The European Ministers responsible for international development affairs will meet in Brussels on Monday 18 May for a special ‘Foreign Affairs’ Council. They will discuss the future of the European Union’s external action in the light of changing geopolitical and economic contexts.
Discussions should focus on how development cooperation can promote sustainable development in partner countries while serving the EU’s strategic interests. The Ministers will also discuss ways of strengthening the EU’s role on the international stage, particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights, migration, democracy and human rights, and climate and the environment.
The Ministers will then continue their discussions on the EU’s Global Gateway investment package. “A key element is to try to be closely aligned with partner countries priorities. But also to examine in which areas the EU can bring clear added value through our technology, quality standards and long term sustainability”, said a European diplomat on Wednesday 13 May.
The European Union, anxious to mobilise more private investment in cooperation projects, is making the strengthening of a business-friendly environment, the promotion of the Rule of law, democracy and a rules-based international order a key issue in its strategy (see EUROPE 13816/1, 13815/7, 13750/8).
“It is important to really maximise the synergies”, stressed the diplomat, pointing out that the aim is also to counter development bids from “geopolitical competitors” in partner countries.
The Ministers will also review the effects of the crisis in the Middle East. (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)