Increasing the impact of EU development policy

The EU’s ‘Agenda for Change’ is a new framework for development cooperation. Future EU spending will concentrate on sectors that are key for long-term and inclusive growth, target countries in the greatest need of external support, and focus on those areas where aid can make a difference. The sectors comprising the foundation for sustainable growth include good governance, agriculture and food security, and clean energy.

The Agenda for Change, announced in October 2011, advocates more effective budget support to partner countries that meet eligibility requirements, including:

• A stable macroeconomic framework;
• National and sector policies and reforms focusing on sustainable growth and reducing poverty; and
• Public financial management within a sound institutional, legislative and regulatory framework.

EU Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, says more attention will be given to a country’s record on democratic governance, particularly regarding human rights and gender – moving the EU from ‘aid effectiveness’ to ‘development effectiveness’.

The Agenda for Change also calls for a more coordinated approach to EU action, as well as development strategies led by the partner country in line with the principles of partnership and ownership. The Commissioner explains:

‘We must keep pace with changing realities in the world and adapt the way we fight poverty as a result . . . we [must] refocus our aid priorities to ensure that countries are on track to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. I want to make sure that every euro reaches those that need it most. Fighting poverty abroad is the EU’s “insurance policy” for a more stable and prosperous world.’

The Post-Busan Framework

In Busan, from 29 November to 1 December, more than 2 000 delegates reviewed global progress in improving the impact and effectiveness of aid, and made commitments to set a new agenda for development. The Forum followed meetings in Rome, Paris and Accra that helped transform aid relationships between donors and partners into true vehicles for development cooperation.

European Development Days (EDD11) took place just two weeks after the Fourth High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan, Korea, giving participants a timely opportunity to reflect upon and assess progress to date.

EDD11 was held in Warsaw, Poland, 15-16 December 2011. The theme was ‘Development and Democracy’.  www.eudevdays.eu

High-Level Panels at EDD11

Related links:

Read the European Commission’s Communication on EU Development Policy: An Agenda for Change

Read the European Commission’s Communication on Budget Support

Watch EU Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs’ video messages

Read the press release