Brussels, 05/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - When it comes to European development policy priorities, the Danish Council presidency is continuing along the lines undertaken by the outgoing Polish presidency, a clear indication of the economic and financial crisis that is keeping it fully occupied. The new guidelines for the policy in the post-2013 period were sketched out in October 2011 in the Commission communication on a programme for change, with a view to refocusing EU action on countries that need aid the most and on sectors that are essential for inclusive and sustainable growth, on human rights and on reduction of poverty, in a concern to achieve greater efficiency (see EUROPE N.10511 and 10473). The two main priorities of the Danish presidency of the EU Council will therefore be: review of this policy which makes the EU the leading world fund provider (some €53.8 billion in 2010) and negotiation on funding instruments for development for 2014-2020 (including the ICD funding instrument for cooperation and development, and the 11th EDF for which a Commission proposal is due in 2012).
Financial support. Under Danish presidency, the Council is expected to decide on the allocation of funds to the governments of developing countries, and on the criteria for eligibility for this kind of aid. It will also decide on ways to ensure budgetary transparency and budget controls, as well as arrangements for coordination between the Commission and member states (see EUROPE N.10473).
European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps (EVHAC). The proposal concerning the establishment of this new instrument introduced by the Lisbon Treaty (Article 214.5) to allow young Europeans to take part in humanitarian work outside the EU will be examined by the European Council and Parliament. The creation of this European solidarity instrument will be based on experience gained from pilot projects launched last June by the Commission in cooperation with humanitarian organisations, such as the Red Cross and Save the Children (see EUROPE N.10400).
Consistency among policies which serve development. During the Danish presidency, the Commission will put forward a report on progress made in particular with regard to trade, migration, defence, agriculture, climate and the environment. The report will be the subject of Council debates with a view to greater coherence. (AN/transl.jl)