The European Union has announced today a new package of EUR 92.5 million to support environment in Belarus, employment and business development in rural areas of Azerbaijan and regional cooperation in the Eastern Partnership.
Announcing the package, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement negotiations, Johannes Hahn, commented: “Better management of environment, energy and water resources as well as creating economic opportunities are key for sustainable and inclusive growth. This will bring benefits to our Eastern partner countries and the EU alike.”
In Belarus, fresh EU funds will help monitor and manage air emissions and radiation, promote civil societys participation in implementing environmental policies and monitoring environmental risks. By improving the quality of air and access to environmental information, the programme will benefit citizens both in Belarus and in the EU.
In Azerbaijan, the EU will continue to invest in boosting businesses and new job opportunities in rural areas. The funding will promote various entrepreneurial initiatives and create business support services to help small rural companies and family-own farms grow. Awareness campaigns will be organised to generate demand for local agriculture products.
The regional cooperation will be also supported. New Eastern Partnership flagship initiative on sustainable municipal development will invest in cleaner and greener urban environment. Through new water initiative, the EU will help improve the management of water resources, especially of trans-boundary rivers. Support will be continued for the EU Border Assistance Mission between Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM). And an increased dialogue between civil society and national and local authorities in the partner countries will be further promoted.
More details on the adopted programmes can be found in the following press memos:
New EU action supporting development in the regions of Azerbaijan
New EU support for air quality and environment in Belarus
New EU funding to boost regional cooperation in the Eastern Partnership region
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