ABSTRACT
Another means of ensuring that aid is put to most effective use is the simplification of rules and procedures. This should not be taken to imply the relaxation of rules since, at the same time, the Commission is intent upon a more rigorous approach to financial management. Hitherto, each Fund tended to have its own arrangements for making commitments and payments. From now on these are to be harmonized, with greater flexibility in terms of the submission of grant applications in order to avoid the bunching of commitments towards the end of the financial year. There is also to be better co-ordination of advances, instalments and the payment of balances.
