Brussels, 06/09/2005 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the European Commission announced that it is planning to make available EUR 9 million additional funding of the Afghan parliamentary and provincial elections of 18 September this year. The aid will help ensure most of the remaining funding needs for the elections are met, explains the European Commission in a press release. To date, the European Commission has already provided funding of EUR 8.5 mil in total towards the holding of these elections, in addition to EUR 4.1 mil for the EU election observer missions (headed by Italian Radical MEP Emma Bonino), and EUR 3 million in aid to strengthen institutional structures and improve the functioning of the new Afghan parliament. Adding the individual contributions provided by the Member States, the EU is paying more than 40% of the cost of holding the 18 September elections.
European Parliament plenary session