EU aid effectiveness package
The Commission proposed in March 2006 measures to improve the effectiveness of EU development aid and external assistance. These proposals follow-up on the EU’s commitments in 2005 to scale-up aid substantially and to improve its impact and its speed of delivery, in order to meet the challenges of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. In April 2006, the Council endorsed the Commision's proposals and adopted in particular a joint framework for programming of assistance with Member States.
"The European Consensus on Development"
For the first time in 50 years of development cooperation, the Commission, the Parliament and the Council have agreed on common core objectives, values, principles and resources for the 25 Member States and the Community. This is a precondition for making aid more consistent, coordinated and effective. It is also a commitment which strengthens the global political role of the EU as the world’s biggest aid donor.
"The Cotonou Agreement"
The Cotonou Agreement builds on the previous Lomé agreements. It associates the European Union with 77 states in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The agreement was concluded in 2000 and revised in February 2005. It is based on five interdependent pillars with the underlying objective of the fight against poverty: an enhanced political dimension, increased participation, a more strategic approach to cooperation focusing on poverty reduction, new economic and trade partnerships and improved financial cooperation.
More, Better, Faster: Europe Cares. The policy of the EU in support of the Milennum Development Goals
In September 2005, the UN General Assembly reviewed the progress made by UN Members in the implementation of the Millennium Declaration, and the global development agenda agreed at the Millennium Summit of 2000. Evaluations show that even if the world is on track for some goals, some regions and in particular sub-saharan Africa is far behind. On this background, the European Union decided to sustantially increase its development aid and improve the speed and impact of development assistance. With these decisions the EU took the political lead in the support to the MDGs.
The EU and Africa
The European Union is the world’s largest donor in Africa and the continent’s most important economic and trade partner. The European Union thus has a particular role to play and a particular responsibility towards the African continent. Africa is on the move. International awareness of the situation in Africa has significantly improved recently and the continent is now giving sustained signs that today there is real momentum for change. The birth of the African Union (AU) and NEPAD, the reinforced role of Africa’s Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the emergence of a new generation of leaders at national level have changed Africa. It is also changing the relationship between Africa and Europe.The Commission wishes to shape a political partnership based on shared values to address the Caribbean region’s economic and environmental opportunities and promote social cohesion.
The EU and the Pacific: Strenthening a Partnership
On 29 May 20067, the Commission’s proposed a strategy for a stronger partnership with the Pacific region. The partnership will strengthen political dialogue and focus development cooperation. It will help to reduce poverty in a region threatened by climate change, poverty and weak governance.
EU and the Caribbean: The Commission proposes a new partnership for growth, stability and development
