| Commissioner Piebalgs addresses UN Development Cooperation Forum |
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Piebalgs began by affirming that the EU’s commitment to development is stronger than ever. “Under the Lisbon Treaty, the reduction and the eradication of poverty has been established as the primary objective of the European Union's development cooperation policy”, he said. “This is an enduring and deep commitment on the part of European citizens, to show globally the solidarity that has been the foundation of Europe's own development into a region of peace, stability and prosperity.” He also noted that “one of the main cornerstones” of the new EU architecture is the European External Action Service, which he said “should be operational by the end of this year and will be instrumental to deliver more coordinated, stronger, more visible European foreign policy with strong development component.” Piebalgs noted that while maintaining and increasing current aid levels is vital, developed countries must also take care to maximise the impact of all aid given, given their limited resources, and to seek innovative sources of financing. “In my opinion official development aid alone, even with 0.7% of worldwide GNI, we will not succeed in bringing those challenges to the reality so long as aid is seen as a gift. Once said that, I am not one of those thinking that aid is dead, wasted or useless”, he said. “I do believe that official development aid does make a difference when used as a catalyst, as a seed to boost growth through supporting the creation of new markets, generating industrial activity or building capacities such as improved tax systems. A 1% increase in GDP in a developing country will be far more effective than an increase in official development aid.” “In addition, we need to look at innovative resources of financing and make optimal use of them in addressing today’s global challenges. Supporting developing countries in mobilising domestic revenues is key for their growth.” Sources:  |
On Thursday 29 June, EU Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs made a keynote speech to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Development Cooperation Forum on the theme “Turning the Millennium Development Goals into Millennium Development Achievements.” Piebalgs used this opportunity to present the EU’s position on the MDGs to the gathering of ministers of foreign affairs and development from around the world.
