EuropeAid main mission
With the new framework that has seen the merge of the EC Cooperation Office with the DG Development into a new DG called DevCo, alias EuropeAid, stakeholders inside and outside the EU have now a single contact on the Union's development matters.
EuropeAid is responsible for formulating development policies and translating them into practical actions, and for developing new ways of delivering aid. EuropeAid also issues guidelines and makes evaluations of Union programme implementation. In addition, it is responsible for the proper management of funds and must use clear and transparent tendering and contracting procedures.
EuropeAid works closely with Member States' development agencies, UN Agencies, and international financing institutions, such as the World Bank. EuropeAid also maintains a dialogue with NGOs, consultancies and other non-state actors both in the EU and in the beneficiary countries.
EuropeAid operates for policy design and policy implementation based on the European Consensus on Development and drawing from the EU Green Paper on development policy for the future.
The Millennium Development Goals
According to the European Consensus for Development, “the primary and overarching objective of EU development cooperation is the eradication of poverty in the context of sustainable development, including pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)”.
The eight MDGs are to: eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women; reduce the mortality rate of children; improve maternal health; combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability and develop a global partnership for development.
The EU is determined to work to assist the achievement of these goals and the development objectives agreed at the major UN conferences and summits. Support to least-developed countries and other low-income countries remain the EU priority with the aim of achieving more balanced global development, while recognising the value of concentrating the aid activities of each Member State in areas and regions where they have comparative advantages and can add most value to the fight against poverty.
EuropeAid works hard to ensure that the aid it distributes makes a significant contribution to the development objectives of both the EU and the United Nation’s MDGs. Effective implementation of aid also helps the Commission and the EU as a whole to attain a higher profile on the world stage.
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