PART IISPECIFIC PROVISIONS

TITLE IIIREGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT COMPONENTS

CHAPTER IIProgramming

Article 154Strategic coherence framework

1

Beneficiary countries shall establish, based on the multi-annual indicative planning document, a strategic coherence framework to be discussed with the Commission. The strategic coherence framework shall constitute a reference document for the programming of the regional development component and the human resources development component.

2

The strategic coherence framework shall include:

a

a brief analysis, highlighting the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the eligible sectors and thematic priorities, under the regional development and human resources development components, where the beneficiary country intends to concentrate its assistance;

b

a description of the objectives pursued under the regional development and human resources development components, in accordance with the relevant national and Community priorities, as set up in the first multi-annual indicative planning document;

c

a list of programmes, with a brief description of the main priority axes under each programme;

d

an indicative breakdown of the financial allocations between the underlying programmes, covering a three years period, in accordance with the multi-annual indicative financial framework and the multi-annual indicative planning document, and the indicative budgetary balance between the underlying programmes for the following years, within each component.

3

In addition, the strategic coherence framework shall contain, where relevant, provisions about :

a

coordination with other national programmes supported by international financial institutions, or other relevant external assistance;

b

coordination with other IPA components, in particular the rural development component.

4

The strategic coherence framework shall be a prerequisite for the approval of the programmes under the regional development and human resources development components. It shall be submitted to the Commission prior to, or, at the latest, together with the submission for approval of the first programme under those components.

5

The strategic coherence framework shall be drafted by the strategic coordinator, under the overall responsibility of the national IPA coordinator.