THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

EU adopts new approach in delivering

EU adopts new approach in delivering

THE EUROPEAN UNION is adjusting its approach to dealing with Myanmar, hoping to “tailor” assistance in close consultation with relevant parties including the Tatmadaw (Armed Forces).

According to EU Ambassador to Myanmar Roland Kobia, EU foreign ministers recently convened a meeting and resolved to review the union’s strategy, in order to support the country’s democratic transition and reforms better.
“We do not want a ‘one size fits all’ approach. We really want to tailor our assistance, and we have been in contact with the government before the conclusion was outlined,” he told a news conference on Wednesday.
“As a political actor, Tatmadaw is still in the parliament and still has an important portfolio in the government. So we want to engage with them to exchange views about how we see the future of armies in democratic governments and to exchange views on the different models around the world,” he said.
The focus will remain on democratic reforms, sustainable peace, poverty reduction, and inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
“We know the challenges the country is facing and the EU is certainly determined to continue its support … We want to operate in the areas where we will really make a difference to the people. I am thinking about our support to the peace process, to the reforms of Myanmar police forces, our actions in Rakhine state, and our actions in human rights, etc,” he said.
The new strategy will prioritise six key areas of engagement – democracy, the rule of law and good governance; peace building; protection and promotion of human rights; poverty reduction and sustainable development; economic engagement and trade; and supporting Myanmar’s reintegration into Asean and the rest of the world. 
In assisting Myanmar, the EU also seeks an improved legal financial framework to ensure that financial aid is well spent.
The EU re-engaged with Myanmar in 2012 by suspending sanctions and opening an office in Yangon. In 2013, it lifted all the sanctions with the exception of an arms embargo and reinstated trade preferences. It also approved 150-million-euro packages.
According to the Multi-annual Indicative Programme 2014-2020, the EU has committed to allocate 688 million euros (Bt26.9 billion) to Myanmar. With that amount, the EU is the largest donor to Myanmar. 
Kobia said that of the total, education and rural development would be allocated 240 million euros each, while projects on good governance and democratisation would get more than 100 million euros each.
According to the envoy, the sum could be doubled within the next few years as some countries are committed to contributing more.
Kobia also stressed the commitment to unleash Myanmar’s economic potential.
“We are ready to support the transition to a free-market economy and to support the ongoing efforts to create legal and regulatory framework that is conducive to foreign direct investment,” he said. 
“The EU wants to maintain its interest in quality investment and ensure the labour laws are protected, and we are working with Myanmar in order to enhance labour standards and corporate social responsibility.”
More investment from Europe is expected once the investment-protection agreement is signed by the new government.
“The negotiations [for the agreement] are basically finished. Just one or two parts are to be finalised. And we have signalled our willingness and our readiness to sign the agreement as soon as they are ready,” he said.
At the briefing, Andrew Patrick, ambassador of the United Kingdom to Myanmar, said his country’s referendum on leaving the EU would not have a negative impact on Myanmar.
“The decision will be made by the people of the UK. Whatever the outcome, the UK will continue to support this country and to work very closely with the country,” said Patrick
 
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