Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-11-28-Speech-3-188"
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".
Mr President, as I take over from Commissioner Patten who spoke on various aspects of the political situation in the Balkans, I shall focus on the three programmes for macro-financial assistance.
I should like to classify the amendments tabled into groups. The amendments concerning political conditionality, the financial Regulation and the multiannual financial framework are acceptable, in principle. In some specific cases, however, they do present certain difficulties with regard to presentation or consistency. To take the reference CARDS in connection with multiannual assistance as an example of consistency, we have stated quite clearly on a number of occasions in plenary that CARDS has nothing to do with macro-financial assistance. The two elements are quite separate and I think the processes for using them correctly, in cases that might arise, should remain distinct.
We are not favourably inclined, either, to the comment that this assistance is exceptional and will not set a precedent for the future. That is certainly the case. Nonetheless, the same is true of all macro-financial assistance. We do not, therefore, feel that it makes much sense to debate that today.
Neither do we believe that it makes much sense to include elements involving additional delays in the whole process of making this assistance available. In this connection, whilst keeping Parliament duly informed, it would be wise to give more thought to the role of the Assistance Committee, which is quite a different body.
More detailed information on all these issues can be made available later. I simply wished to give some indication as to our initial position.
As far as the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is concerned, Mr Farm has made it quite clear that we are dealing with two distinct issues. These are firstly, increasing the amount of aid, and secondly, extending the period in which it is granted.
To date, we have disbursed EUR 30 million. This is partly due to delays in reaching agreement with the International Monetary Fund on the economic programme. It is, indeed, the case that the conditions laid down pertaining to the constitutional changes now under way, and the much-needed support we are giving to economic stabilisation and the reform process mean that the International Monetary Fund’s cooperation is required. According to our information, the authorities in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia will soon have in place an economic framework with associated follow-up. This would act as a link with a support programme sponsored by the Fund.
The economic situation remains extremely precarious. The International Monetary Fund has therefore informed us of the short-term financial requirements, and of the need for increased contributions by the various donors to cover the foreign financing deficit for the years 2001 and 2002. This is the main reason for our decision to increase our additional contribution to Macedonia by EUR 18 million.
With regard to Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are currently implementing aid. EUR 60 million is committed, of which 40 million is grants and 20 million is loans. The first two tranches have already been disbursed, one at the end of 1999 and the other at the end of 2000. Progress is being achieved in the areas of stabilisation and economic reform.
We have yet to disburse the final tranche of EUR 15 million. The conditions of disbursement are close to being met. A Commission mission charged with assessing progress achieved is in Sarajevo this week. Speaking more generally, it is fair to say that the new government formed after the elections does, on occasion, take some time to carry through reform processes. It is currently negotiating a new programme with the International Monetary Fund. Mr Farm also mentioned the need to extend the period agreed on, since that initially planned for implementation of contributions has expired.
From another perspective, the rapporteur also referred to the need to adjust financial or macro-financial aid to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The current EUR 300 million, of which 225 is loans and 75 is grants is proving insufficient. EUR 260 million has already been disbursed and the Commission is currently preparing to meet with the Yugoslav authorities again in the near future. We hope it will then be possible for the second tranche to be disbursed, providing the conditions are met.
According to information received from the International Monetary Fund, however, it is clear that additional external financing will be required to eliminate the further financing deficit of EUR 150 million. This is why we are proposing to increase the grant element by EUR 45 million to a maximum grant level of EUR 120 million.
I must commend Mr Farm on his devotion to this issue and on the speed and urgency with which he has dealt with it. Thanks are also due to Mr Wynn, Chairman of the Committee on Budgets and to Mr Brok, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defence Policy for their support."@en1
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