Commission proposes 'roadmap' towards the full resumption of EU aid

August 31, 2004: Togo - Commission proposes « roadmap » towards the full resumption of EU aid (Brussels)

The European Commission has today adopted a proposal outlining a "roadmap" towards the full resumption of EU aid to Togo. The proposal links the full resumption of aid, including the release of new development aid funds from the 9th European Development Fund, to the holding of free and fair parliamentary elections. To further encourage positive change in Togo it is proposed to initiate the planning of new aid activities as soon as a date for transparent and democratic parliamentary elections is set and that the necessary electoral arrangements are in place and agreed by all parties in Togo. All throughout this process - and over a period of 24 months - the EU shall closely monitor the situation in Togo. The proposal will have to be adopted by EU Council of ministers.

The suspension of EU aid to Togo was extended in December 1998 following the holding of undemocratic presidential elections. Based on a proposal from the Commission the EU opened formal talks with Togo on 14 April 2004 (under Article 96 of Cotonou Agreement) with the objective of promoting the country's return to a real democratic process with the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. On the basis of this meeting the Togolese government took a number of commitments concerning: (i) the return to democracy; (ii) respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms; and (iii) rule of law. In full co-operation with the Togolese government the Commission has been monitoring progress against those commitments. Based on this the Commission now concludes that a number of significant measures have been taken to date by the Togolese government aimed at improving respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country. Nevertheless serious concerns remain with regards to the full restoration of democracy. With the proposed roadmap and it's built in incentives the Commission hopes to encourage a return to a real democratic process.

Additional information on the EU-Togo relations at

http://europa.eu.int/comm/development/body/country/country_home_fr.cfm?cid=tg&lng=fr&status=new

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