IP/00/1430
Brussels, 8 December 2000
Poul Nielson to visit the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia from 11-15 December
Poul Nielson, European Commissioner for Development Co-operation and
Humanitarian Aid will visit the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) from 11
to 15 December 2000. The visit will start in Belgrade before continuing to
Montenegro and Kosovo. High-level meetings will be held with President
Kostunica and representatives of and international aid agencies, such as the
United Nations High Commission for Refugees, as well as Non-Governmental
Organisations. In Montenegro, Mr Nielson will meet with President
Djukanovic before going on to Kosovo, where he is expected to have
discussions with Bernard Kouchner, Head of the UN Interim Administration
(UNMIK) and Ibrahim Rugova, leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo. In
the course of his visit, Poul Nielson will stress the European Commission’s
ongoing solidarity with the population of the FRY, following the biggest
refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. Speaking before his departure
for Belgrade, Poul Nielson said: “Relations between the EU and the FRY have
improved dramatically in recent months since the fall of the Milosevic
regime. It is important to consolidate this process and one of the key aims of
my visit will be to pave the way for even closer co-operation The EU has
undertaken to provide large scale of assistance of which some, I’m satisfied
to see, is already arriving.”
Poul Nielson’s visit to FRY follows on from the Biarritz European Council of 13
October and the announcement by Commission President Prodi of an emergency
programme for Serbia totalling €200 million. This Emergency Assistance Package
involves energy support, medicines, foodstuffs and support for municipalities to an
amount of up to €180 million, as well as an additional €20 million for continued
humanitarian aid for refugees and displaced people. Most elements of this
programme have already been launched by the Commission with items already
being delivered in Serbia.
The FRY has already received considerable EU humanitarian aid channelled through
the Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO).
All in all, the Commission has allocated more than €949 million for the FRY since
1991, including €525 million for humanitarian aid.
The Commission has just approved a further €31.6 million of humanitarian
assistance to the region which will address the winter needs of the many refugees,
displaced people and the socially deprived. To avoid gaps in the delivery of
humanitarian aid during the critical winter months, another funding decision is being
prepared for adoption early next year.
Serbia’s displaced population is still one of the largest one in Europe (508,000
refugees and 180,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)). In some municipalities,
the numbers of refugees and IDPs is equivalent to more than 40% of the local
population. Continued food assistance remains vital for the most vulnerable groups.
In 1999 the EU provided €58 million in humanitarian assistance to Serbia. With the
adoption of the most recent decision relating to winter needs, emergency aid to
Serbia in 2000 will amount to €73 million including ongoing support to:
- social institutions (for fuel, food etc.);
- the primary health care system (targeting the most vulnerable groups);
- social services (community support including psychosocial counselling);
- shelter (basic rehabilitation assistance);
- water and sanitation.
In Montenegro, EU support focuses on food, medical supplies, emergency shelter,
water and sanitation rehabilitation, support to host families, and psycho-social
activities. The programmes implemented target those most in need among
vulnerable groups - refugees, IDPs and the socially deprived. Special attention has
been given to the large number of Roma IDPs who have little short-term prospect of
returning to their home areas. In 1999, ECHO provided more than €17 million in
humanitarian assistance to Montenegro. In 2000, the total allocation of humanitarian
assistance amounts to more €10 million.
During 1999, the EU allocated €378 million in emergency assistance for the victims
of the Kosovo crisis. This significant contribution reflects the solidarity of the EU with
Kosovo’s civilian population. This year, ECHO has made €47 million available to the
region in its continuing effort to cover the most basic needs of refugees, IDPs and
other vulnerable groups. ECHO is preparing the ground for a gradual phase-out of
humanitarian aid. In the meantime, it is co-operating closely with the European
Agency for Reconstruction, which is responsible for identifying, preparing and
implementing most other ongoing EU assistance to Kosovo.
2