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1. The Commission shall appraise, approve and administer operations covered by this Regulation according to the budgetary procedures in force, and in particular those laid down in the Financial Regulation of 21 December 1977 applicable to the general budget of the European Communities(8).

2. Project and programme appraisal shall take into account the following factors:

(a) effectiveness and viability of operations;

(b) cultural, social, gender and environmental aspects;

(c) conservation and protection of the environment on the basis of the principles of sustainable development;

(d) institutional development necessary to achieve project goals;

(e) experience gained from operations of the same kind.

3. Decisions relating to grants of more than EUR 2 million for individual operations financed under this Regulation shall be taken under the procedure laid down in Article 7(2). The Commission shall inform the MED Committee succinctly of any financing decisions it intends to take with regard to projects and programmes of less than EUR 2 million in value. The information shall be made available at least one week before the decision is taken.

The Commission shall take all necessary steps to facilitate the grant of aid to small, non-profit-making NGOs.

4. Provided that the overrun or additional requirement is not more than 20 % of the initial commitment fixed by the financing decision, the Commission is authorised to approve, without seeking the opinion of the MED Committee, any extra commitments needed for covering expected or real cost overruns in connection with the operations. Where the additional commitment referred to in the first subparagraph is less than EUR 4 million, the MED Committee shall be informed of the decision taken by the Commission. Where the additional commitment is more than EUR 4 million but less than 20 % of the initial commitment, the Committee's opinion is required.

5. All financing agreements or contracts concluded under this Regulation shall provide for the Commission and the Court of Auditors to conduct on-the-spot checks according to the usual procedures laid down by the Commission under the rules in force, and in particular those of the Financial Regulation.

6. Where operations are the subject of financing agreements between the Community and Turkey, such agreements shall stipulate that the payment of taxes, duties or any other charges is not to be covered by the Community.

7. Participation in invitations to tender and the award of contracts shall be open on equal terms to any natural or legal person of the Member States and Turkey.

8. Supplies shall originate in the Member States or Turkey.