Development policy

The Development policy concerns all development countries worldwide with the overall objective to eradicate poverty in the context of sustainable development and in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals.

Development cooperation is a shared competence between the European Community and the Member States.

The Community development policy is complementary to the policies pursued by the Member States. The Community's approach is based on particular country or region needs, priorities and/or assets.

The efforts are concentrated in nine main areas:

• Trade and regional integration

• The environment and the sustainable management of natural resources

• Infrastructure, communications and transport

• Water and energy

• Rural development, territorial planning and agriculture and food security

• Governance, democracy, human rights and support for economic and institutional reforms

•- Conflict prevention and fragile states

• Human development

• Social cohesion and employment

There are several funds related to the issue of development:

The European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI)

The Development Cooperation and Economic Cooperation Instrument (DCECI)

The Instrument for Stability

Humanitarian Aid

These funds are all financed under the fourth budgetary heading “ The EU as a global player”. The European Development Fund is not included within the financial framework as it is founded by contributions from the Member States and not from the general EU budget.

More information:
DG Development