15/06/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 14 June, the EU Council adopted without debate its conclusions on strengthening the European financial architecture for development (see 12709/28, 12701/15). No major institutional changes are planned for the EIB and EBRD. Coordination and a teamwork approach, mobilising the EU, its Member States, their diplomatic networks and the European financial institutions, are needed for working towards more effective development assistance and the increased visibility of ‘Team Europe’, with enhanced political guidance from the EU Council. The conclusions emphasise that it is important to focus investments where they are most needed, especially in the least developed countries and those in fragile situations or affected by conflict, in Africa, the Neighbourhood, and other priority regions severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. See the conclusions: https://bit.ly/3gDk20u (AN)