Annexes to COM(1999)536 - Information measures relating to the common agricultural policy

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dossier COM(1999)536 - Information measures relating to the common agricultural policy.
document COM(1999)536 EN
date April 17, 2000
agreements concluded under this commitment decision allow for the possibility of on-the-spot checks by the Commission and the Court of Auditors. The recipients are obliged to submit financial reports and accounts, which will be analysed both from the point of view of content and in terms of the eligibility of expenditure, in accordance with the objective of Community financing. Verification of supporting documents may be exhaustive or based on sampling and extrapolation of the findings. Wrongly paid amounts will be the subject of a recovery order.

9. ELEMENTS OF COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS

9.1 Specific and quantified objectives; target population

_ Specific objectives: the measures to be financed will target information multipliers in order to maximise the impact of the available resources.

_ Target population: organisations representing those active in farming and in rural areas at European, national and regional level, consumers' associations and environmental protection associations, national and local authorities, the press, the audiovisual media and academic circles.

9.2 Grounds for the operation

_ Need for Community financial aid, having particular regard to the principle of subsidiarity: the common agricultural policy (CAP) is one of the Community's most extensive integrated policies, consuming almost half of the budget. It is also highly complex and subject to constantly changing circumstances which call for continual adaptation. This state of affairs justifies an information policy at both national and European level, implemented by the Commission as well as the organisations representing the different parties directly concerned. Such operations will complement those implemented by the Member States and will provide not only technical explanations but also a clear, consistent overall view, while encouraging exchange of experience, networking and a better understanding among the general public of the issues facing the CAP.

_ Choice of ways and means:

(a) advantages over possible alternatives (comparative advantages): part-financing of measures proposed by third parties can mobilise more financial and human resources. Such measures, along with those implemented directly by the Commission, will meet the requirements laid down by the Treaty of Amsterdam relating to transparency and the citizen's right to information.

(b) explanatory reference to similar Community or national operations: information measures implemented by organisations and by the Commission complement those implemented by the public authorities in the Member States. There are no other Community information measures relating to the CAP.

(c) spin-off and multiplier effects expected: the measures to be financed should lead to better application of the policy, the exchange of experience and a deeper understanding of the CAP among the general public.

_ Main factors of uncertainty which could affect the specific results of the operation: none.

9.3 Monitoring and evaluation of the operation

Details and frequency of planned evaluations: the Commission will present a report on the implementation of this Regulation to the European Parliament and the Council every two years.