The European Commission proposed to the Council on 26 July to close consultations under article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement – the political framework for EU relations with countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific - thereby offering to resume progressively delivery of development aid to Niger alongside the return to the constitutional order in the country. Development assistance for the Republic of Niger has been suspended since the end of the last year following a constitutional crisis there. However, humanitarian and emergency aid has remained available and was increased last June, to address the food crisis. In June this year, the Commission adopted a funding Decision to address current food insecurity in Niger and allocated €15 million. This latest decision brings the total Commission funding (humanitarian and other aid instruments, particularly from the European Development Fund) to Niger since 2009 to € 90 million. Under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) the Republic of Niger should benefit from a total of €458 million between 2008 and 2013 once the Council has formally adopts the decision.