The European Union ambassador to The Gambia has disclosed that the EU has donated D6.8 billion to The Gambia since Adama Barrow came to power.

The financial supports came in the form of grants to development projects and the Gambia’s national budget.

Ambassador Corrado Pampaloni made the revelation after announcing another grant of €5.55 million (D338 million) for the budget of The Gambia.

Ambassador Pampaloni said: “Since the start of the democratic transition in 2016, the EU has contributed almost D6.8 billion to the national budget of The Gambia. 

“Budget support consists of direct financial transfers to the national treasury of The Gambia. 

“These transfers rely on policy dialogue, capacity building, and a performance assessment in areas related to, among others, democratic governance, respect for human rights and the sound management of public finances.

“With this release of the third budget support tranche under the current State and Resilience Building Contract, the EU encourages the Gambian authorities to continue to improve the management of public finances and supports The Gambia’s national priorities, including in areas related to the electoral processes and constitutional reforms.”

The ambassador added that the overall objective of budget support is to contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth in The Gambia. 

“Key dimensions are macroeconomic stability, efficient and accountable use of public funds, gender equality, improved security sector governance, transparent management of natural resources, transitional justice, and the rule of law.”