C(2021)07016

This Commission Delegated Regulation supplements Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the definition of certain specific objectives and thematic priorities for assistance under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III).

Background

The Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) assists candidate and potential candidate countries to adopt and implement the major political, institutional, social and economic reforms necessary to conform to the values of the EU and to gradually align with its rules, standards and policies. IPA III has a budget of over EUR 14 billion for the period 2021-2027.

Content

This delegated act supplements the IPA III Regulation and sets out certain specific objectives and thematic priorities for assistance . The following objectives and priorities are clarified:

- establishing and promoting from an early stage the proper functioning of the institutions necessary to secure the rule of law and consolidating further democratic institution;

- strengthening capacities to face regional and international migration challenges and to further consolidate border and migration management;

- enhancing capacities for strategic communication, including communication to the public on the reforms needed to meet the EU membership criteria;

- enhancing good governance and reforming public administrations in line with the principles of public administration;

- strengthening fiscal and economic governance;

- strengthening all aspects of good neighbourly relations, regional stability and mutual cooperation;

- strengthening the capacity of the EU and its partners to prevent conflict;

- consolidating peace and responding to pre-crisis and post-crisis needs;

- strengthening the capacities, independence and plurality of civil society organisations and social partners’ organisations, including professional associations;

- promoting the alignment of beneficiaries' rules, standards, policies and practices with those of the EU, including public procurement and state aid rules;

- promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls;

- strengthening access to and quality of education, training and lifelong learning at all levels, and providing support to the cultural and creative sectors and sport;

- fostering quality jobs and access to the labour market;

- promoting social protection and inclusion and combating poverty;

- protecting the environment and improving its quality;

- reinforcing cross-border cooperation between IPA III beneficiaries.

C(2021)07016