— last modified 24 November 2016
On 22 November, the European Commission launched a policy package that maps EU current actions and commitments to achieve the UN 2030 Agenda and lays down the future direction for the EU development cooperation and relations with Africa, Caribbean and Pacific countries. The Fair Trade movement welcomes the recognition by the EU of the “strong contribution” of Fair Trade to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and looks forward to work with the EC to upgrade the EU answer to the global goals.
The European Commission has announced its new strategic approach for achieving sustainable development in the EU and globally. A Communication on the next steps for a sustainable European future, accompanied by a Staff Working Paper, maps EU current actions and commitments to achieve the UN 2030 Agenda. A second Communication on the new European Consensus on Development aims to align the EU development cooperation with the new global sustainable development agenda. Finally, the Communication on a renewed partnership with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries proposes a new phase in EU-ACP relations after the Cotonou Partnership Agreement expires in 2020.
The Fair Trade movement welcomes the recognition in the new Consensus on development of the “strong contribution” of Fair Trade to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda, as well as the inclusion of the promotion of Fair Trade in the list of key EU actions to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The Fair Trade movement also welcomes the commitment to intensify the support to sustainable consumption and production patterns, together with the promotion of responsible business practices and responsible management of supply chains.
However, the Fair Trade movement regrets that the EC did not use the opportunity offered by the Agenda 2030 to begin a critically important shift away from the current unsustainable economic development model, which puts short-term private profits before people and planet. Enabling citizens critical thinking on today´s challenges is a prerequisite of this paradigm shift. Therefore, the Fair Trade movement calls on the European Parliament and the Council to ensure that non-formal development education and awareness-raising are an integral part of EU plans to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
“The Fair Trade movement will continue being a critical friend and active partner of the European Union to implement and upgrade the EU answer to the UN 2030 Agenda” stated Sergi Corbalán, Executive Director of the Fair Trade Advocacy Office.
