Article 39 Budget supportF1

Article 186 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 shall apply.

Union general or sector budget support is based on mutual accountability and shared commitments to universal values, and aims at strengthening contractual partnerships between the Union and ACP States or OCTs in order to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law, to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth and to eradicate poverty.

Any decision to provide budget support shall be based on budget support policies agreed by the Union, a clear set of eligibility criteria and a careful assessment of the risks and benefits.

One of the key determinants of such a decision shall be an assessment of the commitment, record and progress of ACP States and OCTs with regard to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Budget support shall be differentiated to better respond to the political, economic and social context of the ACP States and OCTs, taking into account situations of fragility.

When providing budget support, the Commission shall clearly define and monitor its conditionality, and shall also support the development of parliamentary control and audit capacities and increase transparency and public access to information.

Disbursement of budget support shall be conditional on satisfactory progress towards achieving the objectives agreed with the ACP States and OCTs.

When providing budget support to OCTs, their institutional links to the Member State concerned shall be taken into account.