European Commission proposes resuming aid to Niger

Jul 26, 2010, 14:19 GMT

Brussels - The European Union's executive said Monday that the EU should resume development aid to Niger step by step after the country pledged to return to constitutional rule.

The European Commission suspended development aid payments - as distinct from humanitarian aid - to Niger at the end of last year, after President Mamadou Tandja launched a bid to overturn the constitution which limited his period in power.

But the EU executive now believes that the time has come to normalize relations, 'thereby offering to resume progressively delivery of development aid to Niger alongside the return to the constitutional order in the country,' a commission statement said.

If EU member states endorse that decision, Niger could stand to regain access to tens of millions of euros in development funding.

However, aid payments will depend on the country returning to constitutional order, officials stressed.

'Today's decision sends a clear signal of support for the government of Niger. We acknowledge the concrete commitments made and stand ready to contribute to the progressive return of the constitutional order and rule of law in Niger,' EU Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs said.