Louis Michel will today launch the programming cycle for Aid to Development under the 10th EDF (European Development Fund). It will take place during the first Regional Seminar, to be held in Brazzaville and in which countries from Central Africa will participate. Based on Commission proposals, the programming exercise will constitute the first concrete step towards the implementation of the EU commitments taken in 2005, in particular the improvement of co-ordination and aid effectiveness, increase in aid allocations and a focus on Africa.