Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2012)288 - Extension of the period of application of the appropriate measures laid down for Guinea by Decision 2011/465/EU and amending that Decision

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dossier COM(2012)288 - Extension of the period of application of the appropriate measures laid down for Guinea by Decision 2011/465/EU and amending ...
source COM(2012)288 EN
date 14-06-2012
In July 2011 the Council of the European Union eased the appropriate measures laid down in July 2009 for Guinea, in recognition of progress made towards a return to constitutional rule since the inauguration of President Alpha Condé following democratic elections. Yet the Council recalled at the time that the transition would be complete only once free and transparent parliamentary elections had been held.

Council Decision 2011/465/EU expires on 19 July 2012. The Decision stipulates in the first milestone that the 10th EDF Country Strategy Paper and National Indicative Programme (CSP/NIP) may be signed once they are finalised and once the competent Guinean authorities have adopted and forwarded a detailed timetable (preliminary dates and stages/preparatory operations) for the holding of parliamentary elections by the end of 2011. Technical appraisal of the projects and programmes provided for in the CSP/NIP may also be carried out and funds from the 10th EDF for direct support to the people may be released. Release of the remaining funds from the 10th EDF allocated to Guinea is, however, contingent upon the second milestone, which is the holding of free and transparent parliamentary elections.

Neither of the milestones has been achieved to date. The date for holding elections has not yet been set, in spite of the numerous commitments made by President Condé to organise elections as quickly as possible. The monitoring mission carried out under Article 96 on 28-29 February 2012 established that conditions for lifting the appropriate measures had not been met.

As preparations for parliamentary elections are well behind schedule and as the situation on the ground has not changed significantly since July 2011 (date of Council Decision 2011/465/EU), the Commission believes that the period of application of the appropriate measures should be extended and the deadline for holding parliamentary election postponed until the end of 2012.

Conclusion:

The Council is requested to approve the draft Council Decision extending the period of application of the appropriate measures laid down for the Republic of Guinea by Decision 2011/465/EU.