European Commission Adopts Its Co-operation Strategy For Sierra Leone Covering 2003-2007

The European Commission has adopted a five-year strategy paper (2003-2007) for its co-operation with Sierra Leone. The Country Strategy Paper (CSP) serves as a Framework for relations with Sierra Leone, covering all aspects of assistance to that country. The chief objective is to support the government's efforts to rebuild the country after a decade of civil war and to implement its poverty reduction strategy. Priority will be given to the rehabilitation of infrastructure and to good governance. £220 million will be made available from the 9th European Development fund to finance the implementation of the strategy.

The co-operation strategy is based on the principles of partnership and ownership enshrined in the EU-ACP Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 and is consistent with the policies and priorities laid down by the Government in its interim poverty reduction strategy (I-PRSP). It is meant to contribute to establishing an efficient link between out-phasing relief action, ongoing rehabilitation programmes and long term development objectives. Funds will be dedicated to the following key sectors:

- £70 million to rehabilitation of widely depleted roads and social infrastructure;
- £19 million to institutional support and improvement of governance;
- £50 million for direct budget support, contributing to stabilise the country's macro-economic situation and to support the implementation of the country's Poverty Reduction Strategy;
- £5 million for non-focal sectors including support to civil society and non-state actors.

In addition to these £144 million, the Country Support Strategy includes an allocation of £76 million that is destined for a flexible allocation to cover unforeseen needs such as emergency assistance where such support cannot be financed from the EU budget, contributions to internationally agreed debt relief initiatives and support to mitigate adverse effects to instability in export earnings.

CSPs were introduced in 2001 as part of a wider programme of Commission reforms in the field of external assistance. Their purpose is to improve the coherence of the policy towards non-member countries, and above all ensure a match between political priorities and spending on development assistance. CSPs are drawn up in close co-operation with national governments, the Member States, other donors and, wherever possible, with representatives of civil society.

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