Dominican Republic isn’t so poor: EU trims aid

Santo Domingo.- The national authorizing officer for the European Development Funds on Sunday revealed that the European Union (EU) has reduced its cooperation with the Dominican Republic by more than 70 percent.

Antonio Vargas said the measure adopted by the European nations results from their consideration and that of other international organizations, that the country is a middle income nation which doesn’t need such assistance any longer.

He said most of the EU funds once allocated to the Dominican Republic have been channeled to less developed African and Pacific nations.

Interviewed by Héctor Herrera Cabral on D’AGENDA, Vargas said the Cotonú Agreement concludes in 2020 for which alternative funding beyond that date needs to be found.

He said president Danilo Medina issued instructions to establish mechanisms to continue receiving EU aid.