The
Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, or simply
IPA, is a funding mechanism of the
European Union. As of 2007, it replaced previous programmes such as the
PHARE,
ISPA,
SAPARD and
CARDS. Unlike the previous assistance programs, IPA offers funds to both EU candidate countries (Albania, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey) and potential candidates (Bosnia and Kosovo). The offer of funds to Kosovo is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.