The Socialists and Democrats Group today endorsed the new European consensus on development, reiterating strong EU support for development co-operation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The joint declaration, which is expected to be signed by the European Parliament, Commission and Council next week, reaffirms poverty alleviation as the primary goal of EU development policy, and establishes the 2030 agenda and SDGs as overarching objectives of the Union.

The S&D negotiator and spokesperson for development, Norbert Neuser MEP said:

"There has never been a more crucial time for the EU to show global leadership in sustainable development and poverty eradication. As the United States looks poised to pull out of the Paris Agreement on climate change while cutting development assistance, this new consensus demonstrates the EU's commitment to developing countries.

"The world has changed rapidly since the previous consensus of 2005. The new declaration reflects the common challenges we face and sets out the shared responsibilities of the EU and its member states.

"The new consensus commits to leaving no-one behind. It addresses key issues for development from climate change and agriculture, to tackling tax evasion and avoidance, and promoting good governance and corporate social responsibility.

"The EU and member states reiterate the UN obligations to collectively reaching 0.7% of their gross national income (GNI) for official development assistance (ODA). It is now the responsibility of the European Parliament and national parliaments to hold the Commission and member states governments to account in reaching this target."