Devastated by decades of conflict, sanctions and a three-year war against Daesh, Iraq needs nearly $90 billion in public and private funding for its reconstruction, and the Iraqi people can count on the European Union's support in this exercise which involves the reconstruction of infrastructure, institutions, basic services and a sustainable peace.
This was underlined by High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini at the international conference on the reconstruction of Iraq that was held in Kuwait on Wednesday 14 February and co-chaired by the EU. Backing up her words with deeds, she announced further support of €400 million – a sum combining emergency humanitarian aid, development assistance and aid for the long-term stabilisation of Iraq.
"The first and most urgent contribution we can give is to make sure that the dark days of Iraq are gone for good. We want to consolidate the achievements that the Iraqi people have managed to build, and help you 'win the peace', after you managed to win the war against Daesh", Mogherini stated.
She added: "we want life to flow back into the Iraqi cities and the countryside. We want to address the Iraqi people’s urgent needs, as a solid foundation for reconstruction. But reconstruction is not just about buildings, roads and rails. We also need and want to help Iraq rebuild its education system, its institutions and its society".
The EU's strategy for Iraq, proposed by Mogherini and the European Commission on 8 January and adopted by the Council on 22 January, aims to strengthen support to the Iraqi people after the defeat of Daesh by continuing humanitarian aid, facilitating the stabilisation of liberated zones (3 million displaced are still unable to return to their homes) and supporting the country long-term, while taking account of the Iraqi government's priorities for reforms, reconstruction and reconciliation (see EUROPE 11934 and 11944).
On the sidelines of the international conference on reconstruction the previous day, Mogherini met United Nations Secretary General António Guterres and both recognised the importance of providing Iraq with substantial support at this critical juncture in its history.
The EU is a leading donor in the Iraq humanitarian response. In 2017, the European Commission committed €82.5 million, and since 2015 it has mobilised €350 million in response to the country's humanitarian crisis. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)