TRIPOLI – The European Commission has announced a €25 million package to support Libya's transition, with a focus on education, healthcare, security and the rule of law. Three programs will be run in early 2013. The EU said these will “focus on sectors which are important for stability and for delivering on expectations of the people.” The EU explained that its aim in Libya, “is to help the transition to a democratic, stable and prosperous country. This also involves promotion of deep and sustainable democracy, based on strong, transparent and accountable institutions and a vibrant civil society.” The €25 million will be split into three parts. A €6.5 million program for technical and vocational education and training will home in on unemployed young people, contributing to the integration of ex-fighters, as well as fostering economic recovery. A further €8.5 million will focus on strengthening Libya's health system. This is to help the government improve primary healthcare and mental health where, the EU says, assistance has been greatly needed since the revolution. The third program, for €10 million, is to strengthen democracy, good governance and civilian culture around security and justice. The funding is coming from the budget of the European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI). ?tefan Füle, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, said: “The stabilization of Libya is a key to allow democratic transition to take place, according to the expectations of the Libyan people. “With these three programs,” he continued, “the EU is bringing its diversity of experience and expertise to support the new Libya in setting-up their own solutions to their most pressing challenges.” The EU has so far given Libya more than €156 million in humanitarian support. – Libya Herald
