European Institute for Asian Studies - Post -Tsunami Relief, Reconstruction and Development: What can the EU do?

Venue: Room 70, The European Economic and Social Committee
99 rue Belliard, B-1040, Brussels
Dates : 15h00 - 17h30, Wednesday, January 19, 2005

The tsunami waves that struck the shores of numerous countries across the Indian Ocean on 26 December 2004 caused massive destruction and tragic loss of life. The tsunami caused enormous humanitarian, social and economic impact throughout the region, with political implications on a global scale.

The short, medium and long-term consequences of this horrendous natural disaster across Asia and Africa are far-reaching. A number of international and regional initiatives are taking place to provide a situation analysis and respond appropriately to the region's needs. International support, including from the people and governments of the European Union, has been generous and unprecedented.

In light of these developments a number of questions must be addressed:
Will the generous humanitarian assistance offered by the EU be followed up with adequate long-term support to rebuild shattered communities and provide them the means to regain their livelihoods?

What needs to be done to ensure an effective long-term approach from the EU?

Will the offers of humanitarian assistance and financial aid by EU governments be additional resources for the affected countries or is there cause for concern that those funds are drawn from budgets earmarked for development?

What is the likely economic impact on growth and development across the region as well as on the directly affected islands and coastal areas?

Will the political solidarity shown at this time of tragedy translate into strengthening of cooperation within the region? Can post-tsunami reconstruction facilitate resolution of conflicts within the affected countries, especially in Indonesia and Sri Lanka?

Final Programme

15h00 - 15h05 Opening Remarks by the Chair
Mr. Subhan, Vice-Chairman, European Institute for Asian Studies

15h05 - 15h10 Welcome Address
Mr. Sharma, Member of the follow up Committee of the EU-India Round Table, European Economic and Social Committee

15h05 - 16h00 Session One: Adequacy and Targeting of Assistance and Economic and Political Impact of the Tsunami

Dr. van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies

H.E. Mr. Mattalitti, Ambassador of Indonesia to the European Union

H.E. Mr. Jayasinghe, Ambassador of Sri-Lanka to the European Union

Question and Answer Session

16h00 - 16h15 Break for Coffee and Tea

16h15 - 17h15 Session Two: Short and Long Term Impact: What Can the EU Do?

H.E. Mr. Prawudminai, Ambassador of Thailand to the European Union

H.E. Mr. Deva, Ambassador of Malaysia to the European Union

Ms. Gill, Member of the European Parliament, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with South Asian countries

Question and Answer Session

17h15 - 17h30 Summary of the Main Recommendations by Dr. van Der Geest

17h30 Closing Remarks by the Chair

Photo Gallery

H.E Ridzam Deva's Speech

Dr van der Geest's Presentation (powerpoint)

Letter of Invitation (pdf)

Final Programme (pdf)



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