L 125/24 [EN Official Journal of the European Communities 5.5.2001 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 9 April 2001 laying down the new guidelines applicable to actions and measures to be taken under the multiannual programme to promote international cooperation in the energy sector (1998 to 2002) under the multiannual framework programme for actions in the energy sector and connected measures (2001/353/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Decision 1999/21/EC, Euratom of 14 December 1998 adopting a multiannual framework programme for actions in the energy sector (1998 to 2002) and connected measures (1), and in particular Article 4 thereof, Having regard to Council Decision 1999/23/EC of 14 December 1998 adopting a multiannual programme to promote international cooperation in the energy sector (1998 to 2002) (), (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Synergy programme’), Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Whereas: (1) In order to enhance efficiency, the implementation of the Synergy programme needs to be adjusted, especially with regard to tasks relating to programme and project management. (2)  The Synergy programme has resulted in a substantial number of small contracts spread over a large geograph- ical area, as stated in the last evaluation report. (3)  The Synergy programme is one of the programmes which have limited financial resources for a very broad field of activities. There is therefore a need to focus it more on certain priorities, to reduce the number of contracts dealt with under the programme and to increase their average amount so as to enable the targets () O] L 7, 13.1.1999, p. 16. () O] L 7, 13.1.1999, p. 23. for Commission reform to be met as regards programme management. (4 The Commission presented new guidelines for actions and measures to be undertaken in the framework of the Synergy programme, but they were not accepted by the Framework Programme Committee. (5)  This Decision does not prejudge decisions on other programmes under the current framework programme on energy (1998 to 2002) nor on the forthcoming proposal for a multiannual framework programme. (6)  The guidelines should not affect the action programme referred to in Article 5 of Decision 1999/23/EC or the indicative programme set out in the Annex thereto, HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Sole Atrticle The Council hereby approves the new guidelines for the Synergy programme annexed to this Decision, which shall prevail without prejudice to the action programme referred to in Article 5 of Decision 1999/23/EC and the indicative programme set out in the Annex thereto. Done at Luxembourg, 9 April 2001. For the Council The President A. LINDH