The European Union (EU) will announce today new funding to support the fight against illegal drugs and its development contribution (€66 million) to Peru for the period 2014-2017.
The ceremony will be attended by Foreign Minister Gonzalo Gutierrez, EU Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs, and the chief executive of National Commission for Development and Life without Drugs (Devida ) Alberto Otárola.
Afterwards, high level officials will respond to national and international media queries at 10:20 local time at the Foreign Ministry headquarters.
It should be noted that Piebalgs' visit is discuss future cooperation and to see the progress of a number of EU projects, including one aimed to combating chronic child malnutrition, and to providing better access to health and social services.
“Our relationship with Peru has gone from strength to strength. The country has made impressive progress, both economically and socially, and I hope that today's announcement sends a clear signal that we stand as a committed partner to Peru, as it continues on its journey to growth," he said.
The anti-drug program, which runs until 2017, will support Peru in the implementation of its National Strategy to Fight against Drugs, and is the most significant support to the country so far on this sector.
A first payment of €8 million, out of the total €32 million, will be signed by the Commissioner during his visit.
"I’m particularly pleased to announce this new support. We believe that the fight against drugs is a shared priority and a shared responsibility; something that should be combated from both sides. Peru’s fight is our fight and one that together, we can win," added the Commissioner.
Bilateral support of €66 million for Peru between 2014 and 2017 aims to foster local development in regions with the biggest development gaps, focusing on areas that can help the country reach a more inclusive growth, such as sustainable trade.
In this sense, the funding will support the implementation of the free trade agreement between Peru, Colombia and the EU, which was signed in June 2012 (and provisionally applicable in Peru since March 2013).
Peru has made significant progress in recent years in terms of poverty reduction and economic growth and as such, EU bilateral funding will enter a new phase.
This evolution is in line with the principles set out in the Agenda for Change (the EU’s policy blueprint to refocus its aid to prioritize those countries and sectors which need it most and where it can make the biggest difference).
It is worth mentioning that after bilateral funding is phased out, Peru will be able to continue to benefit from EU funding under regional and thematic instruments.
(END) NDP/MDV/SMA/RMB
Published: 7/21/2014