Launched by the EC in 1991, the Tacis Programme provides grant-financed technical assistance to 12 countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan), and mainly aims at enhancing the transition process in these countries. (Mongolia was also covered by the Tacis programme from 1991 to 2003, but is now covered by the ALA programme.)
Historical background
When Tacis was initiated, technical assistance was a stand-alone activity, whereas the programme is now part of a complex and evolving relationship with each of the 12 countries concerned. Politicians and officials from the partner countries and the EU meet now on a regular basis. With the implementation of PCAs, Tacis also becomes a more strategic instrument in the co-operation process between EU and partner countries.