EU-Iraq: A New Chapter

The formation of Iraq's new government gives the EU an opportunity to open a new chapter in its relations with Iraq. The European Commission has examined how the EU can step up its engagement with the country and is today presenting a number of recommendations with a special focus on consolidating democracy and building Iraq's economy. The aim is to strengthen the EU's partnership with the Iraqi leadership, focussing on areas where the EU has a particular value added to offer. A critical factor for EU engagement will be an improvement in security conditions. Once the plan set out in today's Communication, has been discussed with the Council and the European Parliament, it is intended to provide the basis for an EU-wide strategy.

European Commissioner for External Relations and the Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said "Conditions on the ground in Iraq remain extremely difficult. But the EU remains committed to working alongside the Iraqis to build a prosperous and peaceful future for the country. The strategy we set out today is a firm pledge to support Iraq in the challenges ahead". She added: "Change must be led and owned by the Iraqis themselves. Our support will be closely linked to the new government's commitment to building a stable, democratic country, and to an improvement of the security situation."

The proposed strategy identifies five objectives for EU support to Iraq for the next years:

• Overcoming divisions within Iraq and building democracy, by supporting the forthcoming review of the constitution, in collaboration with the UN, and backing plans to counter sectarian violence.

• Promoting rule of law and human rights, through activities such as security training for the police and building the capacity of Iraq to monitor compliance with human rights.

• Supporting the Iraqi authorities in the delivery of basic services (such as water and education) and the creation of more jobs.

• Supporting reform of the public administration.

• Promoting economic reforms, particularly in Iraq's energy sector and trade and investment regime.

In 2006, these objectives will be matched with €200 million already earmarked to continue supporting the reconstruction of the country. Work this year will focus on improving the quality of life of Iraqis (€110 million), furthering democracy in Iraq (€40 million), and promoting good governance (€40 million). A reserve fund to ensure flexibility in order to adjust to new government priorities and the situation on the ground has also been foreseen (€10 million).

These are areas where the EU can make the most of its good relations with other international players in Iraq and experience gained in the country. The core of EU engagement will remain support to the UN's political and economic reconstruction work in Iraq.

This approach will evolve over the coming years to match future developments in Iraq.

The Commission will soon nominate a Head of Delegation for Baghdad and step up its presence there. With the new government already in place the Commission expects to launch negotiations for a Trade and Cooperation Agreement in the near future.

The Commission has been the most significant donors supporting Iraq's political transition. The €200million contribution in 2006 comes on top of the €518 million provided between 2003 and 2005 for reconstruction of the country.

More information:

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

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• EU Presidency Statement on Iraq (12/1/2007)
• Iraq and the EU - EU Parliament calls for more engagement (27/11/2006)
• EU Council Conclusions on Iraq  (15/9/2006)