CROATIA, EC TO SIGN CARDS FINANCING AGREEMENT NEXT WEEK

ZAGREB, Aug 29 (Hina) - The chief of the European Commission (EC) Delegation in Croatia, Jacques Wunenburger, and Croatia's European Integration Minister Neven Mimica will sign an agreement on the financing of the annual CARDS programme in the amount of EUR62 million in Zagreb on Tuesday, the ministry said on Friday. #L# The agreement will formally and legally approve the use of funds necessary for the implementation of projects agreed on between relevant Croatian and EC bodies. Of the EUR62 million, 17 mln will be spent on democratic stabilisation, 17.5 mln on economic and social development, 12 mln on the justice system and internal affairs, 11.8 mln on the strengthening of administration, and 3.7 mln on the environment and natural resources. The ministry statement recalled the above projects were aimed at helping in the implementation of commitments Croatia undertook under the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union. Next week's financial agreement is the third the Croatian government signs with the EC. Since 1991, the EC has approved more than EUR6.1 billion of European Community funds for Western Balkan countries. In the 2000-6 period, EUR4.65 billion has been set aside to help these five countries' integration into Europe. All levels of the CARDS (Community Assistance for Reconstruction, Democratisation and Stabilisation) programme have been worked out in full cooperation with the Croatian government and non- governmental organisations. (hina) ha