HL Deb 24 September 2002 vol 638 cc243-4WA
Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What aid has been given to the Russian Federation by the European Union since 1991 under the Tacis scheme in respect of the environment, and in particular in connection with nuclear installations. [HL5713]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The Tacis programme has provided a range of environmental support in the Russian Federation, including in the harmonisation of environmental standards, institutional strengthening and capacity building for improved environmental management at central and local level, and in the raising of public awareness. The Tacis programme committed more than €774 million over the period 1991–2000 to improve nuclear safety in countries of the CIS, particularly the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The Tacis regulation covering the period 2000–06 concentrates Tacis activity on six areas of co-operation, including environmental protection, the rural economy, and nuclear safety.

Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What aid has been given to the Russian Federation by the European Union since 1991 under the Tacis scheme in respect of human resources, and in particular in connection with education. [HL5714]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Institutional, legal and administrative reform is a priority area for Tacis co-operation. European Union support for higher education is given through the Tempus programme. The Russian Federation joined the Tempus programme in 1993. Between 1993 and 1999 a total of 296 programmes were sponsored, with a programme budget for the period of €69 million. Tempus support to the Russian Federation focuses on the social sciences and humanities, as well as on management and business, with a special focus on university management.

Lord Jopling

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the European Union or its member states run any programmes to train legal personnel in Russia; and, if so, what are those programmes. [HL5718]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

From 1991 to 2001 the EU's Tacis programme committed €280 million in support for institutional, legal and administrative reform in Russia, which included training of legal personnel. The current, indicative Tacis programme for Russia includes a specific allocation of €20 million for support of judicial reform.

The UK's Department for International Development is preparing a second phase of its existing judicial support project, which will take the UK's commitment to judicial training in Russia to nearly £4 million. The World Bank, the Council of Europe and other EU member states are also active in this area.

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