The European Commission adopted an action programme for the reconstruction of Iraq on 4 March. The EU aid, amounting to 160 million euros for the current year (over 40 million was already allocated in 2003), will be provided for projects and measures concerning three fundamental priorities. The first is the reconstruction and improvement of public services (especially in the areas of the fight against infant mortality and malnutrition, promotion of basic health services, water supplies and access to education). The second priority is the improvement of the means of subsistence and the eradication of poverty (measures to curb unemployment, since that is the main factor of social tension, will receive funding for over 60 million euros). Projects in this area will be aimed at the development of the agricultural sector, private enterprise, and the creation of a system of social protection. The third priority is the reinforcement of the administration of public affairs, civil society and human rights: the 10 million allocated will supplement the programmes of the UNO and of the World Bank relating to the modernization of the Iraqi civil service. The appropriations for the three priorities will be allocated in a progressive manner following agreements between the EU Executive, the Iraqi indigenous authorities and the temporary administrations under the aegis of the UN currently installed in Iraq.
