Agenda 2000: support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund EAGGF

ACT : Commission Regulation 817/2004/EC laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation 1257/1999/EC on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF). CONTENT : Regulation 1257/1999/EC established a single legal framework for EAGGF support for rural development. In particular, Title II thereof specifies the measures eligible for support, their objectives and the criteria for eligibility. This legal framework applies to support for rural development throughout the Community. To supplement this framework, Commission Regulation 445/2002/EC laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation 1257/1999/EC on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) has been adopted, taking account of experience gained using the instruments applied under the various Council Regulations repealed by Article 55(1) of Regulation 1257/1999/EC. Commission Regulation 445/2002/EC has been substantially amended. In addition, when Regulation 1257/1999/EC was amended, four new measures were introduced for which detailed rules are needed. Moreover, in view of the experience gained since the beginning of the programming period, certain provisions should be clarified, in particular those relating to the procedure for amending programming documents, to the financial management of programmes and to the controls. In the interests of clarity and rationality, therefore, a new Regulation laying down detailed rules should be adopted and Regulation 445/2002/EC should be repealed. This is the aim of this Commission Regulation. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 07/05/2004.�