EU Council Conclusions - Earthquake in South Asia

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Council conclusions on the earthquake in South Asia, Extraordinary EXTERNAL RELATIONS Council meeting, Luxembourg

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"The European Union reiterated its sincere condolences, sympathy and solidarity to all those affected by the earthquake that struck South Asia on 8 October. The European Union remains committed to responding generously to the disaster.

The Council welcomed the swift response by the European Commission, which has now committed a total of €13.6m in humanitarian assistance, and by Member States who have committed a further €60m. These funds are already helping to deliver items including tents, blankets, bedding, water, food and medical supplies to the affected areas. The Council also noted that many Member States are providing coordinated assistance through existing EU and other multilateral mechanisms and with the local authorities in the affected areas. The Council paid tribute to the work of relief organisations and individuals from across the Union.

Following the launch of the UN's Flash Appeal for US$272 million on Tuesday 11 October, the Council stood ready to work with the Commission to provide further humanitarian assistance in response to emerging needs. It also welcomed the Commission's intention to explore all possible ways to fund additional post-emergency, long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation actions in the affected region. The Council noted that Development Ministers would discuss the disaster and the international response at their informal meeting on 24-25 October 2005.

The Council also recalled work in its post-Tsunami Action Plan (5788/05) aimed at strengthening and better coordinating available resources in all areas (analysis, planning of resources, operational action and prevention) in order to improve the capacity of the European Union to respond to such events. The Council recalled its intention to revert to the follow-up of this Action Plan before the end of 2005."

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• EU Presidency Statement on South Asian Earthquake (27/10/2005)
• UE Commissaire Michel à la Conférence des Nations Unies sur le tremblement de terre en Asie du Sud  (26/10/2005)
• Pakistan earthquake: EU Commission proposes €93.6 million aid package  (24/10/2005)
• EU Commission boosts humanitarian funding for South Asia earthquake victims by €10m  (14/10/2005)
• South Asia Earthquake : Benita Ferrero-Waldner calls Pakistan Foreign Minister (11/10/2005)
• Humanitarian support for South Asia earthquake victims: EU Commission's immediate response (10/10/2005)
• Condolences from EU Commission President Barroso and Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner to Indian and Pakistan authorities (9/10/2005)
• European Commission Approves Detailed Plans for Post-Tsunami Reconstruction (23/5/2005)