Our work on development

The European Union is the world's largest donor of international aid. The S&Ds are pushing for the EU to maintain its global leadership and strong commitment to development programmes and effective humanitarian assistance. We are also working hard to ensure that all the EU's policies - internal and external - are consistent with these aims, in areas such as agriculture and international trade, and through policies such as the traceability of conflict minerals and socially responsible practices in the garment sector. It is our duty to build a future in which no-one is left behind.

Our achievements
Our achievements

We were instrumental in defining an ambitious EU agenda in development policy. The new European and inter-institutional consensus on development confirms important key principles, such as the fight against poverty and inequality, the need to address the roots of migration, and the advancement of sustainable and inclusive development objectives. We achieved the proper implementation of these principles in the European Fund for Sustainable Development, mobilising further investments for Africa and neighbouring countries.

Our priorities
Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The S&Ds' top priority in the field of development policy is achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, in particular the eradication of global poverty and inequalities. The 17 goals set out in Transforming Our World - the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are the drivers of the EU's international development policy through economic, social and environmental targets both inside and outside the EU.

New European consensus on Development
New European consensus on Development

The Consensus on Development is the framework for the European Union development strategy. If we want to see real progress towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, we need to frame policy-making through the European Consensus on Development to set out how we end inequalities and propose radical new programmes to deliver on these targets.

We have a different set of priorities and challenges to those of the past, but we have to be very clear that the role of development policy is first and foremost one of fighting poverty to tackle the root causes of global challenges like migration and instability.

Education
Education

Education plays a key role in eradicating poverty and inequalities as well as in preventing man-made humanitarian crises.

75 million children are out of school in the world due to emergencies, yet less than 2% of global humanitarian aid is allocated to education.

The S&Ds have fought hard to make education in conflicts an international priority through our EDUCA campaign. The EU has agreed to dedicate 6% of its 2017 humanitarian aid budget to funding education for children caught up in conflicts.

This commitment means that more than 4 million children across 47 countries have already been given access to education.

The S&Ds will continue calling for more action in order to ensure access to education for all.

MEPs involved
Vice-chair
Italy
Coordinator
Germany
Member
Germany
Substitute
Germany
Substitute
Sweden
Substitute
Italy
Substitute
Portugal