Brussels, 03/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - Within the framework of European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the Commission decided on Friday 3 July to allocate the sum of €40 million to multinational projects in favour of the countries of Eastern Europe and South Caucasus. The €40 million will finance several aid programmes in various fields, such as the strengthening of cultural policies and civil society, support of SME networks, border management, air quality management and disaster relief preparedness. All projects financed will come under regional scope, each addressed to at least two of the seven partner countries located along the EU's eastern border: Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. “These countries often have the same problems and facing up to such problems by adopting a common approach could help them to strengthen mutual trust and thus contribute to improving security, stability and prosperity in the region”, commented Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner. (H.B./transl.jl)