Integration of the environmental dimension in developing countries development
The European Community will allocate 50.4 million euro in funds to assist developing countries' full integration of the environmental dimension in their development processes, if both the Council of the European Communities and the European Parliament agree the Council's common position on a Commission proposal to this end. The text of the Council's common position on this topic (which it adopted on 16 December 1999) is now available from the Official Journal of the European Communities. The proposal aims to ensure the continuation of activities implemented under previous regulations. It takes the form of a multiannual programme to promote measures at international level to support developing countries in their efforts to integrate the environmental dimension into their development process. 'To this end, the Community shall provide financial assistance and appropriate expertise aimed at drawing up and promoting the implementation of policies, strategies, tools and technologies for the pursuit of sustainable development', says the Council. Community support shall be provided directly to developing country stakeholders as well as indirectly through the strengthening of the environmental dimension of Community economic and development cooperation in Community programmes. The assistance and expertise provided under this regulation should also complement and reinforce that provided through other instruments of development cooperation, the Council adds.