Press Release: EU support for Afghanistan : European Commission launches quick impact actions

The European Commission decided on 15 December 2001 to finance a €4.9 million programme to kick-start the political, economic and social reconstruction in Afghanistan and the neighbouring countries in the post-Taliban era, using the Rapid Reaction Mechanism(1). The main objective of this programme is to provide rapid support for the interim Afghan administration which will take up its functions on December 22, and to build confidence among the Afghan population and its different ethnic groups. In addition, the programme will address the spill-over effects in neighbouring countries, by preparing possible future actions in Central-Asia and Pakistan.