TACIS 1996 Annual Report published
The European Commission has published the 1996 Annual Report for the TACIS technical assistance programme. The report outlines the progress made during the year in supporting the economic reform process in the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union and Mongolia. During June 1996, a new TACIS Regulation was approved, which secures the programme until the end of 1999. The new Regulation builds on the existing activities which are focused on the provision of know-how. Future TACIS activities will also aim to provide or attract investment to maintain the momentum of economic development. In addition to this reorientation of TACIS, the Commission is also aiming to improve the quality of TACIS projects. Advances in quality during 1996 include: improved programming procedures; better adaptation of projects to the real needs of NIS partner organizations; involvement of partner organizations in project definition; enhanced rigour and transparency in tendering and contracting procedures; greater involvement of local NIS experts; and extended monitoring systems. The TACIS programme plays a key role in consolidating the evolving relationship between the EU, its Member States and the New Independent States. The process of concluding Partnership and Cooperation Agreements with the NIS continued during 1996, with ten full PCAs signed, and nine Interim Agreements in operation. During 1996, a total of ECU 536 million was committed for the TACIS programme, including ECU 11 million for the TACIS Democracy programme. The total funding committed by TACIS between 1991 and 1996 now stands at ECU 2,804 million. A second study, commissioned by the European Parliament, shows that TACIS is, in general, making a substantial contribution to reform in the NIS. Some 80% of projects have achieved their planned output, with 71% achieving their objectives. Most importantly, 87% of projects are seen as having been well targeted at the needs of the selected partner organization.