MEDA: measures to continue support for a Mediterranean Partner

OBJECTIVE: to amend the Regulation establishing the MEDA programme in order to adopt the procedure for decision-making by the Council where a country fails to respect human rights and democratic principles. COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council Regulation (EC) No 780/98 amending Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 as regards the procedure for adopting the appropriate measures where an essential element for the continuation of support measures for a Mediterranean partner is lacking. SUBSTANCE: Regulation (EC) No 1488/96 establishing the MEDA programme (CNS95127) provided that in order to be eligible for Community aid, Mediterranean beneficiary countries must respect the principles of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, essential elements whose violation might justify the adoption of appropriate measures (including simply halting aid). However, that Regulation did not lay down the procedure to be adhered to in such cases, deferring the adoption of that procedure until 30.06.1997 (after the results of the Intergovernmental Conference were known). The present Regulation lays down the procedure to be followed: when an essential element for the continuation of support measures to a Mediterranean partner is missing, the Council is to decide the measures to be adopted, acting by a qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 18.04.1998.�