3/2/2006
The Commission launches the 2008–2013 programming cycle on Aid to Development

Commissioner Louis Michel this week launched the programming cycle for Aid to Development under the 10th EDF (European Development Fund) during the first Regional Seminar in Brazzaville and in which countries from Central Africa participated. Based on Commission proposals, the programming exercise will constitute the first concrete step towards the implementation of the EU commitments taken in 2005, in particular the improvement of co-ordination and aid effectiveness, increase in aid allocations and a focus on Africa.

Kicking off this first seminar, which focussed on Central Africa, Louis Michel stated: “Today Europe, more than ever, emphasises partnership as the key to action. We are launching this political dialogue between partners who share this vision – country by country, region by region. We will listen attentively to the priorities which have been communicated to us in terms of action for development. At the same time, we expect from our partners a concrete commitment for good governance”.

The Regional Seminar on Programming which took place in Brazzaville on 30 and 31 January brought together the highest officials responsible for co-operation with Europe from the regional and countries of Central Africa: Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Burundi, Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tomé and Principe, ECCAS (Economic Community of Central African States) and EMCCA (Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa).

In December 2005, the European Council adopted a financial envelope for the 10th EDF which comes to €22.7billion for the period 2008–2013. The 9th EDF which covered the period 2003–2007 had been allocated the sum of €13.5 billion.

This Seminar is the first of six, organised up to April of this year, designed to cover all of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific countries. The Regional Seminars will launch the new approach in European policy toward development aid and, for the four African Regions, the Strategy for Africa approved at the end of 2005. Commissioner Michel will attend these seminars and will meet with representatives of the countries and regions concerned.

Good performance and respect for the commitments taken – especially with regard to good governance, sound management of public funds and efficient administration – are key factors for the increase in aid allocations towards each country.