EU development assistance to Fiji - Country Strategy Paper for 2003-2007

European Commissioner for development and humanitarian aid Poul Nielson currently on an official visit in Fiji - and Prime Minister Laisanje Qarase today signed a Country Strategy Paper (CSP) and an Indicative Programme outlining the European Commission's co-operation programme with Fiji for the period 2003 2007. The main objective of the strategy is to promote sustainable national reconciliation in Fiji through the provision of and equal access to quality primary and vocational education for all ethnic groups in the rural and most deprived areas. The strategy provides €23.1m allocated from the 9th European Development Fund (EDF).

Poul Nielson said: "I see today's signature as a recognition of the efforts made by the Fijian government in promoting national reconciliation and ensuring a return to the rule of law and conformity with the constitution. The CSP provides a solid base for our renewed co-operation that I am looking forward to discussing with the Fijian Government during the coming days."

The Country Strategy Paper (CSP) has been drawn up in accordance with the principles of EU-ACP partnership outlined in the Cotonou-agreement. The strategy has been established in close co-operation with the Government of Fiji and is based on a comprehensive analysis of Fiji's political, economic and social situation, and on the Government's overall development objectives. With the strategy follows an indicative programme of €23.1 Million from the 9th EDF. €21 Million have been programmed. The remaining €2.1 Million will cover unforeseen needs.

The programmable funds will be concentrated on rural education. Significant disparities exist between the quality of education in rural and urban areas. Focus will therefore be on promoting equal access to quality primary and vocational education by all ethnic groups in the rural and most deprived areas. Activities will include upgrading of rural education infrastructure, teacher training programmes, review of curriculum, promotion of information technology in rural schools and integration of technical and vocational training in the school system. The emphasis on equal access for all the communities reflects the European Union's commitment to promote the national reconciliation process at grass roots level in Fiji.


Background

Following the coup in Fiji in May 2000, a number of restrictions were imposed on development aid to the country, including a temporary freeze on the allocation from 9th European Development Fund. On 17 November 2003, taking into account the efforts made by the Fijian Government in promoting national reconciliation and ensuring a return to rule of law and constitutional conformity, the EU's Council of Ministers decided to resume aid to Fiji without restrictions.

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• EU Conclusions on the Opening of Consultations with Fiji under Article 96 of Cotonou Agreement  (19/4/2007)
• EU Council Conclusions on Fiji (11/12/2006)