European Commission approves €7.5 million assistance to Yemen

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The European Commission has granted €7.5 million for two assistance projects in Yemen. The projects will support the Government and NGO partnership for the promotion and protection of human rights in Yemen and the sustainable development of its fishery sector. They are part of the Commission's 2005-2006 strategy for Yemen that focuses on poverty reduction and strengthening of pluralism and democracy.

"I welcome and encourage Yemeni efforts to progress towards democratisation, respect for human rights and the rule of law and its engagement in fighting terrorism. It is important for Yemen to live up to the expectations of the international community. The successful implementation of foreign assistance needs stability, predictability, transparency and confidence," Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood policy said. She added: "I look forward to acceleration of the reform process. We stand ready to help and to support Yemen's on-going reforms and to tackle the serious problems affecting the country security and wide-spread poverty."

Supporting Government and NGO partnerships for the promotion and protection of human rights

The project aims to strengthen the capacity of civil society and public authorities to protect and promote human rights and democracy. It will finance targeted training activities and institutional support, encourage the development of consultation mechanisms between government and civil society organisations, and fund small human rights projects with civil society actors.

Support to fishery sector

Support focuses on increasing the productivity and competitiveness of Yemen's fishery sector and improving the quality of its output, without affecting fish stocks.

The project's aim is improving quality in order to maximise coastal communities' fishing revenue while reducing health risks for consumers in Yemen and abroad. Activities include capacity building, research and development efforts related to fish conservation and handling, and upgrading of infrastructure and equipment such as landing places, auction halls, quality control laboratories and inspection facilities.

The project will also develop a fisheries management information system, based on monitoring of catches, allowing sustainable sector management through informed decision-making.

EU-Yemen relations

EU-Yemen relations are based on the Co-operation Agreement of 25 November 1997. In October 2003, a political dialogue was established, on democracy, human rights, non-proliferation and co-operation in the fight against terrorism. A new meeting will take place on 21 September 2005. Yemen is also part of the Strategic Partnership that the EU is developing with the countries of the Mediterranean, Middle East and Gulf region. Since January 2004, the Commission opened a regional delegation in Sana'a.

The EU was Yemen's major trading partner in 2003 (1st in exports, 8th in imports). Yemen also benefits from the Everything but Arms (EBA) initiative which allows the duty-free access of all products, except arms, coming from the group of 49 Least Developed Countries.

The Commission's assistance strategy for Yemen during 2005-2006 focuses on poverty reduction and strengthening of pluralism and democracy. The level of funding committed reached around €40 million during 2002-2004.

Additional information on the EU-Yemen relations at
http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/yemen/intro/index.htm

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