EU-Sudan relations

After 11 years during which formal development assistance to the Sudan has been suspended, the EU has announced it intends a progressive normalization of relations. Future developments are dependent on continuing good progress in the political dialogue with the Sudan begun in 1999.

The Sudan is a signatory of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement, which defines the EU's relationship with 77 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Due to concerns about human rights, democracy, the rule of law and the peace progress, development assistance to the Sudan was suspended in 1990. However, following commitments given by the government of Sudan during the visit of the EU Troika in December 2001, Commissioner Poul Nielson has announced that preparations will begin this year, with the aim of a possible resumption of normal relations under Cotonou.

Political dialogue with the Sudan will continue during 2002 under article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement, to address enduring concerns about the internal armed conflict in that country. In parallel, the European Commission will begin the process of working with the Sudan to prepare a Country Strategy. The government of the Sudan has been invited to work with the Commission to determine the programming of European Development Fund support, and the measures to be undertaken in the fields of concern, which led to the 1990 suspension.

Within the framework of the Cotonou agreement two grant allocations are envisaged for the Sudan, from the 9th European Development Fund. For the next 5 years, €135million have been allocated for development operations, with a view to reducing poverty. €20 million is potentially available for emergency assistance, debt relief initiatives, and measures to mitigate the adverse effects of instability in export earnings. The amounts mentioned above are indicative, and are not entitlements. They may be revised subject to needs and performance. Releasing Sudan's unused allocations from previous funds will substantially increase these figures.

Progress in the political dialogue will be reassessed at the end of 2002. Disappointing results in this area could have a negative impact on the expected resumption of our partnership under Cotonou, but early indications, for example the signing last week of the Nuba Mountains ceasefire agreement are encouraging.

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• EU humanitarian aid to Sudan (24/1/2002)