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Article 5U.K.Participation of third countries

The following countries may participate in the actions of the programme:

(a)

countries with which the European Union has signed a Treaty of Accession;

(b)

candidate countries benefiting from a pre-accession strategy, in accordance with the general principles and the general terms and conditions for the participation of those countries in Community programmes laid down, respectively, by the framework agreement and by decisions of the Association Councils;

(c)

EFTA States that are parties to the EEA Agreement, in accordance with the provisions of that Agreement;

(d)

the countries of the western Balkans, in accordance with the arrangements to be established with those countries under the framework agreements on the general principles for their participation in Community programmes.

Projects may associate candidate countries not participating in the programme where this would contribute to their preparation for accession, or other third countries not participating in the programme where it serves the aim of the projects.