Brussels, 04/05/2004 (Agence Europe) - On the eve of the Euromed conference in Dublin the European Commission has approved funding of over €1.243 billion for co-operation and external aid operations with its Mediterranean partners during 2005-2006. This package of assistance, to be funded under the MEDA programme, illustrates the EU's commitment to support the development of a zone of peace, prosperity and sustainable development with its Mediterranean neighbours, explained the Commissioner for external relations Chris Patten. The funds approved on Tuesday will help to advance the implementation of the Association Agreements with partner countries and finance projects in a wide range of sectors such as support towards institutional and economic reform, human rights and democratisation projects, the fight against poverty and education and training. Funds are distributed as follows: Algeria (€106 million), Egypt (€243 million), Jordan (€110 million), Lebanon (€70 million), Morocco (€275 million), Syria (€80 million), and Tunisia (€144 million) and the region as a whole (€215 million), will benefit from this assistance.