Rome Conference on Afghanistan: EU Commits 200 Million Euros for Rule of Law

The European Union has reaffirmed its support for Afghanistan at an international meeting in Rome, where EU Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner detailed European Commission plans for a four-year, 200 million euro aid package to promote the rule of law. “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.”

The European Commission is one of the top assistance donors in Afghanistan, with 610 million euros programmed for 2007-2010, in addition to aid directly from EU Member States. The EU currently has a field mission working to strengthen policing and law enforcement in the country.

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