Brussels, 05/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - The OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) has issued a positive assessment of EU development policy, both for its level of aid and the reforms made to make it more effective. The DAC review focused on aid policies and programmes of the European Commission and, for the first time, humanitarian aid. Its conclusions, published on 4 July, are very positive, much to the joy of the Commission, whose role as initiator and motor of these good performances is acknowledged.
Reacting to this good news, European Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel said “This review commends the hard work done over the last years in doing more, better and faster. It recognises the quality of the Commission's work and our political leadership. This review is special as it is drafted by our peers - other donors who face the same difficulties and challenges in defining and implementing development policy. It clearly shows that, when we work together as Europeans, we can really make a difference on development and humanitarian aid”.
The review says the Commission is the DAC's sixth largest donor, with some $10 billion in official development assistance (ODA) in 2006. It acknowledges the Commission's “federating” role for the institutions of the 27 member states of the EU, which, together, account for more than half of all ODA.
Singled out for particular mention is the lobbying done by the Commission to increase European ODA. “In 2005, the Commission galvanised member state commitment to a 0.51% of GNI target by 2010 and 0.7% by 2015,” the report says.
The European Commission is commended for reshaping its development cooperation and for the progress made since the previous evaluation in 2002. The DAC particularly welcomed the European Consensus on Development which, since 2005, has provided a common policy framework for development, and the 2007 initiative which, with its code of conduct, seeks a better division of labour between the Commission and member states.
The DAC says that the EU now has to ensure that its policies take forward the development focus of the Consensus, implement these policies effectively at country level, and continue to reform the institutions and simplify procedures.
Referring to the upcoming report on the coherence of EU development policies, the DAC says that “this could be a watershed document for future European action”.
The DAC encourages the Commission's efforts to further improve the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance.
The DAC brings together the major development aid donors which are members of the OECD. The Peer Review, under the leadership of the United States and Australia, took place on 26 June 2007. The European Commission delegation attending the review was led by Stefano Manservisi, director-general for development cooperation. (an)