OREANDA-NEWS. March 04, 2010. It is said in the European Commission’s press release noting that the European Union is intensifying the European Neighborhood Policy and increasing financing for 2011-2013. over 5.7 billion euros will be allocated during these three years to strengthen political cooperation and to promote the economic integration between the EU and its neighbors.

In particular, the funds will be used to support political and economic reforms, regional and trans-border cooperation in the countries – EU partners within the European Neighborhood and Partner instrument. Projects in the fields such as climate changes, transport, energy and environment will also be supported. The EU’s neighbors will receive over 2 billion euros in 2013 in comparison with 1.6 billion euros in 2010.

The money will be distributed this way: Moldova – 273.1 million euros, Ukraine - 470,1 million euros, Morocco – 580,5 million euros, Egypt – 449,3 million euros, Tunis – 240 million euros, Jordan – 223 million euros, Georgia – 180,3 million euros, Algeria – 172 million euros, Armenia – 157,3 million euros, Lebanon – 150 million euros, Syria – 129 million euros, Azerbaijan - 125 million euros, Livia – 60 million euros, Israel – 6 million euros. 262.3 million euros are to be allocated for regional programs of the Eastern dimension, 757.7 million euros – for inter-regional programs.

Commenting upon this decision, the Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Higher Representative on Foreign Policy and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said, “We want to attract our neighbors to more profound cooperation proving that the EU remains a reliable partner in this difficult time. We offer stronger ties of political association and economic integration, adapted for wishes and possibilities of our partners. The increase of EU’s financing is an important instrument for achievement of these goals”.