Brussels, 22/08/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission states in its annual 2012 report that €13.8 billion was dedicated to external assistance last year - in other words, 9% of the European Union's budget. The priorities were particularly nutrition, food safety, social protection, support to transition countries, sustainable energy for all and a greener economy (via Rio+20).
In sub-Saharan Africa, the Commission confirmed that over €4 billion had been committed, including €40 million for Malawi in view of the positive developments there. Emphasis was put on the Sahel to break the vicious circle of droughts, hunger and poverty. In the Horn of Africa, an initiative was also implemented to help the region recover from the drought of 2011. The EU also contributed to the reconstruction and stabilisation of Mali. A donors' conference was held on this in Brussels last May.
In Asia, Burma's transition was supported by €100 billion committed in 2012 to support health, education, displaced people and government capacity-building. In Afghanistan, health and social protection programmes were financed up to €185 million. Several initiatives were also taken for development in the Caribbean and Pacific in various forums. This year discussions will begin on the post-2015 framework, focusing on “a decent life for all”, and the end to poverty in all its economic, social and environmental dimensions. (MD/transl.fl)