European initiative for democracy and human rights 2002-2004

The European Commission on 21 January published a 'Programming Document 2002-2004' for the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights, which in the Mediterranean region follows on from the previous MEDA Democracy Programme.

Under the new initiative 29 countries world-wide were selected, which will receive the bulk of the money available. Among them are 5 Mediterranean Partners, and for each of them an indicative allocation has been earmarked for 2002. The Partners concerned are Algeria ( 2.5 million); Israel & the West Bank and Gaza Strip ( 2.5 million); Tunisia ( 1.5 million), and Turkey ( 2 million). Action on the ground should focus on issues such as democratisation, good governance, the Rule of Law, conflict prevention and resolution, and women.