2. Considers of great importance the quick release of financial assistance through the EUSF for those affected by natural catastrophes, and therefore warmly welcomes the prompt submission by Italian authorities of their application for financial assistance from the EUSF, as well as the prompt presentation by the Commission of its proposal for mobilisation of the EUSF;

2. Considers of great importance the quick release of financial assistance through the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) for those affected by natural catastrophes, and therefore warmly welcomes the prompt submission by Italian authorities of their application for financial assistance from the EUSF, as well as the prompt presentation by the Commission of its proposal for mobilisation of the EUSF;

On the basis of the information referred to in paragraph 1, and any clarifications to be provided by the eligible State, the Commission shall assess whether the conditions for mobilising the Fund are met and shall determine the amount of any possible financial contribution from the Fund as quickly as possible and no later than six weeks after receipt of the application, counting from the date of receipt of the complete application and excluding the time needed for translation, within the limits of the financial resources available.

2. On the basis of the information referred to in paragraph 1, and any clarifications to be provided by the eligible State, the Commission shall assess whether the conditions for mobilising the Fund are met and shall determine the amount of any possible financial contribution from the Fund as quickly as possible and no later than six weeks after receipt of the application, counting from the date of receipt of the complete application and excluding the time needed for translation, within the limits of the financial resources available.

25. Emphasises that, where co-financing is concerned, the Community's financial contribution can lead to no more than the gradual removal of economic and social imbalances; calls on the Commission to carry out an accurate evaluation of the Member States' activities in regions for which Structural Fund resources have been approved and to be strict in its monitoring; urges the Member States to ensure that financial or political operations in regions qualifying for assistance strengthen and underpin the goal of economic and social cohesion;

In the area of expenditure, the Council stresses the need, in particular: - to improve the management and control of the CMO in fruit and vegetables, and requests an assessment of the intervention system in this CMO once the reform has been fully applied; - for the Structural Funds, to reduce the concentration of payments at the end of the budgetary year by improving coordination between the Commission and the Member States; - in the field of regional policy, to take every step to ensure that the proper procedure is followed in respect of public works contracts, and to apply stringently environmental legislation in all action financed ...[+++]from the Community budget; - regarding policy on SMEs, to use a more precise and realistic definition of SMEs and to facilitate their access to the existing instruments; - in the area of research (Human Capital and Mobility programme), to ensure comprehensive, consistent management of the programme, and optimum coordination of the departments concerned; - regarding the PHARE and TACIS programmes, to improve coordination between those taking part, in order to ensure that the studies carried out are followed by specific action, and to conduct a systematic prior assessment before any decision is taken to renew each programme; - with respect to the programmes concerning the Mediterranean countries, to improve the allocation of its human resources, in order to optimize the conditions for implementing its programmes; - regarding the Commission's external delegations, to ensure strict compliance with Community rules on statutory and financial matters, and the establishment of an inventory of all movable property.