Directions Africa programme EPD (2 February 2009)
Taking it one step at a time, the EPD would like to reinforce existing European democracy assistance efforts worldwide. It is currently exploring the ways in which it can be of added value to democratization processes in Africa. Europe and Africa have many institutionalised partnership relations in place, for example through the joint EU-Africa Strategy and the Governance Facility under the 10th EDF. Possible building blocks of future EPD pilot programmes in the Sub-Sahara African region will consist of support to more inclusive consultative processes of the Governance Incentive Tranche for civil society, political opposition, independent media and democratic institutions in 1 or 2 pilot countries. In addition, the EPD hopes to serve as a co-financing organisation for African civil society and political opposition regarding financing instruments for democratisation. EPD looks forward to strengthening existing efforts that go in this direction; for more information please contact mariekevandoorn@epd.eu