The European Commission (EC) has started a cooperation strategy programme* with Bolivia which will last until 2006. The Memorandum of Understanding signed in Oct 2001 commits the EC and the Government to work on: regional physical integration; water and sanitation; alternative development; and economic cooperation. The Bolivian Government regards health, education and water and sanitation as three of the key areas for making a direct impact upon poverty. The water and sanitation sector has been chosen as a sector for concentration because it is not well covered by other donors. Objectives of the water and sanitation programme are to provide access to drinkable water and to sanitation systems for disadvantaged and poor communities, with a view to the sustainability of the investments. Indicative amount: EUR 40-45 million.

* Bolivia: country strategy paper, Brussels, 17 May 2002, URL: http://europa.eu.int/comm/external_relations/bol...

Source: EVD, 24 Jun 2002