With ‘security’ as the flagship theme of its work programme (see EUROPE 13528/29), the Polish presidency of the EU Council, which took office on 1 January, wants to focus on strengthening the “resilience of countries and societies” to crises in the area of development cooperation and humanitarian aid (see EUROPE 13495/14).
Warsaw has announced that it wants to strengthen the EU’s influence within the multilateral system and continue the EU’s efforts to deepen its international partnerships (see EUROPE 13513/10). This ambition is in line with major international commitments, such as the Agenda 2030, and is supported by initiatives such as the Samoa Agreement (see EUROPE 13293/19), which aims to support developing countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, particularly small island states (see EUROPE 13463/14).
In addition, the Polish presidency has announced its intention to support the EU’s partner countries in “building strong institutions and ensuring good governance”, thanks in particular to European funding tools.
In the Eastern Neighbourhood, Poland wants to intensify cooperation on crisis management and boost investment in the strategic sectors of digital technology, energy and transport infrastructure, via the ‘Global Gateway’ strategy. This will include more than 250 flagship development projects worldwide by 2025 (see EUROPE 13536/12).
Warsaw aims to strengthen the EU’s relations with Africa (see EUROPE 13504/5), Latin America and the Caribbean, notably through increased dialogue with sub-regional organisations and high-level “strategic partners”.
In the Middle East, the stated aim is to prevent regional escalation and provide humanitarian aid to civilians.
The European development cooperation ministers will be meeting informally in Warsaw on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 February. In addition, a Humanitarian Forum, co-organised with the European Commission, will be held on 19 and 20 May in Brussels.
See the Polish presidency of the EU Council programme: https://aeur.eu/f/f0g (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)