După câte ştiu, în acest context (Phare, Tacis, etc.):
“programming exercise” = “preparation of community initiative programmes”
“programming cycle” = “programming period”

“Project Purpose
To provide the European Commission with expertise support to the Tacis **programming cycle** in the field of training, labour market development and employment.
Main Activities
The Commission will complete the Tacis ***programming exercise*** for the period 2004-2006 at the end of 2002.”
http://www.etf.eu.int/WebSite.nsf?OpenDatabase&Content=http:...

“0.2 ***Programming exercise***
For all INTERREG programmes (both new and those to be amended), joint Task Forces should be established at the beginning of 2003. These task forces will be composed of representatives of all present and future Member States concerned…”
http://europa.eu.int/comm/regional_policy/interreg3/document...

“The 2003 Phare ***programming exercise*** will be the last one for the countries acceding in May 2004.”
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/pas/phare/pdf/phare_an...

“... e-Content (2001-2004). Estimation for Phare 2005 ***programming exercise***:. 2006. Phare. Support. Contribution from the national. budget. Total Romania's ...”
europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/fiche_projet/ document/2004%20016-772.06.01%20Community%20Programmes.pdf