Brussels, 07/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - Burkina Faso will be able to count on EU development aid of up to €623 million for 2014-2020 under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), it was announced by European Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs on Thursday 7 November. This amount, subject to final approval by the Council and the European Parliament, will focus on food security and sustainable agriculture, strengthening the rule of law, and health - according to priorities defined in close consultation with the authorities of Burkina Faso.
“The European Union is prepared to support the country's efforts to achieve equitable growth that can have a real impact on the completely unacceptable level of poverty among the population”, the commissioner said as he visited the country.
Despite strong growth of 8% in 2012, Burkina Faso still suffers from chronic poverty (a third of the population lives below the poverty line) and profound social inequality. Neighbouring on Mali, Burkina Faso also suffers from regional insecurity.
Under the 10th EDF (2007-2013), cooperation has focused on strengthening basic infrastructure and inter-connectivity, support for good democratic and economic governance, and support for basic social sectors (mainly education and health). The European Union has suggested that Burkina Faso should benefit more directly from the comprehensive Sahel strategy established in 2011 for developing security in the Sahel region. (AN/transl.jl)