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Contributions from
the Column
Focus
A model for other world regions – progress in Europe
New consensus
The view from Paris. What the French government thinks of co-ordination
“Contribute at the global level” – ideas and priorities of accession countries
“More of the same” is not an option: putting support for ACP countries on a new base
For NGOs, support from Brussels means a lot of money – and a lot of work
12/2005
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New consensus
On 22 November, the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) adopted a policy statement under the heading “The European Consensus on Development”. In its first section, this document outlines a vision of development. The second section deals with issues of implementation.
Poverty reduction is stated to be the core goal of all development efforts: “Combating global poverty is not only a moral obligation; it will also help to build a more stable, peaceful, prosperous and equitable world.” EU cooperation with multilateral bodies is re-affirmed. The Consensus similarly repeats the promise, first made in May, to raise official development assistance to 0.7 % of gross national income by 2015.
The vision of development is a comprehensive one including “good governance, human rights and political, economic, social and environmental aspects”. The Consensus pledges support primarily for least-developed and low-income countries. However, it also favours helping middle-income countries to embark on strategies of pro-poor growth. As vibrant civil society and popular participation are deemed essential, the Consensus promises “support for building capacity of non-state actors”. Trade unions and employers’ associations are explicitly mentioned in this context.
The Consensus also addresses the issue of fragile states with an advice to stay engaged “even in the most difficult situations”. The Consensus endorses the responsibility to protect: “We cannot stand by, as genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing or gross violations of international humanitarian law and human rights are committed.” In post-crisis situations, policy should aim for integrated transition strategies.
The Consensus spells out a commitment to improve aid effectiveness, emphasising the validity of the Rome and Paris Declarations. Developing countries are recognised as the owners of their development. Their strategies are to be appreciated and supported by donors. While the Consensus basically accepts various instruments from individual projects to general budget support, it does spell out a preference for budget support. It does, however, acknowledge that development cooperation needs to be tailor-made for each partner.
In terms of implementation, the Consensus recognises that development issues are dealt with by the EU as whole as well as by its individual members. It highlights the Commission’s “wide role” based on several strengths including its global presence, its supranational character as well as its right of initiative at the community level and its competence in relevant policy fields such as trade, agriculture or migration. Policy coherence is stressed several times with development as core aspiration. The Commission is entrusted with encouraging “North-South solidarity” and directed to “pay particular attention to raising awareness and educating EU citizens”. The Consensus foresees a monitoring role for the Commission and suggests it should prepare an “Annual Report” on policy implementation.
Tools for the Commission to use are “Country, Regional and Thematic Strategy papers”. The following areas are defined as key areas of Community activity: trade and regional integration, environment, communications and transport infrastructure, water and energy, rural development and food security, governance, conflict prevention and fragile states, human development, social cohesion and employment. The document considers democracy and human rights, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and combating HIV/Aids as cross-cutting issues of particular relevance.
With GAERC approval, the Consensus has passed the EU’s most powerful policy-making body, the Council of Ministers. It has also been approved by the Commission and is yet to be decided on by the European Parliament. According to the current British EU Presidency, the Parliament is “expected to endorse the document before the end of the year”. (dem)
Link:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/development/body/development_policy_statement/index_en.htm
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