The European Commission set up the first round of consultations under the New Neighborhood Policy (ENP). Executive Director of the Co-ordinating Bureau of EU's Technical Assistance Program (TACIS) in Azerbaijan, Asgar Alakbarov, informed Trend that talks were held within the framework of the two-day visit of the EU lead by Angelo Borgoni, authorized representative for Azerbaijan. The visit ended on 31 October.
Initial discussions were held over the 2007 budget of Azerbaijan under ENP. It is planned to allot approximately EUR 19 mln for the country, he stated.
The talks also focused on tools and projects which will be included in the indicative program designed for 2007.
The European Commission prepared the first variant of the program after consultations in Baku in July. At the moment it is in the process of interdepartmental co-ordination with the State of Azerbaijan and expected to get approval by the end of the year.
The European Commission intends to carry out the financing under two programs TACIS and MEDA. The ENP budget for 2007-2013 is calculated at the amount of EUR 15 bln, which twice exceeds the financing from 2000 to 2006. The funds will be distributed amongst the countries. Along with the technical assistance given, the EU is also ready to offer new financing systems inclusive of training.
The priority for Azerbaijan as specified in the Action Plan will include the consolidation of democracy in the country, improvement of business and investment climate, support to durable economic development, unification of the national legislation in economic sector and management experience, strengthening of co-operation between the EU and Azerbaijan in the energy and transport sectors, regional co-operation and co-operation in border management.
