Development Guides

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EU strategy to support developing countries - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 08 April 2009, 18:45 CET

Less than a week after the London Summit, the European Commission outlines a range of actions which the EU can take now to help developing countries weather the ongoing economic crisis. The Communication adopted today by the Commission looks at how Europe can support developing countries in coping with the crisis.

EU 1 billion euro "Food Facility" for developing countries - briefing by EUbusiness — last modified 30 March 2009, 15:59 CET

The European Commission adopted on 30 March a EUR 314 million package of projects to support agriculture and improve the food security situation in 23 developing countries across the globe. This is the first financing decision in the framework of the EUR 1 billion Food Facility which was adopted at the end of last year as a response to the growing food security problems faced by many developing countries. The Commission also agreed to an overall plan for the use of the entire amount of the Facility, targeting 50 developing countries in total.

EU commitment to the Millennium Development Goals - milestones by EUbusiness — last modified 30 May 2019, 23:24 CET

At the half-way stage of the Millennium Development Goals timetable, 2008 is a crucial year on the international stage as regards the development agenda. In 2000 the international community set eight Millennium Development Goals to be achieved by 2015.

Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) - principles & objectives by EUbusiness — last modified 31 October 2007, 12:47 CET

The negotiations leading to the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) were launched in Brussels on 27 September 2002 to be conducted in two phases. The first phase is conducted at "All-ACP"-EU level and takes on board cross-cutting themes of interest to all parties concerned, mainly: legal matters, the development "dimension" of the EPAs, Agriculture and Fisheries agreements, services, market access and trade-related matters. The Second phase is conducted at ACP national and regional level with spotlight on specific commitments.

Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 31 October 2007, 12:55 CET

The negotiations leading to the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) were launched in Brussels on 27 September 2002 to be conducted in two phases. The first phase is conducted at "All-ACP"-EU level and takes on board cross-cutting themes of interest to all parties concerned, mainly: legal matters, the development "dimension" of the EPAs, Agriculture and Fisheries agreements, services, market access and trade-related matters. The Second phase is conducted at ACP national and regional level with spotlight on specific commitments.

EU Humanitarian Aid: Frequently asked questions by EUbusiness — last modified 13 June 2007, 15:42 CET

The European Commission on 13 June 2007 adopted a Communication paving the way for greater efficiency and coherence in delivering humanitarian aid. The Commission is calling for the European Union to work more closely together on a consensus that would boost its collective response to humanitarian crises. This includes advocating full respect for international humanitarian law, so that aid and aid workers can reach people in need.

Market Access Partnerships - questions and answers by EUbusiness — last modified 19 April 2007, 12:56 CET

On 18 April 2007, the European Commission adopted the Communication 'Global Europe: A Stronger Partnership' to deliver Market Access for European exporters. This strategy for breaking down trade barriers abroad and creating new export opportunities is part of the Commission's new Global Europe trade policy framework. The centre-piece of this new approach is a new decentralised partnership between the Commission, EU Member States and business on the ground in third countries where local expertise makes trade barriers easier to identify and tackle.

Generalised System of Preferences by EUbusiness — last modified 11 September 2006, 18:24 CET

The EU's generalised scheme of tariff preferences (GSP) offers lower tariffs or completely duty-free access for imports from 178 developing countries and territories into the EU market. The EU's scheme grants special benefits for the 49 least developed countries and to countries implementing certain labour or environmental standards. The EU grants the preferences without asking for concessions from the beneficiary countries. In 2002, EU imports benefiting from GSP preferences amounted to EUR 53 billion.

Development and the EU by EUbusiness — last modified 11 September 2006, 18:24 CET

Nearly half the money spent to help poor countries comes from the European Union and its member states, making it the world’s biggest aid donor. But development policy is about more than providing clean water and surfaced roads, important though these are. The EU also uses trade to drive development by opening its markets to exports from poor countries and by encouraging them to trade more with each other.