Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2013)663 - Transitional EDF management measures from 1 January 2014 until the entry into force of the 11th European Development Fund

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According to Article 1(5) of the 10th EDF Internal Agreement, the funds of the 10th EDF shall no longer be committed beyond 31 December 2013 unless the Council decides otherwise unanimously, on a proposal from the Commission.

The Internal Agreement establishing the eleventh European Development Fund (11th EDF) was signed by the Member States, meeting within the Council, in June 2013. This Internal Agreement will only enter into force after ratification by all the Member States. This process will probably not be concluded before January 2014.

Therefore the Commission proposes transitional measures (‘Bridging Facility’) to ensure the availability of funds for cooperation with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries and with Overseas Countries and Territories, as well as for support expenditure, between January 2014 and the entry into force of the Internal Agreement establishing the 11th EDF. This facility shall be financed from balances and decommitted funds of the 10th and previous EDFs.

It is also proposed that funds committed under this Bridging Facility shall be accounted for under the 11th EDF, which means that they would not constitute additional resources to the 11th EDF, and that the necessary measures shall be adopted as soon as possible for the operational and financial management of this Bridging Facility.

The Commission therefore suggests that the Council adopt the attached decision.