The Central African Republic (CAR), one of the poorest countries in the world, has experienced numerous coups and mutinies since independence in 1960. In spite of its vast natural resources (timber, diamonds, uranium, gold, etc) and relatively small population (4.4 million inhabitants), CAR ranked 179 among 182 according to the Human Development Index in 2009. The Central African Republic is classified as a "post-conflict fragile state".

The EU country strategy is based on a flexible approach linking relief, rehabilitation and development (LRRD). In addition to the European Development Fund (EDF), this is done through:

• humanitarian assistance (2010: €5m; 2009: €2m)
• a food security thematic programme (2009: €5m)
• a food facility (2009: €10m).

Key issues in EU-CAR relations

The National Indicative Programme for 2008-13 (10^th EDF) amounts to €137m, including an incentive allocation of 25% based on the governance commitments of the CAR government. The two main focal sectors are:

• democratic governance and socio-economic rehabilitation (€72.5m)
• infrastructure (€19.5m).

Budget support amounting to €34m is foreseen, as well as activities in several non-focal sectors (environmental and technical cooperation projects). €5.8m have also been allocated under the B envelope. The EU is CAR's main donor.

The consolidation of peace, security and sustainable stabilisation are central to EU-CAR relations. No development can take place in CAR if security and the authority of the state are not re-established throughout the country. The EU, together with the Member States and the international community, is actively monitoring and supporting this process.

In this context, the implementation of the Security Sector Reform (SSR) is proving to becrucial for the stability of the country. The EU is supporting the reforms that CAR’s authorities initiated following a national seminar on this subject (April 2008). EU support is coming from both the EDF and the Community budget (Instrument for Stability).

SSR is part of the broader governance agenda in CAR which includes:

• political governance (consolidation of democratic institutions and respect for human rights)
• economic governance (transparent management of public finances and natural resources)
• social governance (equitable access to social services).

As forforestry governance, negotiations to enable timber from CAR to be exported to Europe with certification of legality were opened in October 2009, at the request of the CAR government. They are centred on aVoluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) under the FLEGT process.