For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 14, 2001
Fact Sheet
U.S. and EU Assistance to Southeast Europe
The U.S. Government civilian assistance effort in Southeast Europe is substantial and coordinated closely with our European friends and allies on the ground in each recipient country. We also work together to help the countries of the region forge cooperative links through the Stability Pact.
U.S. Assistance Levels. The United States Government
is putting roughly $1.2 billion in foreign assistance into Southeastern
Europe in FY 2001, which is only slightly lower than our contributions
for each of the last two years. Progress on resettlement of
refugees and displaced persons as well as the successful conclusion of
major reconstruction after the war in Bosnia means that overall
assistance will likely continue to trend downward. U.S. Assistance
Objectives. Peacekeeping is key in the Balkans and roughly
half our assistance ($600 million) supports this objective in FY
2001. The victims of recent conflicts still need some
humanitarian aid ($160 million), although that level is
falling. Building democratic and economic institutions of a
modern, free society is basic, consuming $150 million and $279 million,
respectively, of our aid. Anti-crime programs play a small
($11 million) but important role. European Donor
Burdensharing. The Europeans are generally slower in
delivery but carry the lion's share of the assistance burden in
Southeast Europe. In Bosnia, the U.S. paid roughly 25
percent while the Europeans provided 50 percent. For Kosovo,
the U.S. covers 14 percent while the Europeans contribute 73
percent. The Europeans pledged 80 percent of the aid for
Serbia verses 18 percent from the U.S. Stability Pact. The
Pact, a political initiative with the participation of over forty
countries and international organizations, is a catalyst for regional
cooperation and a vehicle for integrating the countries of SEE into
European and Transatlantic institutions. In March 2000, the
first funding conference raised $2.3 billion for "Quick Start" projects
designed to promote democracy, economic reform, and enhanced security
throughout the region. The United States contributed just
over $77 million or 3.3 percent.
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