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Increasing the impact of EU Development Policy - An Agenda for Change – Nicoletta Merlo EuropeAid - Development and Cooperation European Commission. A fast changing international context.
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Increasing the impact of EU Development Policy- An Agenda for Change–Nicoletta MerloEuropeAid - Development and Cooperation European Commission
A fast changing international context • Graduation: increased standards of living, 25 countries recently moved from category (LICs to LMICs or from LMICs to UMICs) • New actors : private sector, private foundations, emerging donors, local authorities; • Population growth :world population to reach 9.3bn by 2050; Africa fastest-growing continent • 3 global crises: food prices, oil/energy prices volatility, economic and financial crisis • Economic downturn & budget constraints • ‘Arab spring’:importance of good governance and democracy, employment and growth, security-development nexus brought into sharper focus • Regional vulnerabilities & crises: Horn of Africa (drought/famine) • Strong growth but weak effect on poverty reduction – ref African Economic Outlook Report: 2001-09: 5-6% real GDP /slowdown 2009 3.1%– rebound - projection 5.8% in 2012
Reflecting on the future of EU development policy • Green Paper on “EU development policy in support of inclusive growth and sustainable development – Increasing the impact of EU development policy”- In parallel with: • Green Paper on “The future of EU budget support to third countries” • Public consultation on “What funding for EU external action after 2013?” - preparing the next Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020
Policy priorities • The MDGs as a global development framework for measuring results • Good governance, democracy, human rights • Foundations for inclusive growth (e.g. social protection, health & education) • Drivers for growth and job creation (e.g. business environment, regional integration) • Sectors withstrong multiplier impact and contributing to environmental protection + climate change prevention/adaptation : sustainable agriculture and efficient renewable energy
Main principles • Concentration : focus on maximum 3 sectors • Differentiation : • Target resources where they are needed and where they have greatest impact • Allocation of EU development assistance according to partner countries' needs, capacities, commitments and performance, as well as the potential EU impact • Supporting development in the Neighbourhood and Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in fragile countries • Need for other types of cooperation and new partnerships with more advanced developing countries • Diversify aid modalities and develop other types of cooperation (e.g. loan-grant blending, technical coop, twinnings, etc.) • Development partnership based on mutual interests with emerging economies and strategic partners • Joint programming
Civil society and local authorities in the Agenda for Change • Importance of civil society organisations (CSOs) and local authorities (LAs) reaffirmed. The EU should «work more closely » with these actors (part 1) • Focus on human rights, democracy and good governance • Political and policy dialogue with all stakeholders • In cases where a country loosen its commitment to human rights and democracy, strengthened cooperation with Non State Actors/LAs • Dialogue with civil society and local authorities : built on results of the structured dialogue (for instance, importance of supporting an organised local civil society, finding ways to mobilising LA’s expertise…). • Role of CSOs and LA in inclusive growth, agriculture and energy : there is a role to play for CSOs and LAs in promoting innovative models/practises (forging new type of partnerships promoting decent work, corporate social responsibility…), watchdog role concerning sustainability of processes… • Policy Coherence for Development: advocacy role of CSOs and LAs needed to reinforce PCD at European level. • Budget Support : monitoring role (See with A2 presentation)
What next? Council Conclusions foreseen in first half 2012 Guiding principles to be progressively reflected in: • remainder of the current programming cycles & future programming documents • proposals regarding the architecture, legislation and programming of future financial instruments for external action
Thank you. Questions? Comments?