Proposal for a Council Regulation on development cooperation with South Africa The European Commission has published a proposal for a Council Regulation on development cooperation with South Africa. This proposal will primarily lay down arrangements for administering the financial resources set aside by the Community for the implementation of long-term c... The European Commission has published a proposal for a Council Regulation on development cooperation with South Africa. This proposal will primarily lay down arrangements for administering the financial resources set aside by the Community for the implementation of long-term cooperation with South Africa. Community policy towards South Africa in the past took the form of punitive measures involving a trade embargo and economic sanctions against the government that bore responsibility for a policy of apartheid. This was combined with positive measures to help the victims of apartheid through projects implemented by non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Since the April 1994 elections in South Africa, and the establishment of a democratic government, the Community has, however, turned towards a strategy of support for the policies and reforms undertaken by the South Africa authorities. An initial Agreement on cooperation between the European Union and South Africa was signed in Pretoria in October 1994 and the negotiation of a comprehensive and long-term relationship with this country is presently underway. The present proposal provides for the implementation of financial and technical cooperation with South Africa under a "European Programme for Reconstruction and Development in South Africa". The aim of this programme will be to contribute to South Africa's sustainable economic and social development and to consolidate foundations laid for a democratic society. Under this programme, priority will be given to actions in the following areas: - Education and training; - Health; - Urban and rural development; - Support and cooperation with the private sector and, in particular for SMEs; - Institution building and the organization of local communities; - Democratization and the protection of human rights. Countries South Africa
