Brussels 14/07/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 14 July, the European Commission announced initial funding of €64 million for a multi-donor trust fund the EU is preparing to launch to help the Central African Republic get back on its feet by linking the emergency aid, rehabilitiation, stabilisation and long-term development of the country. This EU trust fund has been named “Bêkou” (“hope” in Sango, the country's main language) and will contribute to the reconstruction of the country, in particular restoring national and local administrations, re-establishing economic activity and essential services (such as electricity, transport, health and education).
€39 million will come from the European development fund and €2 million from the EU humanitarian aid budget. Contributions from member states include: €5 million in 2014 from France and an additional €5 million planned for 2015; €5 million in 2014 from Germany and an additional €5 million planned for 2015 and €3 million from the Netherlands.
At the informal Development Council in Florence on Tuesday 5 July, EU Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs will co-sign the agreement with French Secretary of State for Development Annick Girardin, German Minister for Development and Cooperation Gerd Müller and Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen, in presence of CAR Minister of Economy and International Cooperation Florence Limbio. Commissioner Piebalgs and Minister Limbio will also co-sign an agreement for a so-called state building contract (€33 million) under which the EU will provide direct funding to the government budget of the CAR to support transition authorities, like ensuring the payment of the salaries for civil servants.
An international donors' conference will be organised later this year to raise additional funding for the trust fund. (AN)