The European Union has published a summary of the Regional Strategy Paper for assistance to Central Asia for 2007-2013. The text of the summary has been posted on the European Commission's ec.europa.eu website.
The document was officially approved during the EU Summit held as a part of the European Commission's meeting on 21-22 June 2007. A presentation of the new strategy in full was made at the Berlin meeting, attended by the heads of foreign political agencies of the countries of Central Asia on 30 June.
The Regional Strategy Paper for assistance to Central Asia (CA RSP) covers EC financial assistance for the period 2007-2013 to the countries of the region, both at bilateral and regional level. It summarises the common challenges faced by the countries of the region, as well as the democratic, economic and social issues faced by each of them, and maps out the context in which assistance will be provided. The Strategy paper for assistance sets out EC response, objectives and priorities for European Community support for Central Asia, both at regional level, and for each country individually, together with an indication of the means to be used to provide assistance primarily under the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) where an indicative budget of 719 million euros has been earmarked to the region for the period.
In the wake of the 2004 and 2007 enlargements, the EU has come closer to Central Asia, geographically, politically and economically, and intends to strengthen and deepen its relationship with Central Asian countries. The European Council has decided in December 2006 to elaborate an EU (Political) Strategy for Central Asia, planned to be adopted under the German EU Presidency in June 2007, to which implementation the CA assistance strategy will support. At bilateral level, the EU's relations with Central Asian states are based on the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements (PCAs). The PCAs are built upon three pillars: political dialogue, trade and economic relations and cooperation in a variety of sectors. They are based on common values of respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law and include commitments to align their respective legal frameworks with that of the EU, and to undertake regulatory convergence in economic sectors. These PCAs provide a common regional framework for the EU's cooperation with all five Central Asian Republics. On the other hand, a large number of important issues facing Central Asia can only be addressed at regional level. This is why it is a core priority for action in the EU Strategy towards this region.
The aim of the European Commission's assistance Strategy Paper for Central Asia (2007-13) is to promote the stability and security of the countries of Central Asia, to assist in their pursuit of sustainable economic development and poverty reduction and to facilitate closer regional cooperation both within Central Asia and between Central Asia and the EU. In order to achieve these core objectives, the Regional Strategy paper for assistance to Central Asia will focus on three priorities areas:
1. Central Asia regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations: 30-35% of total budget. Focal priorities: (i) Networks (ii) Environment (iii) Border and migration management, the fight against international crime, and customs (iv) Education, scientific and people-to-people activities.
2. Reduce poverty and increase living standards: 40- 45 % of total budget.
3. Promote good governance and economic reform: 20- 25% of total budget.
The first priority area focuses on promoting Central Asia regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations in line with EU priorities for region-level assistance with its Eastern neighbours under the new European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) ensuring continuity with the Regional Cooperation Programme 2002-2006.
Specific assistance programme for each of the Central Asian countries will be drawn up from the second and third priority areas, account being taken both of their policy agendas and of the objectives defined in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
The Central Asia strategy was developed in consultation with the authorities of the partner countries of the region, and the Member States and other donors have been consulted during the drafting process. It reflects the experience of and lessons learned by the EC and other donors in the delivery of past assistance.
Uzreport.com
