Brussels, 18/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - The EU plans to allocate €1 billion for cooperation and development with the Caribbean region for 2014-2020. This will be confirmed by European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs at a seminar, organised in Guyana on 19-20 September, on the programming of aid to this sub-region of the ACP group of states, financed by the European Development Funds (11th EDF). The seminar will provide the opportunity for an initial discussion on regional and bilateral priorities with the partner countries of the region which have signed the Cotonu Agreement, and will also provide the opportunity for obtaining their agreement on the choice of priority sectors for cooperation.
In accordance with the programme for change adopted by the European Commission to increase the effectiveness of its aid, priority will be given to the countries and sectors that most need it in order to reach the Millennium Development Goals. Over 40% of the funds will therefore go to Haiti, the only country in the region to count amongst the world's least developed countries (LDCs), so as to support its endeavours at reconstruction and fighting poverty.
While some countries will see their envelope from the EU reduced, the EU proposes significantly increasing the allocations from the regional programmes focusing on regional integration and trade, security, climate change and the environment. This would be through the Investment Facility for the Caribbean - a mechanism combining subsidies and loans so as to catalyse investments and support the private sector.
During his visit, Piebalgs will have meetings with Guyana's President Donald Ramotar, and the secretary general of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) and of the Caribbean Forum of the ACP States (CARIFORUM), Ambassador Irwin LaRoque. The priorities of the regional programme will be tackled with the relevant CARICOM or CARIFORUM authorities. The bilateral priorities will be discussed with the national delegations.
At the end of the seminar, Piebalgs will be also meet civil society organisations and will visit the site of a project to restore a Guyanese mangrove. The project is funded by the EU and aims to build and repair sea defences (such as walls, earth embankments, mangroves and sand reefs), as well as reduce pollution and alleviate the effects of climate change. (AN/transl.fl)