European Agency for Reconstruction: extension of mandate and status until 31 December 2008

 The committee adopted the report by Jelko KACIN (ALDE, SI) approving - under the consultation procedure - the proposed regulation on phasing out the European Agency for Reconstruction, subject to two amendments. MEPs stressed that, to maintain the high level of EU involvement in the region, the Commission should ensure that the accumulated knowledge and technical expertise gained during the Agency's existence is not lost during the transfer of responsibilities to the delegations. They also wanted the Commission to provide Parliament and the Council with detailed quarterly reports on the transfer process, in the interests of clarity and transparency.