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Commission Decision of 25.7.2012 on the financing of humanitarian actions in Southern Africa and Indian Ocean from the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) (ECHO/-SF/BUD/2012/01000)

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THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000 and revised on 22 June 20101, and in particular Article 72 thereof,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 617/2007 of 14 May 2007 on the implementation of the 10th European Development Fund under the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement2, and in particular Articles 5.4 and 8 thereof;

Whereas:

(1) The very intense cyclonic season between January and May 2012 in Southern Africa and Indian Ocean mainly affected Madagascar, Mozambique, and the Comoros and, to a lesser extent Malawi, resulting in flooding.

(2) The agricultural activities were seriously affected with marked losses in rice and other cereal production as well as in other livelihood sources like vanilla production, particularly in Madagascar, Mozambique and Comoros.

(3) Various needs assessments conducted in the above-mentioned countries indicate the need for medium term intervention to assist the affected communities in recovering from the recent shocks, and particularly prepare them for the future through strategies that enhance resilience.

(4) Despite the on-going emergency and DIPECHO activities in the various countries in Southern Africa and Indian Ocean, the communities remain vulnerable and assistance to close to 200,000 people is still required with particular thrust towards building resilience.

(5) To reach populations in need, aid should be channelled through non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or international organisations, including United Nations (UN) agencies. Therefore, the European Commission should implement the budget by direct centralised management or by joint management.

(6) For the purposes of this Decision, the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean countries concerned are: Madagascar, Mozambique, Comoros and Malawi.

(7) An assessment of the humanitarian situation leads to the conclusion that humanitarian aid actions should be financed by the European Union for a period of 18 months.

(8) The use of the 10th European Development Fund is necessary as all the funds for ACP countries in the general budget have been entirely allocated.

(9) It is estimated that an amount of EUR 3,000,000 from the reserve of the 10th European Development Fund is necessary to provide humanitarian assistance to populations directly affected by the natural disasters. Although, as a general rule, actions funded by this Decision should be co-financed, the Authorising Officer, in accordance with Article 103.3 of the Financial Regulation applicable to the 10th EDF3, together with Article 253 of the Implementing Rules of the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Union4, may agree to the full financing of actions.

(10) The Commission will inform the EDF Committee within one month of the adoption of the Decision and this in conformity with Article 8 of the Council Regulation (EC) No 617/2007.