promote the establishment and development of joint ventures (JOP extension) Quality assurance programme Regional industrial property programme ECU 50 million ECU 30 million ECU 4 million Social protection reform programme for the Europe Agreement countries ECU 10 million Trade development programme ECU 5 million Trans-European cooperation scheme for higher education (TEMPUS II) Transport programme ECU 98. 1 million ECU 11. 5 million Others Interregional cooperation programme Know-how programme for preparation for integration into the internal market Link inter-European NGO programme (LIEN) ECU 2 million General technical assistance facility Albania ECU 7 million Local community development programme Albania ECU 8. 5 million ECU 18. 5 million Technical assistance fund Czech Republic ECU 3 million ECU 10 million 49 ISSN 0254-1475 • Com (96) 360 final • DOCUMENTS • EN • Catalogue number: CB-C0-96-363-EN-C ISBN 92-78-07160-9 • Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L-2985 Luxembourg European Commission • Directorate General for External Relations: Europe and the New Independent States, Common Foreign and Security Policy, External Missions (DG IA) Information Unit - Phare Office Address Montoyerstraat 34 Rue Montoyer B-1000 Brussels Mailing Address MO 34 3/80 Wetstraat 200 Rue de la Loi B-1049 Brussels World Wide Web Address http://europa. eu. int/en/comm/dgla/phare. html Tel (+32-2) 299 16 00 / 299 14 44 / 299 15 55 Fax (+32-2) 299 17 77 E-mail phare. info@dgla. cec. be P/EN/08. 96/02/02/11/B English