Article 3 Strategy papers and indicative programmes

Community assistance under this Regulation shall be implemented on the basis of multi-annual strategy papers and indicative programmes.

The multi-annual strategy papers, covering one or more countries, shall constitute the general basis for the implementation of assistance under Article 2, and shall be established for a period of up to seven years. They shall set out the Community's strategy for the provision of assistance under this Regulation, having regard to the needs of the countries concerned, the Community's priorities, the international situation and the activities of the main partners.

In drawing up these strategy papers, the Commission shall ensure that they are consistent with the strategies and measures adopted under other European Community instruments for external assistance.

Strategy papers shall contain multi-annual indicative programmes, setting out the priority areas selected for Community financing, the specific objectives and expected results, and the indicative financial allocations, overall and for each priority area. The financial allocations may be given in the form of a range where appropriate. These indicative programmes shall be established in consultation with the partner country or countries concerned.