MINSK, 21 September (BelTA) – The European Union will double the package of bilateral aid granted to Belarus from €14.5 million in 2015 to €29 million in 2016, BelTA learned from the European External Action Service website.
The funds are supposed to bolster Belarus' efforts to carry out reforms and provide additional support in regional development and the development of the private sector, migration management, sheltering, and other areas.
As much as €14 million will be granted to develop the private sector by supporting Belarus' social and economic development on the basis of broad involvement of the general public. Close attention will be paid to regions with a low competitive ability. The European Union will support innovations for the purposes of local development, provided citizens take an active part in the relevant projects. Local business consulting services will be supported, hence contributing to the spread of knowledge about the operation of small and medium enterprises. The money will also expand access to financing for micro companies, small and medium enterprises as well as social enterprises.
As much as €7 million will help Belarus respond to the growing number of irregular migrants by supporting the Belarusian government in developing and deploying a full-scale strategy for managing irregular migration in compliance with international rights and standards in the area of migration. It will contribute to the observation of human rights and fundamental rights in the area of irregular migration. Support will be granted to the program on assistance with voluntary return and reintegration as well as the construction and reconstruction of temporary accommodation centers for migrants.
As much as €6 million will be granted to Belarus to bolster institutions through structural and institutional reforms in key spheres by beefing up the potential of Belarusian government agencies, state-run and semi-state enterprises for working out policies. The initiative will contribute to the establishment of proper management, justice, gender equality and supremacy of the law.
The main priorities of the European Union's support for Belarus in 2014-2017 include social inclusion, environment, local and regional development.
