Economics
EU tender process moving slowly
In the frameworks of the National Development Plan, only Ft 2 billion of the Ft 120 billion has been handed over to successful applicants. 15 606 applications have been submitted, 3 403 of which have been successful, and only 645 winners have signed the subsidization contract so far. To the applicants' surprise, the transfer of monies is slower than expected. Experts, however, are being optimistic: 35-40% of the total budget of Ft 750 billion reserved for the period of 2004-2006 may be engaged by the end of this year. In 2005, the application procedure is promised to be simpler and more user-friendly. (Vg 1) E.C.
