Brussels, 03/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the European Commission increased by EUR 26.625 million the budget intended in 2004 for the European initiative for democracy and human rights, thus bringing it to a total of EUR 132.625 million. The Commission also reviewed the annual programme of the initiative aimed at promoting democracy and human rights in third countries, in order to add new priorities. Thus:
- Two new budgetary lines were introduced: EUR 7 million for measures to help victims of human rights violations, and 1.125 million for a pilot project concerning a network of experts in conflict prevention.
- The allocation of two other budgetary lines has been stepped up: from EUR 93 to EUR 110.5 million for supporting development and consolidating democracy and the rule of law, as well as for respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms; and from 6 to 7 million to support the activity of the international criminal courts and for the setting in place of the International Criminal Court.