The High Commissioner for Foreign Affairs and Security in the European Union Catherine Ashton said the European Union has allocated 20 million euros to support civil society in Egypt to promote freedom of expression and support women and send experts to follow up on the presidential elections to encourage the rule of law in Egypt.
At a joint press conference in Brussels with European Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule, Ashton said this is the largest amount ever granted to a country, pointing out that the EU policy in this regard is based on the principle of "The More Reforms, The More Aid."
She said that the policy is meant to strengthen assistance to countries that go a long way in the way of reform, whether political or economic.
"When our partners make reforms we support them, particularly since the eyes of the [European] Union are always pointed at the citizens of these countries, civil society and opposition groups,” she said, adding that the aid aims to achieve reforms, stimulate growth and follow up on elections in order to achieve democratic transition.
Fule said he is totally convinced that the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces will hand over power after the presidential election.
Edited translation from MENA
