European Commission (EC)

Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has enjoyed a strong pluralistic democratic system and a sound human rights record. It is now leading an open and constructive dialogue with stakeholders on governance issues, including civil society and its main development partners. The Government remains committed to further improvements in governance as reflected in the broad governance commitments made in the context of the 2008-2013 European Commission – Republic of Mauritius Country Strategy Paper (CSP).

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania is a Sahel-Saharan country in West Africa with an area of 1 030 000 km² and 700 km of Atlantic coastline. It has a population of 2.7 million (projection based on the census in 2000). Its main resources are fishing, iron and more recently oil and gas. In 2005 a military coup brought to an end twenty years of authoritarian rule and, at the end of the electoral process of 2006–2007, ensured a move towards democracy.

The purpose of this Country Strategy Paper (CSP) is to provide a framework for EC co-operation with the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) under the Cotonou Agreement. The framework is based on global objectives of EC-ACP co-operation, RMI’s own development policy, an analysis of the political and economic situation in the country, and an assessment of the past co-operation programmes of the EC and other donors. It concludes with the proposed EC response strategy of the 10th EDF and an Indicative Programme.

Mali is a landlocked country in the Sahel, with an estimated population of 12.7 million, which is growing at a rate of 3% per year, excluding large-scale migration. It is ranked 175th out of 177 countries according to the UNDP's 2006 Human Development Index but has experienced a slow but steady increase in its HDI over the past 15 years. Located in the middle of a sub-region racked by conflict, Mali restored democracy 15 years ago. Malian law guarantees human rights, and the principles of the rule of law are respected.

The cooperation between the Government of Malawi and the European Commission over the period 2008-2013 will manifest itself through the alignment of support to the overriding policy objectives of the MGDS1, which was approved by the Government on 3 November 2006. The main policy objective is to create wealth through economic growth and infrastructure development as a means of achieving poverty reduction. The five MGDS themes of sustainable economic growth, social protection, social development, infrastructure development and improved governance represent the broad national priorities.

Since the crisis of 2002, Madagascar has enjoyed relative political stability across the whole island. 2006 saw the start of a new electoral cycle, beginning in December with the presidential elections. To ensure that the elections took place in the best possible conditions, the international community, with the EU in the forefront, provided strong support in the preparations for voting, which proceeded in a calm and orderly manner.

Fourteen years of civil war, brought on by marginalisation and economic collapse, ended with a Peace Agreement brokered in Accra in June 2003 and a two-year National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL). This was followed by presidential and legislature elections in late 2005 which resulted in the inauguration of the first elected female President in Africa, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. She launched an ambitious transitional and development programme, stating transparency and anti-corruption as the main items on her agenda.

Lesotho is small, landlocked and surrounded by South Africa, the region’s largest economy. With few exploitable natural resources – diamonds, water transfer and wonderful mountain landscape with possible tourist potential – and strictly limited agricultural potential, the people have developed a strong culture of wage employment. Historically, Lesotho sent migrant labourers to the mines in South Africa, with remitted wages providing sustainable livelihoods and general household security for their families living mainly in rural areas.

The purpose of this Country Strategy Paper (CSP) is to provide a framework for EC co-operation with Kiribati under the Cotonou Agreement. The framework is based on global objectives of EC-ACP co-operation, Kiribati’s own development policy, an analysis of the political and economic situation in the country, and an assessment of the past co-operation programmes of the EC and other donors. It concludes with the proposed EC response strategy of the 10th EDF and an Indicative Programme.

Based on the principles of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement, the government of Kenya (GoK) and the European Commission (EC) prepared the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for 2008-2013 under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) in close consultation with non-State actors (NSAs) and development partners, in particular EU Member States. The CSP is aligned with Kenya’s medium-term objectives and strategies and with the EU’s development policies and priorities and also reflects the objectives of increased regional integration.