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April 27, 2005

North Caucasus: European Commission Eyes Reconstruction Work In North Caucasus

by Ahto Lobjakas

Ready for reconstruction?

A European Commission assessment team that visited Chechnya, Ingushetia, and North Ossetia in mid-April has returned with what officials describe as a "broad impression" that EU-backed reconstruction work in the area has now become feasible. That work would go beyond the immediate humanitarian relief the EU has so far provided for the region.
Brussels, 27 April 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Building on gradually lessening Russian sensitivities about the conflict in Chechnya, the European Union is on the brink of acquiring a formal role in post-conflict rehabilitation of the region.

A team of European Commission experts visited the North Caucasus on 9-16 April and met with the political leaders of Chechnya, Ingushetia, and North Ossetia.

Emma Udwin, a spokeswoman at the European Commission, told RFE/RL today that the team is advising EU authorities that while humanitarian assistance must continue, the bloc could "add value" to local efforts at social and economic reconstruction.

Udwin said health and education are key sectors where the EU may become involved.

"Part of the mission was to hold discussions with the ministries of health and education in each case, and we are looking at how we might be able to, for example, help expand the administrative capacity of those ministries to improve services in those key areas -- that might be one example," Udwin said.


Udwin said it was too early to specify what precise projects the EU may propose.

Speaking privately, an EU source told RFE/RL the European Commission feels reconstruction work can start before a formal end to the conflict in Chechnya, provided the security situation remains favorable.

Udwin also appeared to say a formal end to the war is not an absolute precondition for EU involvement in rehabilitation efforts.

"It is clear that the assistance, the support we give will be more meaningful if it takes place in the context of a political solution that has the broad consensus of the local population," Udwin said.

The anonymous official quoted previously said the EU intends to conduct its reconstruction projects in "close contact" with the Russian authorities, but indicated that the bloc will retain full control over undertakings it finances.

The official also indicated that budgeting for projects may start before the next EU budget cycle 2007-13, that is, next year or earlier.
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