Astana-Brussels. A European Commission team will travel to Moscow, Chechnya, Ingushetia and North Ossetia from 9-16 April to explore the scope for an EU contribution to social and economic recovery in the Northern Caucasus. The aim is to clarify the most pressing needs and identify workable options for for an EU contribution. The Commission is already the largest international donor of humanitarian assistance in the region, and this mission will look into how EU aid can now be extended into broader recovery activities. The team of officials will visit the political leadership of the three republics, and will visit the Health, Education and Economy ministries in each case. They will also meet other representatives of the international assistance community active in the region.