First visit of Commissioner Piebalgs to Haiti: launch of the first EU-funded projects for reconstruction
Andris Piebalgs, EU Commissioner for Development, will travel to Haiti on 23-24 April 2010, to launch the first projects for reconstruction that will be funded by the EU. This will be the first high-level EU visit to Haiti since the International Donors’ Conference "Towards a New Future for Haiti" held on 31 March in New York, during which the EU collectively pledged more than 1.2 billion euros for Haiti's reconstruction. Commissioner Piebalgs will sign five financing agreements for projects funded by the European Commission, which will provide €460 million to the reconstruction and development of the country.
These projects will focus on rebuilding of the State, infrastructures such as schools and roads, and the social sectors. Before going to Haiti, Commissioner Piebalgs will visit the Dominic Republic where he will meet with authorities of the country to discuss the situation in Haiti. In Haiti, he will meet with Haitian President Préval and Prime Minister Bellerive, as well as with representatives of the private sector and NGOs, who are key actors for the reconstruction. The Commissioner also intends to visit two refugee camps whilst in Haiti,, and to discuss with Member States and main international donors on how best to coordinate programming of international aid.
