Press Release: European Commission proposes to gradually resume development aid to the Republic of Niger

The European Commission has proposed to the Council to close consultations under article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement – the political framework for EU relations with countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific - thereby offering to resume progressively delivery of development aid to Niger alongside the return to the constitutional order in the country.

Development assistance for the Republic of Niger has been suspended since the end of the 2009 following a constitutional crisis there. However, humanitarian and emergency aid has remained available and was increased June 2010, to address the food crisis.