Brussels, 13.9.2013
C(2013) 5809 final
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 20001, as first amended in Luxembourg on 25 June 20052 and as amended for the second time in Ouagadougou on 22 June 20103, and in particular Article 72 thereof,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 617/2007 of 14 May 2007 on the implementation of the 10th European Development Fund under the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement4, and in particular Articles 5.4 and 8 thereof;
Whereas:
(1) As the situation continues to evolve in Mali and the planning for the introduction of more transitional and LRRD (Linking Relief, Rehabilitation and Development) activities has become possible, a number of transitional activities have been identified to maintain basic services to those in need until the public authorities, with the support of development partners, have been able to fully restore access to water, primary health care, food security, employment opportunities and schooling.
(2) Progress in implementing these transitional activities will be very important in encouraging the free and voluntary return of the internally displaced and refugees when security conditions permit this.
(3) To reach populations in need, aid should be channelled through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or international organisations including United Nations (UN) agencies. Therefore, the European Commission should implement the budget by direct centralised management or by joint management.
(4) An assessment of the humanitarian situation leads to the conclusion that humanitarian aid actions should be financed by the European Union for a period of 12 months.
(5) The use of the 10th European Development Fund is necessary as all the funds for ACP countries in the general budget are entirely allocated.
(6) It is estimated that an amount of EUR 23 226 215 from Mali's allocation for unforeseen needs (B-envelope) of the 10th European Development Fund is necessary to provide humanitarian assistance to populations directly affected by the conflict. Although as a general rule actions funded by this Decision should be co-financed, the Authorising Officer, in accordance with Article 103.3 of the Financial Regulation applicable to the 10th EDF5, together with Article 277 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 Union (hereinafter referred to as 'the Rules of Application'6), may agree to the full financing of actions;
(7) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the European Development Fund Committee set up by Article 8 of the Internal Agreement of 17 July 2006.
