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EC/Moldova Partnership and Cooperation Agreement: framework agreement on the general principles for the participation of Moldova in Union programmes. Protocol

2010/0102(NLE)

PURPOSE: the conclusion of a Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Moldova, of the other part, on the general principles for the participation of Moldova in Union programmes.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Decision 2011/283/EU of the Council on the conclusion of a Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement establishing a partnership between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part, on a Framework Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova on the general principles for the participation of the Republic of Moldova in Union programmes.

BACKGROUND: the Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Moldova, of the other part, on the general principles for the participation of Moldova in Union programmes was signed on behalf of the Union on 30 September 2010.

It is now appropriate to conclude this Protocol on the EU’s behalf.

CONTENT: by means of this decision, the EU concludes a Protocol on a Framework Agreement on the general principles for the participation of the Republic of Moldova in Union programmes.

The Protocol details the specific terms and conditions applicable to Moldova’s participation in each programme, in particular the financial contribution as well as reporting and evaluation procedures that need to be settled in the context of an agreement between the European Commission, acting on behalf of the Union, and Moldova.

Its main provisions may be summarised as follows:

  • Moldova shall be allowed to participate in all current and future programmes of the Union opened to its participation in accordance with the relevant provisions adopting those programmes;
  • Moldova shall contribute financially to the general budget of the European Union corresponding to the specific programmes in which it participates;
  • its representatives shall be allowed to take part, as observers and for the points which concern Moldova, in the management committees responsible for monitoring the programmes to which Moldova contributes financially;
  • projects and initiatives submitted by participants from Moldova shall, as far as possible, be subject to the same conditions, rules and procedures pertaining to the programmes concerned as applied to Member States;
  • the specific terms and conditions regarding the participation of Moldova in each particular programme, in particular the financial contribution payable, as well as reporting and evaluation procedures, shall be determined by agreement in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Commission, acting on behalf of the Union, and the competent authorities of Moldova (Protocol to the Agreement);
  • financial control or audits or other verifications, including administrative investigations, will be carried out by, or under the authority of, the Commission, the European Anti-Fraud Office and the Court of Auditors;
  • the Protocol shall apply for the period for which the Agreement is in force;
  • no later than three years after the date of entry into force of this Protocol, and every three years thereafter, both Parties may review the implementation of this Protocol on the basis of the actual participation of Moldova in Union programmes.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: the Decision enters into force on 12 April 2011. The Agreement enters into force once all of the necessary procedures have been completed.