European Commission Directorate General for Inte : Congo (Republic of)

The Republic of Congo is a country with a good development potential due to rich natural resources but which are not converted sufficiently in sustainable development for improving poverty. The Republic of Congo is a country rich in raw materials (oil, timber, mining with high potential) and natural resources (forest Congo Basin), classified as a middle-income country. However, despite its economic resources, half of its population lives below the national poverty line ($ 1.25 / day) due to poor governance and business environment, social disparities and corruption which hinder the development of the country.

The security situation is stable but fragile in a post-conflict society, leaded by the current Head of State Denis Sassou Nguesso who has been in power since 1997.

In March 2015, the EU has adopted its National Indicative Programme for the Republic of Congo which covers the period 2014-2020 under the 11th European Development Fund.

The EU's Country Strategy Paper for the Republic of Congo (2008-13) and a multi-annual indicative programme detailed the priority areas for which an indicative funding of €88.9 million of EU assistance under the 10European Development Fund (2008-13) was available.

Funds were allocated to:

• improve major transport routes (Pointe-Noire-Brazzaville);

• implement a national trade strategy, with diversification at its core;

• strengthen government institutions;

• put in place a national public-finance reform plan;

• promote the sustainable management of natural resources.

Assistance was also given for improving healthcare and strengthening the rule of law.

All EU programmes in the Republic of the Congo are addressing cross-cutting issues which arise in many sectors including gender, environment and human-rights issues.