L 198/8 Official Journal of the European Union 6.8.2003 (Acts whose publication is not obligatory) COUNCIL COUNCIL DECISION of 21 July 2003 on the reallocation of funds received by the European Investment Bank for operations carried out in the Democratic Republic of Congo under the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth EDFs (2003/583/EC) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 (Y), hereinafter referred to as the ‘Partnership Agreement, Having regard to the Internal Agreement of 12 September 2000 between representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, on the financing and administration of Community aid under the Financial Protocol to the Partnership Agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the European Community and its Member States signed in Cotonou (Benin) on 23 June 2000 and the allocation of financial assistance for the overseas coun- tries and territories to which part four of the EC Treaty applies, and in particular Article 7(1) thereof (3), Having regard to the proposal from the Commission drafted in agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB), Whereas: (1)  In its conclusions of 27 January 2003 regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Council (General affairs and external relations) stated that it was prepared to assist the transition to free and transparent elections by the deadlines laid down in the Pretoria Agreement and reaffirmed its willingness to support the transition, as soon as its institutions were in place, with projects by the European Union and its Member States designed in () OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3. () OJL 317, 15.12.2000, p. 355. particular to promote aid to the population, the strengthening of State structures, the economic recon- struction of the country and disarmament, demobilisa- tion, reintegration, repatriation and resettlement (DDRRR) of former combatants. (2)  The Democratic Republic of Congo received a reduced allocation of EUR 25,7 million under the eighth EDF. (3)  The funds allocated to the Democratic Republic of Congo under the ninth EDF are insufficient to enable the Community to cover the cost of the commitments made by the Council on behalf of the European Union, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Atrticle 1 An additional allocation in the form of a grant equivalent to EUR 105 million shall be allotted to the Commission for the implementation of operations to be conducted in the Demo- cratic Republic of Congo to ensure the country's democratic transition to free and transparent elections, to strengthen State structures, to contribute to the reconstruction of the country and to set up a programme of demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants. Atticle 2 The amount of the additional allocation referred to in Article 1 shall constitute a ceiling.