§ 26. Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the preparations for the enlargement of the European Union with regard to the reform of the European structural policy. [83525]
§ Ms QuinReforms to the structural and cohesion funds were agreed at the Berlin European Council on 24–25 March. These reforms were part of a consolidated effort to bring EU spending under stricter control to prepare the European Union for enlargement. Enlargement will not require an increase to the Own Resources ceiling (1.27 per cent.) of Community GNP. Despite that, substantial funds will be available to provide assistance during the financing period 2000–06 to applicants for membership, before and after accession.