The European Commission (EC) the preliminary budget for Azerbaijan for 2007 within the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP), is intending to allocate в'¬17.19 mln for the Country, Asker Alekperov, Executive Director of the Co-ordination Office of Technical Assistance Programs of the European Union (TACIS) for Azerbaijan told Trend.
The budget will be increased over the next year. However, distributions for the impending years have not been confirmed as yet due to the fact that the budget for 2007-2010 has not been confirmed. Distribution within the programs will be prepared and carried out annually, Alekperov stated. According to him, preparations of the program have already begun.
The European Union has prepared the first modification of the program after
consultations in Baku. At present, it is being examined by the state bodies of Azerbaijan.
The European Commission intends to realize the financing of two programs, TACIS and MEDA. The budget for ENP for 2007-2013 is proposed in the amount of в'¬15 bln. These funds will be disbursed amongst various countries.
The priority of the action plan for Azerbaijan have been defined, namely strengthening the democracy in the Country, upgrading the business and investment climate, supporting sustainable economic development, strengthening the co-operation between the EU and Azerbaijan with regards to energy and transport, regional co-operation, border co-operation, etc. The events are divided into three key areas, the improvement of the management system; economical and social reforms; energy, transport, ecology and infrastructure.