The European Commission has released €25 million in budgetary support for Niger after the EU resumed in full its cooperation with this country since the investiture of the new president, Mahamadou Issoufou, took place in April 2011. These funds will help Niger in its fight against poverty, in particular by concentrating on the social sectors such as education and health.

Under the framework of the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), Niger will receive financial assistance amounting to €458 million between 2008 and 2013. The main priority areas for cooperation during this period are rural development, improving food safety, transport infrastructures and good governance. The EU suspended its cooperation with Niger in 2009 following former president Mamadou Tandja's unconstitutional attempt to remain in office beyond his second term.

Since 2010 the European Commission has gradually resumed its cooperation, providing support for food safety, rural development, transport infrastructures and the elections. The investiture of the new president, Mahamadou Issoufou, in April 2011 signalled the completion of the country's democratic transition.

The Commission made an analysis of the eligibility criteria for budgetary support before approving these funds: macro-economic stability, a coherent and sustainable policy for fighting poverty and improved management of public finances. The progress observed in these three areas made it possible to respond to the Nigerien authorities' request payment to be made as soon as possible. Moreover, during the evaluation the European Commission noted the significant work done by the government to prepare the action plan for the Quality Initiative in the area of education. Among the proposals included in the plan there is making school attendance compulsory and free of charge for all up to the age of 16. Thus, part of this payment (€10 million) is also linked to specific conditions in the area of education.