Today the European Union paid a grant of EUR 16 million (USD 18 million) to the Government of Liberia. This is the second payment under the EU's budget support programme after a first payment of EUR 29.2 million (USD 33 million) in July 2015. Together, the first and second payment amount to nearly 10% of the 2015/2016 budget.

Disbursement of the second payment comes after the Government of Liberia met agreed conditions in the area of improved public financial management and some sector specific targets relating to justice and security.  The EU will disburse the money directly into the treasury account of the Government to support the budget of the Republic of Liberia. Funding under the budget support programme has been increased, reflecting the EU's commitment to support Liberia in its post-Ebola recovery efforts and in meeting new challenges such as the costs linked to UNMIL drawdown and the reduction in Government revenues due to the fall in commodity exports. 

Ambassador Tiina Intelmann, Head of the European Union Delegation to Liberia, said "The EU gives this 16 million Euro expecting that the Government will use it to provide Liberians with the vital public services they deserve and it has committed to provide: health, education, justice and security. I encourage the Government to continue improving the management of public finances and fight against corruption. With UNMIL drawdown approaching I applaud the recent adoption of the Police Act and the measures taken by the Government to ensure citizens' security throughout the country. I encourage Government and the Judiciary to continue their efforts to improve access to justice, in particular through magistrates' courts and to intensify efforts to tackle sexual and gender based violence."