Brussels, 17/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - Despite the economic and financial crisis, EU27 heads of state were at pains in Brussels on Thursday 17 June to confirm the EU's determination to take action to help achieve the UN's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for 2015. The European Council believes this is possible if all partners demonstrate unwavering political commitment, make the necessary policy changes and take direct action (see EUROPE 10159). At a press conference, the president of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, said that the current economic problems must not be allowed to stand in the way of the EU's commitment because the current problems are all relative.
In its conclusions document, the European Council also re-states its pledge to increase EU public development aid to 0.7% of GNP by 2015. Upon request from the United Kingdom, a sentence was added noting that the European Council would examine this every year based on a progress report drawn up by the Council of the EU. David Cameron told reporters that European countries had to “achieve the 2015 goals. It's important even in this difficult time to support the poorest countries in the world.” (A.N./C.GC)