§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance he is giving to Bulgaria to aid its preparations for eventual membership of the European Union. [44381]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonThe Luxembourg European Council last December agreed to enhance the pre-accession strategy for the Central European EU applicants to help them prepare for membership. The principal new element of this strategy are the Accession Partnerships, which identify the main priority areas for each candidate where progress is necessary to meet the Copenhagen Criteria for membership. The UK Presidency implemented the remit from Luxembourg to conclude the Accession Partnerships by the end of March.
The EU's Phare programme will target the priorities identified in the Accession Partnerships. Between 1995 and 1999, Phare spending on Bulgaria will be 415 mecu. (UK share approximately £49 million). In addition, the Department for International Development's Know How Fund has provided approximately £15 million of assistance to Bulgaria since 1991. This has been designed to help the transition to democratic pluralism and a market economy, in particular, by supporting the strengthening of civil society and promoting social inclusiveness, paying particular attention to the needs of vulnerable groups.