Commission adopts proposal for a Third Reconstruction Programme for Afghanistan

Summary: July 31, 2003: Commission adopts proposal to grant EUR 79,5 million for a Third Reconstruction Programme for Afghanistan (Brussels)

As part of its € 400 million package to Afghanistan for 2003-04, the Commission has adopted a proposal to finance a Third Reconstruction Programme for Afghanistan with a total budget of €79.5 million. The programme reflects the Country Strategy Paper and National Indicative Programme adopted by the Commission in February 2003. It is also fully in line with the development priorities of the Afghan Transitional Authority and will guarantee the Commission's ongoing financial assistance to the socio-political and economic rebuilding of Afghanistan. The programme aims to restore political stability coupled with a fully operational public administration, to promote respect for the rule of law and human rights, especially those of women, and to improve economic recovery, thus alleviating poverty.

The Commission has been fully involved with the reconstruction of Afghanistan from the outset. In 2002 the Commission provided more than €280 million for reconstructing Afghanistan, which includes about €73 million(1) for humanitarian assistance provided by ECHO. Most of these funds have been contracted, which demonstrates that implementation is advancing quickly and that the Commission as one of the most important donors in Afghanistan is taking its commitment very seriously.

Based on past experiences a multi-sector approach has been adopted for this programme. Each component is designed to assure the continuation of activities, which have in the past benefited from Commission funding, The components will combine service delivery to meet the needs of the Afghan people, and to ensure capacity building at all levels. This will be vital for future sustainabilty. The financial envelope will be broken down as follows between the different components:

€10 million to support the setting up of a national health care system.
€2 million for access to hygiene facilities for women in urban areas.
€47.5 million to assist operational public administration.
€13 million for de-mining activities to reduce the threat from mines and un-exploded ordnance.
€ 6 million for refugees and Afghan nationals returning to Afghanistan.
€ 1 million to finance monitoring, reviews, and audits.

Government institutions are still weak. Consequently, the Commission Representation Office to Afghanistan will assure overall responsibility for programme management. For the implementation of the various programme components contracts will be concluded directly between the Commission and implementing partners such as UN organisations and Non Governmental Organisations. However, the relevant government institutions will be fully involved in project identification and formulation. This will assure full transparency of the Commission contribution and will help the Government to build the required capacity for more direct responsibility in future.

Background

The Commission has been fully involved with the reconstruction of Afghanistan since 2001. In 2002, the Commission provided reconstruction support of € 207 million. The decision to fund a 3rd reconstruction programme is part of a €400 million EC package for 2003-4, signed by the EC in March, which(2) concentrates on four main areas:

Support for the recurrent budget, public sector reform, including capacity building within key Government institutions. (€98 million of which €80 for the recurrent budget);
Rural development and food security to tackle rural poverty where 80 percent of the population live (€103 million) plus special measures in 2003 to tackle opium poppy production (€10 million).
Economic infrastructure, including the reconstruction of the Kabul-Jalabad-Torkham road (€93 million);
Support for the health sector to help reduce infant and maternal mortality by providing a basic healthcare package (€25 million).

The European Commission will also engage actively in the some of the key cross-cutting issues that are critical to Afghanistan's future including de-mining, promoting the sustainable return of refugees, support for civil society, and the promotion of human rights, including the role of women.

For further information:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/afghanistan/intro/index.htm

http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/humanitarian_aid/index_en.htm

(1) http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&doc=IP/02/1936|0|AGED&lg=FR&display=
IP/02/1936: Crise afghane la Commission accorde une aide humanitaire supplémentaire de 10 millions d'euros.

(2) http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&doc=IP/03/385|0|AGED&lg=FR&display=
IP/03/385: La Commission européenne va signer un programme de 400 millions d'euros en faveur de l'Afghanistan; Forum stratégique à haut niveau pour l'Afghanistan.

Ref: EC03-212EN
EU source: European Commission
UN forum:
Date: 31/7/2003

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