Brussels, 10/09/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has signed a Country Strategy Paper (CSP) and an Indicative Programme for Burundi outlining its co-operation with that country for the period 2003-2007. The CSP constitutes the framework for European Community co-operation with Burundi, aiming to support efforts to rebuild a country weakened by ten years of civil war. Commenting on the signing of the CSP, Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Poul Nielson said: "The peaceful and constructive handover of power to a new president on 1 May was encouraging, but recent events should remind us of the scale of the challenges facing Burundi's government. Signing the CSP sends a signal that we are determined to back the country's efforts towards reconstruction and successful conclusion of the Arusha peace process."
EU assistance will focus largely on rural development, good governance and macroeconomic support, backed by a budget of EUR 172 million from the ninth European Development Fund (EDF). EUR 115 million of the funding has already been programmed, the remaining EUR 57 million will cover unforeseen needs. Aid will focus on rural development (relaunching farming, diversification, rehabilitating social infrastructure and healthcare facilities), good governance (providing institutional help for Burundi's administration, particularly at provincial and local level, support for disarmament and demilitarisation and the resettlement of demobilised fighters) and macroeconomic aid.