Belarus received €94 million under EU`s European Neighborhood Instrument in 2007-2013, report says

The European Union donated a total of €94.2 million to Belarus in the framework its European Neighborhood Instrument (ENI) between 2007 and 2013, according to a report by the Development and Cooperation-EuropeAid, the European Commission’s directorate general that provides development assistance worldwide.

The amount includes €22.5 million that was provided with "special measures" for engaging with civil society, media and local authorities.

EuropeAid said that the EU had planned to provide a total of €102.8 million in the period. It had planned to donate €46.1 million for the National Indicative Program between 2007 and 2011 but only €43.1 million was committed.

According to the report, €56.7 million had been expected to be provided for the National Indicative Program in 2012 and 2013 but just €28.6 million was committed.

"In line with the EU policy of critical engagement, EU assistance to Belarus focused on neutral sectors of mutual interest, such as environment, emergency efficiency, regional development, and food safety," said the report.

The agency said that EU aid for Belarus may total €71 million to €89 million from 2014 through 2017.

The other five countries participating in the EU`s Eastern Partnership program received much more aid in the framework of the ENI in the seven-year period. EU aid for Ukraine exceeded €1 billion, while Moldova and Georgia received €560.9 million and €452.1 million, respectively. EU aid for Armenia and Azerbaijan was €281.5 million and €143.5 million, respectively.