EuropeAid main mission
EuropeAid is responsible for translating development policies into practical actions and for developing new ways of delivering aid. EuropeAid also issues guidelines and makes evaluations of Community 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. and is committed to the principle of ownership of development strategies and programmes by partner countries. According to the EU, partner countries have the primary responsibility for creating an enabling domestic environment for mobilising their own resources, including conducting coherent and effective policies.
The results of EuropeAid’s work should allow the European Commission, and the EU as a whole, to formulate better policies and strategies, which, in the long run, should lead to a world free of poverty as defined by the Millennium Development Goals. EU activities in this area also support sustainable development for all nations and show a commitment to strengthening human rights across the world.
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.
Sources and useful links: