An overview of the TACIS programme in 1997
The 1997 Annual Report on the TACIS technical assistance programme has recently been published by the European Commission. The programme provides technical assistance to the economic reform and recovery process in the New Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia. One of the most important events during 1997 was the entry into force in December of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Russia, with PCAs for the ten other NIS being in the course of ratification. These provide a new political framework for the operation of TACIS, and are designed to ensure real partnership and an enduring framework for the sustainable security and prosperity of citizens. An interim evaluation of TACIS was conducted during 1997, and concluded that the contribution of the programme to the process of transition has been relevant. According to monitoring reports 80% of TACIS projects are seen as having achieved their planned outputs. In addition 87% of the projects were considered to be well-targeted at the needs of selected partners and beneficiaries, and 75% are considered to have achieved a positive impact in terms of capacity building in the partner organisations, suggesting a positive impact on economic performance in the future. The report provides a review of each of the TACIS countries and devotes a section to specific projects such as retraining of personnel, constitutional court development, and an agricultural credit scheme. Further sections contain information on the PHARE and TACIS Democracy programme and information on the financial and operational performance of the programme. In addition, information on TACIS funds allocated by sector, a chronology of events from 1991 to 1997 and a summary of forthcoming developments within the programme is also contained in the report.