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Political and defence Europe (by Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)

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50 million euros for MISCA

(BRUSSELS2) The European Commission has released 50 million euros to support the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA), the spokesperson for the European Union Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs announced today. . Which confirms our information published two weeks ago (read: Central African Republic. Is a European initiative possible?).

The Peace Facility mobilized

This European financial support should be mobilized via the African Peace Facility (which is part of the European Development Fund or EDF). The 28 ambassadors of the COPS, the EU Political and Security Committee, responded positively to the request from the African Union (addressed on November 21). NB: According to our information, this money comes from amounts not used for Minusma in Mali.

Soldier allowances and support equipment

EU funding should cover the costs allowances, accommodation and food for troops deployed in the field”, but not directly military costs « Costs relating to military equipment are never covered” detailed the spokesperson for Commissioner Piebalgs. In contrast, " the salaries of MISCA civilian staff and various operational costs such as transport, means of communication or medical services should also be covered ". A support " essential to the proper functioning of the mission we underline.

Development projects never completely interrupted

EU development cooperation should not be left behind. She " has never been suspended in CAR ” one specifies to the Commission. " Road maintenance projects, taking control of public finance management and reestablishing an operational police force that protects the population » are among the « priorities » of European cooperation. Projects, for an amount of around 23 million euros “ are being prepared and must be decided before the end of 2013”. The immediate priority, once security is restored, will support the transition process towards the re-establishment of democratic institutions and the provision of basic social services to the populations”.

Comment: as for European battlegroups, (we) are still “thinking”… Article to follow!

Nicolas Gros Verheyde

Chief editor of the B2 site. Graduated in European law from the University of Paris I Pantheon Sorbonne and listener to the 65th session of the IHEDN (Institut des Hautes Etudes de la Défense Nationale. Journalist since 1989, founded B2 - Bruxelles2 in 2008. EU/NATO correspondent in Brussels for Sud-Ouest (previously West-France and France-Soir).

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