South Africa

The Joint Country Strategy has identified the overall goals, specific objectives and areas of cooperation between the EU and South Africa from 2007 to 2013. The present Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) translates the Commission's response in the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) into a programme of action for this period. It is in accordance with Article 19 of Regulation No 1905/2006 ofthe European Parliament and of the Council establishing a financing instrument for development cooperation.

In accordance with this Regulation, the MIP focuses on the objectives of poverty reduction, sustainable economic and social development and the smooth and gradual integration of developing countries into the world economy Additional attention is paid to:

1. the consolidation of a democratic society, good governance and a State governed by the rule oflaw and contributing to regional and continental stability and integration;
2. providing support to the adjustment efforts occasioned in the region by the establishment of free-trade areas under the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement and other regional arrangements;
3. the fight against poverty, inequality and exclusion, including by addressing the basic needs of the previously disadvantaged communities;
4. the HIV/Aids pandemic and its impacts on the South African society.