By Naveed Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: In a significant development Monday, Ms. Riina Kionka, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Pakistan, and Dr. Kazim Niaz, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, inked five new grant agreements totaling nearly EUR 100 million (over PKR 30 billion). These agreements, part of Team Europe’s comprehensive response to the 2022 post-flood Resilient Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction Framework, aim to strengthen Pakistan’s resilience after the devastating floods.
The latest EU support package brings the total Team Europe response to the 2022 floods to over EUR 930 million. The focus areas include revitalizing the rural economy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and restoring disrupted livestock value chains in flood-affected Balochistan. Aligned with the extensive EU Global Gateway initiative, the package aims to contribute to the global green transition. Furthermore, it seeks to enhance Pakistan’s long-term resilience through targeted investments in human rights, gender equality, and civil society.
Expressing gratitude, Secretary Dr. Kazim Niaz acknowledged the EU’s support and highlighted the existing unmet needs in the flood-affected areas that require assistance from development partners.
EU Ambassador Dr. Riina Kionka assured, “Pakistan is not alone in overcoming its challenging phase of economic crisis and flood recovery. The EU and Team Europe partners are committed to building back better, sustainably improving lives in the most affected communities in KP and Balochistan.”
The EU’s commitment to Pakistan extends beyond immediate relief, envisioning a stable, democratic, and pluralistic country that respects human rights and maximizes its economic potential. Annually providing around EUR 90 million in grants for development and cooperation, the EU supports Pakistan’s initiatives to combat poverty, enhance education, promote good governance, human rights, rule of law, and ensure sustainable natural resource management. With a special focus on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, Balochistan, and Sindh, the EU’s cooperation spans across the entire nation.
