Brussels, 06/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - 2015 is a crucial year in the international development agenda. It was set by the European Union as the European Year for Development and, in the sphere of foreign affairs, is a priority in the work programme of the Latvian Presidency (which has just taken over the reins of the Council of the EU for six months). Pushing the reflection forward on the future of relations between the EU and the 79 ACP (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) countries after 2020, when the Cotonou agreement expires (a partnership agreement for development concluded in 2000 for 20 years), is another priority for the Latvian Presidency - as it is for the ACP countries.
The official kick-off for the European Year for Development will be given in the Latvian capital of Riga on 9 January, during the visit of the college of European commissioners. Gender equality, strengthening female participation, the rule of law, human rights, and inclusive and sustainable growth are the themes promoted by the Latvian Presidency to give substantial content to this year which is considered to be crucial for reaching a universal post-2015 world programme for sustainable development and the eradication of poverty.
During its mandate, the Latvian Presidency will thus work on obtaining a united contribution from the EU to the international negotiations that are due to lead to the adoption of a new universal programme of sustainable development objectives to take over from the Millennium development goals (MDG) at the 69th General Assembly of the United Nations in September 2015 (see EUROPE 11219 and 11217).
The onus will also be on the Latvian Presidency to contribute to preparing the position that the EU will take at the third UN conference on development funding (in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in July 2015).
To prepare better for future EU-ACP relations post-2020 (when the Cotonou agreement expires), the Latvian Presidency intends to work with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Commission in order to make progress on the reflection on this issue. (AN)