EU boosts its cooperation on sustainable energy with developing countries
EU's commitment to helping developing countries provide access to sustainable energy for all is stronger than ever. The European Union will tomorrow co-sign joint declarations in New York to reinforce energy cooperation with five African countries: Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Togo and Rwanda.
The agreements aim to increase access to sustainable energy sources by engaging with the private sector and improving the conditions for investment and funding on this area. Welcoming the initiative, Commissioner Piebalgs said: "Without energy, factories cannot function, schools cannot be lighted up and families cannot cook, and this is a situation that many people are still facing today. But it is equally important that sustainable energy sources are promoted first and foremost. These declarations are a clear sign of the political commitment of all co-signatories that we want to work together and achieve faster progress in ensuring access to sustainable energy for all.” The EU plans to allocate more than 3.3 billion euro worth of grants in the 2014-2020 financial period to support sustainable energy projects all over the world. Around 2 billion euro will be dedicated to African countries.
For more information: IP/14/1026
