CARIB-CAP: THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION

The European Union's support to Carib Cap is part of its Microfinance Programme for Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific (ACP), which aims to contribute to poverty reduction through the development of more performing and effective financial services for poor people.

The European Union is made up of 27 Member States who have decided to gradually link together their know-how, resources and destinies. Together, during a period of enlargement of 50 years, they have built a zone of stability, democracy and sustainable development whilst maintaining cultural diversity, tolerance and individual freedoms.

The European Union is committed to sharing its achievements and its values with countries and peoples beyond its borders.

The European Union is a major player in international co-operation and development aid. It is also the world’s largest humanitarian aid donor. Today, the European Community has political and financial responsibility for over 11% of the world’s public aid (ODA), compared with 5% in 1985.

The primary aim of the EC’s own development policy, agreed in November 2000, is the eradication of poverty. To enhance its impact, the EC is targeting its assistance on six priority areas: trade and development; regional integration and co-operation; support to macroeconomic policies and equitable access to social services; transport; food security and sustainable rural development; institutional capacity building, good governance and the rule of law. In addition to these core areas, important crosscutting issues are being mainstreamed into development activities namely: human rights, gender equality, environment and conflict prevention.

See also the EU/ACP Microfinance Programme: www.euacpmicrofinance.org