European union commission policy in the DRC

On 5 February 2002 the Commission of the European Union formally resumed its direct co‐operation with the DRC after a ten year suspension ‐a consequence of the economic and political progress made in Congo over the past year. The co‐operation envisaged is also meant to encourage democratisation, good governance and respect for the rule of law. Indeed, the Congolese state has been an ‘absentee landlord’ for many years: anarchy and the lost expertise that have stemmed from it are both cause and consequence. Therefore, if there is to be a prospect of greater efficiency and long‐term sustainability of all efforts, the conditions enabling the state to take on its traditional role again need to be recreated. The EC hopes to use the current window of opportunity employing an incremental approach in combination with other donors. It has already committed approximately 250 million euros for the next 2--3 years. For external aid to maximise its impact, preliminary conditions are needed. The EC seeks to encourage long‐term development through peace‐building and political stabilisation. Concomitantly, the EC supports targeted poverty alleviation strategies to help the DRC re‐establish a minimal critical mass of internal development conditions, notably through institutional and administrative support. In the medium‐term, the Cotonou Agreement should bring additional funds and will promote a new and stronger relationship between the EU and the DRC combining political dialogue, trade and regional integration.