The financial reference amount intended to cover the expenditure related to the implementation of the fact-finding mission shall be EUR 1 600 000 for the period from 2 December 2008 to 31 July 2009.

The expenditure financed by the amount stipulated in paragraph 1 shall be eligible as from 2 December 2008.

The expenditure shall be managed in accordance with the rules and procedures applicable to the general budget of the European Communities. The management of the expenditure shall be subject to a contract between the head of the fact-finding mission and the Commission.

The head of the fact-finding mission shall be accountable to the Commission for all expenditure.