Press Release: European Commission gives further €9 million for Afghan parliamentary and provincial elections

Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, announced 5th September 2005 her intention to make available €9 million in additional funding for the Afghan parliamentary and provincial elections. With elections less than 2 weeks away, the election budget still faces a shortfall and the additional contribution of the European Commission (EC) will cover most of the remaining financing needs for the elections. Closing this gap is essential to ensure that the elections can proceed smoothly, with adequate election staff and security around polling stations as planned.