PHARE performance review 1997
A special publication providing an overall review of the PHARE programme on economic aid to certain countries of Central and Eastern Europe during 1997 has recently been published. This review highlights the main achievements of the PHARE programme in the context of the EU's overall policy framework. During the course of 1997, PHARE significantly changed its focus to reflect the requirements of the developing policy environment, and in particular the reinforced pre-accession strategy as outlined in Agenda 2000. The most important shift in policy direction was therefore the move towards a much clearer focus on accession, with PHARE programmes being shaped in accordance with the priorities, as encapsulated in the Accession Partnerships. New guidelines issued during the year introduced a number of management changes, including the use of larger contracts, further decentralisation, and increased involvement for other Commission services. New rules for tenders and contracts were also introduced during the year, which have increased the transparency and rigour of the programme. Information on the programme for 1997 is provided in the publication under the following headings: - PHARE funds committed during 1997; - PHARE funds contracted from 1990 to 1997; - New PHARE guidelines; - Reform of PHARE implementation; - New tendering and contracting rules; - PHARE's interim evaluation; - PHARE and enlargement. The publication also provides two case studies which deal with regional development in the Czech Republic and the PHARE contribution to reconstruction after the floods along the Oder river in Poland in July 1997.