THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of Council of 24 October 2006 laying down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument(1), and in particular Article 11(1) thereof,
Whereas:
(1) The Commission has adopted Regulation (EC) No 951/2007 laying down implementing rules for cross-border cooperation programmes financed under Regulation (EC) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 laying down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument(2).
(2) Given the delayed start of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument cross-border cooperation programmes, the implementation phase for projects was extended from 31 December 2014 to 31 December 2015 with the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 435/2011(3). Hence, the closure phase and relevant provisions should be adapted accordingly.
(3) Provision should be made for a clause enabling the Commission to agree on the extension of the execution period of a joint operational programme after a reasoned request from the Joint Monitoring Committee in the event of unforeseen and duly justified needs or circumstances.
(4) The effective handling of irregularities is essential in order to protect Union's financial interests and ensure the principle of sound financial management of the programmes. In this vein and given that financial corrections are the main tool used to restore irregularities concerning expenditure financed by the Union under shared management, relevant provisions on financial corrections should be introduced in the Regulation (EC) No 951/2007.
(5) In order to provide legal certainty for participating countries, it is appropriate to lay down the specific arrangements and procedures for financial corrections by the Joint Managing Authorities, respecting the principles of equal treatment, transparency and proportionality.
(6) Regulation (EC) No 951/2007 should therefore be amended accordingly.
(7) The measures provided in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Committee established by Regulation (EU) No 232/2014 of the European Parliament and of Council(4).
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:
Commission Regulation (EC) No 951/2007 of 9 August 2007 laying down implementing rules for cross-border cooperation programmes financed under Regulation (EC) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 2006 laying down general provisions establishing a European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (OJ L 210, 10.8.2007, p. 10).
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 435/2011 amending Regulation (EC) No 951/2007 laying down implementing rules for cross-border cooperation programmes financed under Regulation (EC) No 1638/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 118, 6.5.2011, p. 1).
Regulation (EU) No 232/2014 of the European Parliament and of Council of 11 March 2014 establishing a European Neighbourhood Instrument (OJ L 77, 15.3.2014, p. 27.)