Eritrea
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to see examples
of projects
in this country
Eritrea achieved independence in 1993, following a 30 year war of liberation. In the post-war period, Eritrea enjoyed stability and economic progress. This, however, was interrupted in 1998 when a border war with Ethiopia broke out. It claimed tens of thousands of lives and disrupted the momentum for development that had been gained. Approximately two thirds of the population live under the poverty line. According to the Human Development Report 2011, Eritrea ranks 177th out of 192.
Aid programmes
The Country Strategy Paper for Eritrea (2009-2013) presents the strategic framework for cooperation between the European Commission (EC) and Eritrea under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF).
Eritrea has a long history of food insecurity at both national and household levels. In addition, the general condition of infrastructure in Eritrea is relatively poor following three decades of civil war and insufficient investment since independence. EC assistance under the 10th EDF concentrates on food security and rural development. In addition, funds are set aside for governance programmes and the restoration of the national heritage.
The EU's total allocation (2009-2013) for Eritrea to address these priorities amounts to €122 million.
Recent assistance
Relations between the European Union (EU) and Eritrea date back to Eritrean independence in 1993. Past cooperation has focused on addressing the pressing issues of reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery following the devastation of the war of independence and the border conflict with Ethiopia.
The Country Strategy Paper for Eritrea (2002-2007) 
under 9th EDF funding gave priority to post-conflict rehabilitation, in particular education and road maintenance (€108.95 million) as well as road transport (€4.3 million).
For further details on projects and programmes in Eritrea funded from the European Development Fund and the general budget of the EU, please visit the cooperation section of the website of the Delegation of the European Union to Eritrea.
Other sources of information
More information on EU relations with Eritrea is available on the pages of the Delegation of the European Union to Eritrea.
Information on trade and external relations in the ACP region can be found on the websites of the Directorate-General for Trade and EU External Action Service.