Developing and consolidating democracy and the rule of law, respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms: requirements for the implementation of development cooperation operations

PURPOSE : to extend the period of validity of Council Regulation 975/1999/EC.

LEGISLATIVE ACT : Regulation 2240/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation 975/1999/EC laying down the requirements for the implementation of development cooperation operations which contribute to the general objective of developing and consolidating democracy and the rule of law and to that of respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms.

CONTENT : Regulation 975/1999/EC has proved to be an adequate legal instrument for the implementation of the Community's technical and financial support for human rights and democratisation activities in developing and other third countries in pursuit of the overall objectives in this field. The period of validity of that Regulation, however, expires on 31 December 2004. This Regulation extends that period until 31/12/2006.

Furthermore:

- The financial framework for the implementation of this Regulation for the period from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2006 is set at EUR 134 million;

- The provisions of Regulation 975/1999/EC on procedures for the implementation of aid are

aligned with the legal requirements of Council Regulation 1605/2002/EC on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities in the implementation of EU Election Observation Missions;

- The protection of the Community's financial interests and the fight against fraud and irregularities form an integral part of Regulation 975/1999. In particular, agreements and contracts concluded pursuant to that Regulation now authorise the Commission to carry out the measures provided for in Council Regulation 2185/96/EC concerning on-the-spot checks and inspections carried out by the Commission in order to protect the European Communities' financial interests.

This Regulation is closely linked to the amendment of Regulation 976/1999/EC (please see procedure CNS/2004/0807).

ENTRY INTO FORCE : 1 January 2005.