Der vil undtagelsesvis og i behørigt begrundede tilfælde kunne indrømmes begrænsede forlængelser af varigheden af udbetaling.  
In order to ensure the necessary phasing out of the pre-accession financial instruments referred to in paragraph 1 as well as the ISPA programme, and a smooth transition from the rules applicable before and after 1 May 2004, the Commission may take all appropriate measures to ensure that the necessary statutory staff is maintained in the new Member States for a maximum of fifteen months following that date.  