The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Olga ZRIHEN ZAARI (PES, B) approving the common position.
Parliament is of the opinion that aid should be given primarily to non-governmental organisations, local communities and women's' organisations working on the spot who best know the situation and needs of local people.
For the period 2004-2006 an amount of EUR 9 million has been allocated (as proposed by the Commission therefore the increase of EUR 2 million was rejected). In order to support sustainable progress in the developing countries, MEPs say it is not enough simply to set up an anti-poverty programme: women's emancipation must also be encouraged.�