Proposal for a Council Decision modifying the Internal Agreement on the financing of European Union aid under the multi-annual financial framework for the period 2014 to 2020

The Internal Agreement between the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the financing of European Union aid under the multi-annual financial framework for the period 2014 to 2020, in accordance with the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, and on the allocation of the financial assistance for the Overseas Countries and Territories to which part Four of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU applies was signed on 26 June 2013.

The Republic of Croatia acceded to the European Union on 1 July 2013. According to the Joint Declaration attached to the Act concerning the conditions of accession, Croatia will accede to the European Development Fund as of the entry into force of the new Multiannual Financial Framework of Cooperation following its accession to the Union.

As regards the contribution of the Member States to the eleventh European Development Fund ('11th EDF'), Article 1(2)(a) of the Internal Agreement contains merely the estimated contribution and contribution key for Croatia. It is stated in Article 1(7) of the Internal Agreement that the amounts and contribution keys shall be amended by a decision of the Council acting unanimously on a proposal from the Commission, should a new State accede to the Union.

Regarding the weighting of votes in the EDF Committee, Article 8(2) of the Internal Agreement contains merely the estimated votes for Croatia. It is stated in Article 8(4) of the Internal Agreement that the weightings and the qualified majority shall be amended by a decision of the Council acting unanimously, should a new State accede to the Union.

On the aforementioned basis the estimated contributions and votes for Croatia shall be confirmed by the attached draft decision of the Council. The Commission therefore suggests that the Council adopts the attached decision.