EUROPEAN
COMMISSION
Brussels, 27.1.2015
C(2015) 303 final
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION
of 27.1.2015
on the Annual Action Programme 2015 for election observation to be financed under
Article 19 04 01 of the general budget of the European Union
EN EN
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION
of 27.1.2015
on the Annual Action Programme 2015 for election observation to be financed under
Article 19 04 01 of the general budget of the European Union
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to the Regulation (EU) No 236/2014 of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 11 March 2014 laying down common rules and procedures for the implementation
of the Union's instruments for financing external action (hereinafter "Common Implementing
Regulation")1, and in particular Article 2 (1) thereof,
Having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of
the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the
Union2 (hereinafter 'Financial Regulation'), and in particular Article 84(2) thereof,
Whereas:
(1)
The EIDHR Strategy Paper 2014-20173 was adopted by the Commission on
21 October 2014 pursuant to Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 235/2014 of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing a financing
instrument for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide4 (hereinafter
"EIDHR"). Point 6(4) of the EIDHR Strategy Paper provides for the following
priority:
Objective 4: EU Election Observation.
(2)
In order to ensure the deployment of the European Union Election Observation
Missions (EU EOMs) in the countries which are on the priority list approved by the
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-
President of the European Commission5, it is necessary to adopt a Financing Decision
and an Annual Action Programme for 2015;
(3)
In line with Article 2 (1) (d) of the EIDHR election observation is a key element of the
EU's objective to promote democracy accross the world by enhancing confidence in
the electoral process, strengthening accountable institutions and promoting civil
society participation and consolidating stability, particularly in countries where the
EU is engaged in post-conflict stabilisation;
1
OJ L 77, 15.3.2014, p. 95
2
OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1.
3 C(2014)
7529
4
OJ L 77, 15.3.2014, p. 85.
5
The definitive list of priority countries is established and updated by the EEAS, after consulting the FPI
on budget availability and feasibility, and after consulting Member States and the European Parliament.
The decision whether to send an election observation mission is taken by the HR/VP on the basis of a
proposal by the EEAS. The HR/VP shall twice a year inform the College of the decisions taken to send
election observation missions.
EN
2
EN
(4)
The deployment of election observation missions brings substantial added value to the
democratic process of partner countries as well as to the peaceful transition of
countries emerging from civil strife or war. Given the particular context in which
election observation missions are deployed (tight time schedules, unexpected changes
to the deployment plan due to unforeseen exogenous factors), the 2015 Annual Action
Programme for election observation requires flexibility in adjusting the list of
priorities to new emerging ones and in line with the EU political priorities, budget
availability and timely implementation of EU EOMs, particularly at the beginning of
2015;
(5)
Action entitled “Annex: Annual Action Programme for 2015 for Election Observation
missions (EOMs) and complementary activities" describes concisely the objectives
and way of implementation of the action;
(6)
This Decision complies with the conditions laid down in Article 94 of Commission
Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/2012 of 29 October 2012 on the rules of
application of Regulation No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council
on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union6;
(7)
The maximum contribution of the European Union set by this Decision should cover
any possible claims for interest due for late payment on the basis of Article 92 of
Regulation (EU, EURATOM) No 966/2012 and Article 111(4) of Delegated
Regulation (EU) No 1268/2012;
(8)
The Commission is required to define the term "non-substantial change" in the sense
of Article 94(4) of Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/2012 to ensure that any such
changes can be adopted by the authorising officer by delegation, or under his or her
responsibility, by sub-delegation;
(9)
The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the
Democracy and Human Rights Committee set up pursuant to Article 8 of the EIDHR7.
HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:
Article 1
Adoption of the measure
The following Annual Action Programme, constituted by the actions identified in the second
paragraph and attached as an annex, is approved:
Annual Action Programme 2015 for election observation to be financed under
Article 19 04 01 of the general budget of the European Union.
The actions constituting this measure are:
–
Annex: Annual Action Programme for 2015 for Election Observation missions
(EOMs) and complementary activities.
6
OJ L 362, 31.12.2002, p. 1.
7
Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No 235/2014
EN
3
EN
Article 2
Financial contribution
The maximum contribution of the European Union authorised by this Decision for the
implementation of this Programme is set at EUR 41.267.086 to be financed from budget line
19 04 01 of the European Union's general budget for 2015.
The implementation of this Decision is subject to the availability of the appropriations
following the adoption of the general budget of the European Union referred to in the first
paragraph or as provided for in the system of provisional twelfths.
The Authorising Officer by delegation is hereby authorised to adapt the amount of this
decision to the appropriations on the Budget line in the finally adopted budget.
Article 3
Implementation modalities
The budget implementation of tasks related to the actions under this Annual Action
Programme shall be carried out through direct management.
The financial contribution referred to in Article 2 shall also cover any possible interests due
for late payment.
Article 4
Non-substantial changes
Increases or decreases of up to EUR 10 million not exceeding 20 % of the contribution
referred to in the first paragraph of Article 2, or cumulated changes to the allocations of
specific actions not exceeding 20 % of that contribution shall not be considered substantial,
provided that they do not significantly affect the nature and objectives of the actions. The
authorising officer responsible may adopt these non-substantial changes in accordance with
the principles of sound financial management and proportionality.
Done at Brussels, 27.1.2015
For the Commission
Federica
MOGHERINI
Vice-President
EN
4
EN