“Additional contributions include a further €3.8 million from the EU’s Global Climate Change Alliance Funds which has also been allocated towards the on-going climate change project,” the EU said in a statement.

The objective of the new funding for 2011-2013 was “to fight poverty and help the Maldives follow a sustainable growth path, in line with Maldives’ policy priorities,” the EU said.

“Thus, under the single focal sector of governance, in consultation with the Government of Maldives and other stakeholders, EU assistance may be directed towards the areas of environment, combat drug use or public administration (not excluding trade or economic regulations).”