Brussels, 10/08/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission freed EUR 7.855 million for projects that will be lead by NGOs in seven of the New Independent States (NIS) over the next twelve months. This aid package to countries from the former Soviet Union is aimed at continuing the support brought by the EU to refugees as well as displaced persons in their own country, the emphasis being placed on health, food aid and food safety. This mainly concerns the renewal of projects already underway in these countries. The funds will be allocated by ECHO, the Community humanitarian office, to various non-governmental organisations (NGO).
In Armenia and Georgia, this aid should contribute towards the construction of shelters for refugees, as well as certain medical and food safety projects. In Azerbaijan, the projects supported by the EU will be dedicated towards food safety and medical care. In Belarus, Moldova and the Ukraine, the reform of the health care systems, and the health of the aged and handicapped will both be areas that may benefit from Community humanitarian aid. In Russia, the Commission intends to continue supporting the Red Cross action in favour of those suffering from tuberculosis.