Brussels, 23/02/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Sunday 22 February in Apia, the Samoan authorities launched a new national policy to combat drought, in the presence of the European Union’s ambassador for the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert. This initiative is part of €13.5 million in EU funding to support Samoa’s ‘Water Sector Plan’ and strengthen the country’s resilience to climate-related hazards. “The water, sanitation and hygiene sector is fundamental to the health, well-being, and economic development and ensuring that this resource will not be scarce is the guarantee for development. This policy framework provides a roadmap for building resilience and ensuring sustainable development in the face of climate change”, said Ms Plinkert in a press release. (BD)