Iceland is set to receive pre-accession funding as the amended regulation on the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) came into force, on 14 July. Iceland, which submitted its application for EU membership on 16 July 2009, is now eligible for funds set aside to help enlargement countries strengthen their institutional and legislative capacity so that EU laws can be smoothly implemented. The IPA replaces various pre-accession programmes and promotes respect for human rights with a focus on minority and gender equality as well as sustainable development and poverty reduction. The amendment was co-signed by the presidents of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union and will mostly target Icelandic legislation but will also be used to prepare Iceland to use Structural Funds to help inform their population about the EU once the country accedes. The funds do not cover technical assistance, which will be offered through the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX) instrument for enlargement.