By Sanna Camara

Since 2017, only through four ‘State and Resilience Building’ Budget Support Programmes, the EU has disbursed to the Government of The Gambia more than 10.2 billion Dalasi (135 Euro Million).

EU ambassador Immaculada Roca I Cortés recalled: “The budget support’s goal is to accompany the Gambian Government’s efforts to consolidate a peaceful, inclusive and democratic society in The Gambia, while promoting social protection and gender equality.” She added: “The objectives cover a wide range of areas that have been defined together with the government. The path in reinforcing a democratic Gambia requires the commitment of all state actors and partners and we are glad to play our active part which reflects the longstanding European solidarity.”

According to a press release from the Delegation this evening, the funding of the Budget Support programme is not per se earmarked for specific expenses.

It goes to the General Treasury [of the Gambia] to ensure the State’s ownership over the national budget. However, in the framework of our budget support programmes, The Gambia and the EU agree on a certain number of objectives, translated into indicators. To ensure an efficient implementation of the programme, both parties carry out a regular policy dialogue encompassing all the key results identified in the Financing Agreement.

“The new payment of 9.5 million EURO was preceded by a payment of 12 million EURO in December 2023. The next and last budget support disbursement under this programme is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025. Subject to the fulfilment of the disbursement conditions, the last disbursement could amount to 14.5 Euro Million. Since 2017, only through four ‘State and Resilience Building’ Budget Support Programmes, the EU has disbursed to the Government of The Gambia more than 10.2 billion Dalasi (135 Euro Million).”

Read below the full text of the press release from the EU delegation in The Gambia:

Banjul, 17 January 2025:

The European Union allocates 718 million Dalasi to strengthen the State’s ability to provide services to the population

The European Union allocated 718.2 million Dalasi (9.5 Million EURO) to the government. This new payment is the 2^nd disbursement under the budget support programme (the “State and Resilience Building Contract for The Gambia 4”). It is comprised of a fixed tranche of 2 million EURO that is recognizing progress in the areas of Public Policy, Macroeconomic Stability, Public Financial Management and Budget Transparency and Oversight. The second, variable tranche is of 7.5 million EUR and is paid on the basis of targets met in the areas of transitional justice, social protection and public financial management.

EU ambassador Immaculada Roca I Cortés recalled: “The budget support’s goal is to accompany the Gambian Government’s efforts to consolidate a peaceful, inclusive and democratic society in The Gambia, while promoting social protection and gender equality.” She added: “The objectives cover a wide range of areas that have been defined together with the government. The path in reinforcing a democratic Gambia requires the commitment of all state actors and partners and we are glad to play our active part which reflects the longstanding European solidarity.”

Specifically, the following specific objectives are pursued through the budget support:  enhancing the rule of law and transitional justice framework – while making sure that gender perspective is incorporated -; improving migration management; strengthen the social protection systems coverage and improve accountability of public financial management for the delivery of essential services to the citizens.

The Budget Support programme is accompanied by a regular strategic-level policy dialogue. Moreover, complementary measures are foreseen including technical assistance in the areas of public financial management and social protection, as well as grants to enhance the rights of persons with disabilities in The Gambia.