Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 8 / Trend I.Khalilova /
The European Commission launched discussions with the Azerbaijani government on indicative program for 2011-2013 under the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP), the TACIS Coordinating Unit Executive Director Rufat Mammadov said today. The first indicative program covers 2007-2010 years.
"The European Commission's mission is likely to visit Baku to mull new tools in the second indicative program ENP in late January," he added.
The EU stands ready to increase funding for this program that exceeds the pledged funds and technical assistance for the implementation of activities under the ENP, 2007-2010. According to Mammadov, the European Commission has not decided on an overall budget for the new program, but according to preliminary calculations, it will reach 120 million euros. The previous program was approved with the budget of 88 million euros.
"The program budget until 2013 will be increased at the expense of funds that will be partially allocated by the EU for Eastern Partnership," he added.
The European Ministerial Council approved the establishment of Eastern Partnership forum with the participation of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus June 20, 2008. The EU has allocated 300 million euros for this initiative, but the budget for each country has not yet specified.
Priorities of the ENP Action Plan for Azerbaijan approved in November 2006 in Brussels, identified followings: strengthening democracy, improving business and investment climate, support to durable economic development, harmonization of legislation in the economic and management practices, strengthening the EU- Azerbaijan cooperation in the energy and transport sector, regional cooperation, cooperation with the field border management, etc.
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