Aid to Mozambique in the wake of cyclone Idai

Subject: Aid to Mozambique in the wake of cyclone Idai

Three months after cyclone Idai struck, the trail of destruction it caused is still visible, especially in Mozambique, and people are still in need of aid.

According to some estimates, Mozambique still needs approximately EUR 65 million in aid.

The population depends to a large extent on maize and rice production, most of which have been lost to floods and cyclones. Food insecurity in the country is alarming.

Following a previous question on the same subject (P-001411-19), I should like to ask the Commission to give the state of play regarding the aid allocated and say what prospects exist for more aid to be allocated to Mozambique in future, given existing needs.

1. Does it consider the possibility of proposing a reinforcement of funds channelled through development aid, in particular via the European Development Fund?

2. Is it prepared to moot the possible cancellation of the country’s external debt?

Answer given by Mr Stylianides on behalf of the European Commission

(9 September 2019)

At the international pledging conference on 1 June 2019, the European Union announced an additional EUR 200 million to support Mozambique’s recovery and reconstruction, that is EUR 100 million from the European Development Fund and EUR 100 million in concessional loans from the European Investment Bank. Consultations are ongoing to identify options for implementing the Union’s EUR 100 million recovery support package.

In addition, the EU provided more than EUR 17 million in humanitarian aid to deliver emergency aid to those affected by cyclones Idai and Kenneth, including in Mozambique, which received EUR 9.9 million. These funds also support disaster prevention and preparedness measures, and help schools to continue delivering education when natural disasters strike. Cyclone Idai also triggered one of the biggest EU civil protection operations to date.

Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, EU Member States sent around 60 000 relief items, such as medical, hygiene, food, shelter (e.g. tarpaulins, tents, blankets), utility (e.g. solar lights, hand tools, power generators) and water purification supplies, as well as specialist teams. The EU financed 75% of the transport costs of these teams and equipment, amounting to more than EUR 4 million.

The Commission follows closely both Mozambique’s level of debt and its public debt management policies, and intends to continue to review this aspect in close consultation with the Mozambican authorities and the International Monetary Fund.

The Commission supports the country through its development assistance in relevant areas such as Public Financial Management and anti-corruption.