BRUSSELS, Sept 18 (Reuters) - The European Union plans to set up an alliance with the world's poorest countries to help them cope with growing problems related to climate change, the bloc's executive said on Tuesday.

"Developing countries will be the hardest hit by the effects of climate change and therefore need our help to mitigate climate change and to adapt to the changes already occurring," the European Commission said in a statement.

Seven of the 10 deadliest natural disasters of the last 20 years occurred between 2000 and 2006, said the Commission, which has made the fight against climate change a policy priority.

Brussels provides developing countries with emergency aid and the new alliance would help them, especially the poorest states, to prepare for future disasters via funding for alert systems, special irrigation techniques and other projects.

The plan will also seek to cut emissions from deforestation -- a major contributor to rising greenhouse gas levels -- and help developing countries take advantage of the global carbon market.

The Commission has already earmarked 50 million euros ($69 million) for the launch of the alliance, which could handle funds of up to 300 million euros between 2008 and 2010, European Development Commissioner Louis Michel told reporters,

EU governments should also contribute, he added. "It's just a start, more money is clearly needed," Michel said.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries was cheaper than in developed economies, he said.

The Commission is set to discuss the alliance proposal with developing countries at a Nov. 7-9 meeting in Lisbon.

AlertNet news is provided by