Operations to aid uprooted people in Asian and Latin American developing countries: aid after the end of 2004

PURPOSE: An indefinite extension of Regulation 2130/2001 on operations to aid uprooted people in Asian and Latin American developing countries. LEGISLATIVE ACT : Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council CONTENT: In 2001 the European Union agreed to the establishment of aid programmes to benefit uprooted people in Asian and Latin American developing countries. This Regulation is set to expire on 31 December 2004. The provisions of the Regulation specify that the renewal of the programmes will depend on the possibility of whether or not they can be integrated into a single framework Regulation for Asia and Latin America. In July 2002 the European Commission presented a proposal which integrates aid to uprooted people in the countries concerned into a single framework document and for the repealing of Regulation 2130/2001. European Parliamentary elections, which are due to take place in June 2004, however, will interrupt the passage of this proposed revision. Such a situation could jeopardise work being carried out and/or result in the closure of many of the programmes currently being operated by the EU for uprooted people in both Asia and Latin America. The purpose of this proposal, therefore, is to extend the period of execution of the old Regulation (2130/2001) indefinitely. This would guarantee its application until it is repealed by the future Regulation concerning Community co-operation with Asian and Latin American countries. The new proposal adds a new financial reference which will apply to the remaining years of the current financial perspective 2005-2006 to the tune of EUR 141 million. Finally, the Commission makes provisions for an independent evaluation of the implementation of the Regulation. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Budget line/heading: 19 09 03 - Aid to uprooted people in Latin America Budget line/heading: 19 10 03 - Aid to uprooted people in Asian Countries Total allocation for action (Part B): EUR 141 million for commitment Period of application: For an indefinite period, although the financial framework is defined for 2005-06 Impact on staff: One Grade A, three Grade B, one Grade C plus five already existing staff and seven temporary posts.�