ISLAMABAD: The European Union (EU) on Friday signed financing agreements with the Finance Ministry, agreeing to give Pakistan a grant of €100 million and an additional €15 million will be committed by the end of the year.

According to a press release, €50 million will be spent on supporting education in Pakistan. The five-year Development through Enhanced Education Program is aimed at contributing to universal access to quality education in Sindh, enabling young people to progress and engage in productive employment or higher and vocational education.

Another €50 million will be spent on economic development in rural Balochistan and Sindh.

The additional €15 million will be spent on supporting parliamentary democracy in Pakistan, especially in the frame of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution.

Speaking during the signing ceremony EU Ambassador Jean-François Cautain said: “I would like to thank all stakeholders, especially the Economic Affairs Division, who have been providing support for the preparation of this new funding. I am sure that this new grant coming from the EU’s taxpayers will positively contribute to the betterment of many citizens of Pakistan by improving access to quality education, developing rural economy and strengthening parliamentary democracy.”

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2018