Brussels, 17/09/2009 (Agence Europe) - If the Commission's latest report on policy coherence for development of poor countries is to be believed, the efforts made to improve Europe's performance are bearing fruit. The 2009 report - the second of its kind - published by the Commission on Thursday 17 September assesses progress in areas identified as having an impact on the development of poor countries (trade, environment, climate change, security, agriculture, fisheries, the social dimension of globalisation, employment and decent jobs, migration, research and innovation, the information society, transport and energy). It notes improvements in research, the environment and energy. Consequently, the Commission proposes that, over the next two years, the EU should concentrate its efforts on climate change, global food security, migration, intellectual property rights and security. “Policy coherence is a commitment we have taken to help developing countries benefit from the opportunities created by non-aid policies in the EU. I warmly welcome the progress made over the last two years, which is highlighted in the second Report on Policy Coherence,” said European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Karel De Gucht.
Research: the report says that the EU and developing countries work jointly together in areas of interest for developing countries, such as health or food security. The Commission encourages researchers from developing countries to take part in research programmes and mobility schemes. In the first two years of the implementation of the 7th Research Framework contract (2007-2013), applications for research funding from African scientists amounted to €60 million.
Environment: the European Commission aims to protect forests globally. The report states that under its Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade “FLEGT” Initiative, the EU imports only certified timber from its partner countries, such as Ghana and Togo, to fight illegal logging.
Energy: The report says that, under the Renewable Energy Directive (2008), developing countries are expected to benefit by exporting bio fuels to the EU. Bio fuel importers are obliged to comply with clear environmental criteria.
The EU's commitment towards policy coherence is embedded in the European Consensus on Development adopted in December 2005. (AN./transl.rt)