Press Release: Commission shakes up management of external assistance

The European Commission launched an ambitious reform to overhaul the management of external assistance programmes on 16 May 2000. The main objectives of the Commission's far reaching programme are to reduce substantially the time taken to implement approved projects; to make significant improvements in the quality and responsiveness of project management; to ensure robust management procedures in line with best international standards; and to improve the impact and visibility of EU aid. The reform covers the following main areas: (1) a radical overhaul of programming to better reflect the EU's policy objectives and priorities; (2) integration of the project cycle from identification of projects through their full implementation; (3) creation of a single body in charge of project implementation; (4) extensive devolution of project management to the Commission's external delegations and, where possible, to authorities in third countries; and (5) urgent measures to eliminate old and dormant commitments.