Brussels, 30/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - The informal meeting of EU development ministers came to a close in Bordeaux on 30 September on the European Union's resolve to go to the international Doha conference on development financing (Qatar, 29 November - 2 December) with a common and determined position that can make all the difference - not only for the renewal of aid commitments taken in Monterrey in 2002 but also for pursuing reflection on transfer of migrants' savings and encouraging progress in the mobilisation of national resources of beneficiary countries. The General Affairs/External Relations Council will define the European position for Doha in November. Invited to take part in the debate, European development NGOs, CONCORD and Coordination South, drew ministers' attention to the fact that it would be in the EU's interest to tackle the problem of capital leakage from developing countries to European tax havens - leaks estimated at about €300 billion annually. According to the NGOs, the EU could work to obtain better transparency in the results of international firms for each country and raise the level of ambition of the savings tax directive, without waiting for overall consensus. When asked about the risks that the global financial crisis will have on the sanctuarisation of aid to developing countries, Alain Joyandet, Council President, said he felt confident. “The financial crisis does not suit us. But developed countries need developing countries to be supported. Research must be taken forward on innovative financing. And the essential and close examination of the international financial system is an opportunity”. (A.N./transl.jl)