The European Union has agreed to give Costa Rica about $48.7 million during the next six years to promote social development and regional integration.
The amount was fixed yesterday in an accord signed by Costa Rica's acting Foreign Minister Edgar Ugalde and Joao Aguiar, Deputy Director General for External Relations at the European Commission.
“There's no doubt that Costa Rica is the Central American country with which the European Union has most in common,” Aguiar said.
The donation is part of an association agreement being negotiated between Central America and the European Union. The agreement will also involve a free-trade pact and greater political dialogue.
About $36.5 million of the grant will go toward reducing poverty and inequality through investments in healthcare, education, employment programs and the environment, Aguiar said. The remaining $12.2 million will help Costa Rica integrate into the Central American Customs Union while still remaining competitive. Aguiar said the European Union would review the fruits of its donation in 2010.
Costa Rica is receiving less money from the European Union than any of its regional neighbors. During the same period, 2007-2013, the European Union will donate $54.4 million to Panama, $173.3 million to El Salvador, $193.4 million to Guatemala, $210.6 million to Honduras, and $306.5 million to Nicaragua.
Aguiar said the donations reflected the varying needs for aid.
“The fact that Costa Rica is receiving less is not a reason to be sad,” he said. “It's a reason to be glad.” |
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