EU to support stabilization of Iraq with €60.4 million
Damaged houses in Iraq that require reconstruction. File Photo
A press release issued by the commission on Monday said the funding is an addition to humanitarian aid offered by the European Union to Iraq as well as other forms of fundings that reached 608.4 million Euros since the beginning of the crisis.
“At this important juncture in Iraq history, we stand at the side of the Iraqi people and authorities who have shown courage and resilience in their fight against Da’esh,” High Representative and Vice-President Federica Mogherini said. “ Today more than ever, the EU is present to assist them in building their post-Da’esh future. We are and will continue to be active on the political, humanitarian, security and development sides to help stabilising the liberated areas. This is a pre-condition for reconciliation, for the return of the many internally displaced who are eager to come back and for the longer term stability in Iraq.”
Meanwhile, Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica said, “The liberation of Mosul and other areas previously occupied by Da’esh is a first step towards peace. The EU has been supporting the needs of millions of Iraqis and will not stop there.”
Part of the stabilization package, according to the press release, estimated at 50.4 million Euros, is allocated to assist in the restoration of the basic services as well as the infrastructure and refreshing the economic activity through offering grants to the small-sized projects. This will be carried out through the UN Funding Facility for Stabilization, which works in the recently-freed regions in Anbar, Salahuddin, Kirkuk, Nineveh and Diyala.
The other 10 million Euros will go to the ongoing clearance of lands contaminated by explosives through the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), which will create safe atmosphere for the repatriation of more than three million displaced persons, the press release added.