The European Union (EU) yesterday approved 100 million euro package to support Afghan government in carrying out reforms in key sectors. The package was aimed to improve Afghanistan’s development policies, maintain macroeconomic stability, advance sound public financial management and strengthen state budget transparency. An EU press release stated that The EU’s decision follows a positive assessment on progress in these reform areas over the last twelve months against the background of a challenging security situation. The package is part of a State Building Contract (SBC) signed with the Government of Afghanistan during the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan on October 2016. Afghan Finance Minister Eklil Hakimi on the occasion said, “The approval of this allocation means that Afghanistan has been making significant progress in crucial areas such as public policy, macroeconomic, financial management and budget transparency and oversight.” Franz-Michael Mellbin, EU Special Representative and Head of Delegation, said, “The allocation approved today is a very tangible demonstration of the EU’s long-standing commitment to Afghanistan and its people.” He said the purpose of the package was to improve services to the population, boost economic growth and reduce poverty at a time when Afghanistan continued to face major security, economic and political challenges.
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