The European Union will provide an initial $10 million through the Pacific Community to complement the Fijian Government's efforts in relief, recovery and rehabilitation following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.
The funds will immediately be made available from EU‑SPC projects for communities and businesses in the most severely affected regions of Fiji.
EU Ambassador for the Pacific, Andrew Jacobs says the $10 million is a direct, practical short term response to the needs of Fijian citizens in the affected areas.
He says the EU and SPC have joined forces to identify other resources, whether it is through an existing joint programme or a new source that could be expedited and channelled towards re‑building peoples' lives.
The projects will assist rehabilitation efforts in the agricultural sector by increasing the supply of key export crops, such as fruit and vegetables.
This will foster food security and also contribute to the livelihood of smallholders farmers in affected areas.
