Brussels, 25.4.2014
C(2014) 2675 final
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid , and in particular Articles 4 and 15(2) thereof,
Having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union and repealing Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Financial Regulation') , and in particular Article 84(2) thereof;
Whereas:
(1) In the provision of humanitarian aid it is necessary to be able to call on efficient, appropriate and effective technical assistance in the theatre of operations and crisis situations in order to monitor humanitarian projects and plans and to maximise the benefits of aid for the victims.
(2) It is necessary to be able to draw on adequate and effective technical assistance structures. Such technical assistance is provided through the Regional Support Offices and the traditional country offices, all with the human and logistic resources needed to carry out their humanitarian work. Requirements for such assistance infrastructure include the remuneration of local staff, office rent and equipment, mission costs and transport and communication equipment.
(3) The technical expertise is provided by experts recruited under direct employment contracts with the Commission subject to Belgian law. This financing decision follows on from previous decisions without conferring the right to other forms of employment or privilege specified in the Staff Regulations of Officials of the European Union and conditions of employment of other servants. With the aim of developing a stronger European disaster response capacity and responding constructively to the concerns of the Council, which asked for improved humanitarian aid response mechanisms, the Commission must enhance its capacity to dispatch experts into the field by improving its rapid response capability.