Since 2014, the European Union (EU) has funded virtual integration programs in ASEAN with over 250 million euro (US$296 million) in addition to over 2 billion euro to individual projects.

This year, the EU is allotting 800 million euro to ASEAN states to address the economic, social and political consequences brought by the pandemic, with a focus on sustainability.

On Thursday, EU Ambassador to ASEAN Igor Driesmans announced the programs the EU will support, which are listed below.

1. Smart Green Cities Program

This project aims to promote sustainable urbanization within ASEAN cities through carbon footprint reduction and sustainable development.

Expected to start soon this year, the project aims to contribute to the long-term goal of supporting the environment while still allowing for urban development in cities.

Specific issues such as plastic waste will be targeted due to its significant damage to the environment.

Read also: North Bali Eco Hub: A new sustainable community project with a grand vision

2. Farmers Organizations Support Program (AFOSP)

This program is going to implement sustainable forest governance and management across the ASEAN region through the push for sustainable timber trade and licensing.

The program also aims to improve the livelihood and food security of local small-scale farmer in rural ASEAN countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos and Myanmar, whose production methods are suffering from the pandemic.

This is done through financial endowments to the farmers, strengthening their organizational methods for more effective production and influencing local, national as well as global policies that support sustainable farming.

3. ASEAN Supreme Audit Institutions Program

This program is raising awareness about and implements the international standards of Supreme Audit Institutions.

With the aim of providing transparency and accountability toward the countries’ governments, the project will focus on correcting where public funds are spent to prevent fraud. This will ensure that citizens’ taxes are being spent on public facilities that are needed the most.

In addition to this, standards that are followed by multiple countries will ensure that everyone will be able to have their tax money spent on similar and appropriate public expenditure. (wng)