EC/developing countries: rehabilitation and reconstruction operations in developing countries

The committee adopted the report by Mr Niall ANDREWS (UPE, IRL) on the proposal for a regulation on rehabilitation and reconstruction operations in developing countries. This proposal seeks to create the legal basis needed in order to implement a budget line of 44.8 million ecus created in 1994 for the benefit of developing countries. The amendments adopted by the Committee on Development stressed the need to give priority to basic supplies for the populace and the link which needs to be created with medium- and long-term development aid. Priority needs to be given to reinforcing national capacities, mainly by training staff and restoring the infrastructure. The report considered that a financial contribution from local partners was primordial in order to guarantee the sustainability of projects once Community aid stops. Finally, the report considered that actions for the benefit of countries or regions which have suffered serious damage as the result of war, civil unrest or natural disaster should be launched as quickly as possible, without necessarily waiting for the conflict to end before taking any action.�