New future for Haiti

On 22 March, the Foreign Affairs Council mandated High Representative Catherine Ashton to represent the EU at the International Donors' Conference for Haiti to be held in New York on 31 March. After a swift and effective initial response to the earthquake, the Union will keep on addressing humanitarian needs and help the country prepare for the rainy and hurricane season. The EU stands ready to provide long-term support for the reconstruction and sustainable development of Haiti.

Catherine Ashton on her visit to Haiti on 3 March, 2010
© European Union, 2010

The EU position to be presented at the Donors' Conference "Towards a New Future for Haiti" will provide an overview of the Union's collective effort in humanitarian, civil protection and other emergency assistance since the earthquake, including military assets, and police support. It will also include a total figure for the EU's overall commitment to the reconstruction of the country.

The EU is ready to support the Government of Haiti's long-term plan, to be presented at the Conference, for lasting and inclusive growth and development in Haiti over the next ten years. The Council underlined that the Government of Haiti would lead the recovery and reconstruction effort and that the EU would work in partnership with the international community.

The Union will act together in order to maximise the effectiveness of Community and Member States' development funds in rehabilitating Haiti. It will enhance its coordination on the ground with the establishment of an EU House in Haiti, where European development capabilities will be co-located.

More information:
Council Conclusions on Haiti 
Council Press Release 
Webcast of press conference