Answer given by Mr Cioloş on behalf of the Commission
5.5.2010
The initiative of changing the rural development programme belongs to the Member State in question, in this case to the Romanian Managing Authority for the National Rural Development Programme within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The changes of the rural development programme once decided upon by the Member State need to be notified to the Commission. The Commission shall inform the Member State of the results of the assessment within four to six months (taking into account the nature of the amendment) from the date of receipt of the request regarding the programme's change according to the Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005[1].
However, the Commission draws the Honourable Member’s attention to the fact that the Romanian authorities have already informed the Commission of their decision to implement a specific support measure under Article 68(1)(a)(ii) of Regulation (EC) No 73/2009[2] in order to grant support for improving the quality in the organic farming sector.
- [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 of 20 September 2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), OJ L 277, 21.10.2005.
- [2] Council Regulation (EC) No 73/2009 of 19 January 2009 establishing common rules for direct support schemes for farmers under the common agricultural policy and establishing certain support schemes for farmers, amending Regulations (EC) No 1290/2005, (EC) No 247/2006, (EC) No 378/2007 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003, OJ L 30, 31.1.2009.