On Monday 29 May in Brussels, another step was taken to adopting the future framework for EU development cooperation by establishing its principles, values and priorities. Members of the European Parliament’s development committee backed the new “European development consensus” as negotiated by the Parliament, Commission and Council of the EU, for guiding European development policy up to 2030, on the lines of the universal sustainable development goals.
The vote backing the deal was by 15 votes in favour (0 against, 9 abstentions) and comes ten or so days after the adoption of the text by the Council of the EU (see EUROPE 11792).
The agreement explains that eradicating poverty will remain the main objective of the future EU policy, a demand very dear to the hearts of the MEPs.
The co-rapporteurs Bodgan Wenta (EPP, Poland) and Norbert Neuser (S&D, Germany) were delighted with the result. The former particularly welcomes the emphasis put on aid efficiency and good governance, whilst the latter referred to the guarantee provided to Parliament. As co-legislator, Parliament will be able to exercise its right of scrutiny into expenditure “and ensure that aid still goes to the poorest”.
The text highlights the fact that Parliament and the Council will be more involved in the financial instruments used to tackle the deep-rooted causes of migration.
Some of the areas of progress made and appreciated by the MEPs include: the fact that increased cooperation with the private sector has to be in tandem with respect for social and environmental standards, as well as those on human rights; the fact that the EU and its member states have recommitted to collectively allocating 0.7% of GNP to public development aid and robust and regular controls are guaranteed for the implementation of the Consensus and a midterm review by 2024.
The European Parliament will in turn give its opinion on 1 June next, so that the three institutions responsible (Parliament, Council, Commission) can sign the joint declaration on 7 June at the highest level, formally ratifying this update in development policy. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)