Tsunami one year on: Joint Initiative by EU Presidency and Commission

Summary: Tsunami one year on: Joint Initiative by EU Presidency and Commission (15 December 2005: Brussels)

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As the anniversary of the Asian Tsunami approaches, the European Commission and the EU Presidency will host a high-level meeting with other international partners on 20 December. The aim of the meeting is to take stock of what has been achieved in relation to the enormity of the damages caused by the tsunami and the unprecedented levels of financial assistance pledged, to identify what lessons can be drawn, and to set out the next steps. The event will bring together representatives of the EU, the UN, the World Bank, and aid organisations including the International Red Cross. Representatives from the countries worst affected by the Tsunami will also be present. International Development Minister Gareth Thomas will attend for the British Presidency, and the European Commission will be represented by Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel.

PRESS ADVISORY: Cameras wishing to film a "tour de table" at the beginning of the meeting should contact Tanja Gohlert on 02.29.59577. A press conference will be held at 12:30 in the press room of the Commission. The day before, on 19th December, directors from the European Commission and the World Bank will give a technical briefing on progress so far in support to the Tsunami affected region at 13:00 in the press room of the Commission.

EU post-Tsunami Achievements

The EU has performed well, delivering assistance swiftly, coordinating effectively with partner governments and other donors, and playing a key role in seeking rapprochement between parties in conflict, without which meaningful reconstruction cannot take place. Emergency relief has been rapid and effective in meeting the immediate needs of the affected people. Reconstruction programmes are underway with a particular focus on infrastructure and regenerating livelihoods, coupled with sustained political efforts to ensure peace and stability in areas affected by conflict. The EU's contribution in particular to the peace process in Aceh has been a major political achievement.

At the Jakarta Donors' Conference of January 2005, the Commission and EU Member States together pledged more than €2 billion for tsunami affected countries distributed as follows:

€566 million for humanitarian aid (ECHO and Member States), €452 million of which has been spent to date (80%).
€1.5 billion in grants for reconstruction assistance, of which €902 million have been committed (61%) and €367 million disbursed. The Commission is providing about a quarter of EU reconstruction aid grants (€350 million).
In addition loans of €566 million have been pledged by Member States and the European Investment Bank from which €115 million have been disbursed.

Humanitarian aid from the European Commission was on its way to Asia the same day the Tsunami hit. The Commission's entire pledge for humanitarian assistance of €123 million has been committed providing shelter, food and sanitation. The Commission pledged € 350 million in reconstruction aid, nearly half of which has been committed, to rebuild infrastructure, regenerate communities and restart livelihoods and economic activity.

In Aceh the Commission helped finance the mediation efforts which led to the signing of a peace agreement between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Government of Indonesia. A comprehensive range of EU measures (EU Monitoring Mission, short and long term assistance programmes, including support to local communities for the reintegration of GAM combatants) aim to ensure the sustainability of the peace process, and create the climate in which reconstruction efforts can bring real results.

For further information, please see:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/world/tsunami

Ref: EC05-434EN
EU source: European Commission
UN forum:
Date: 15/12/2005

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