Press Release: Iraq: Commission prepares new EUR200 million assistance package

Following the nomination of the new Iraqi government on 20 May 2006, the European Commission announced that it would make available €200 million to continue supporting the reconstruction of the country in 2006. This new contribution came on top of the already allocated €518 million provided between 2003 and 2005 and was meant to demonstrate the Commission’s determination to support the country, the new Iraqi government and the Iraqi people. The Commission was also planning shortly to step up its presence in Baghdad and to nominate a Head of Delegation. With the new government in place the European Commission expected to launch negotiations for a Trade and Co-operation Agreement in the near future.

EEAS: Iraq http://www.eeas.europa.eu/iraq/index_en.htm

---