Brussels, 14/02/2005 (Agence Europe) - Alongside the work being done by the World Bank, the European Commission has decided to send experts to the areas of Asia hit by the tsunami last December to identify reconstruction programmes which could be financed by the Community budget. In addition to the measures already announced. Particularly in the fisheries and trade sectors (EUROPE of 11 February, p.8), needs should be evaluated in terms of infrastructure (housing, education and water) and tourism.
Europaid and DG External Relations officials arrived on Monday in the countries affected. Their mission is to visit devastated areas and hold discussions with the governments of Sri Lanka and Indonesia the best use of the 350 million euro package promised by the EU for the reconstruction efforts. Officials from the European Investment Bank (EIB) are also taking part in the mission with a view to instituting a long-term loan package (up to 30 years) to finance reconstruction of damaged infrastructures (“Indian Ocean Tsunami Facility”).
External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner will travel to Sri Lanka and Indonesia in March. In the light of the results of the expert mission, the Commission will draw up a two-year programme of reconstruction aid for Asian areas devastated by the tsunami.