EU Commits Additional 600 Million Euros for Afghanistan

EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner has announced that the EU will provide 600 million euros in additional aid for Afghanistan for the period 2007-2010, focusing on three key priority areas: reform of the justice sector, rural development including alternatives to poppy production, and health. The new aid comes on top of one billion euros already committed to assist Afghan reconstruction efforts following the fall of the Taliban government in 2001, and is additional to substantial bilateral aid given directly by EU Member States.

"Afghanistan's problems cannot be solved without stronger governance and respect for the rule of law," said Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner.  "The key challenges are to extend the Government's authority into the provinces, and to stamp out narcotics production which destabilizes the country politically and economically."

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