europe's cooperation (~) euforic current issues, food for thought, background information
policy framework
According to the provision stipulated in the
Treaty on European Union and reaffirmed in the
joint statement on European Community’s Development Policy of 2000, the Member States and the Community share responsibilities for development policy. This means that, as for other policies related to external action in general or to trade, the action framework is a '27+1' scheme, where different actors take part in shaping and implementing this policy.
In December 2005, representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission came to a European Consensus on Development.
The vision reaffirms EU commitment to poverty eradication, ownership, partnership, delivering more and better aid, and promoting policy coherence.
eu member states
The 27 member states each have their own international and development cooperation set up. This normally comprises government ministries as well as a mix of research and academic institutes, NGO's, and other civil society groups.
eu institutions
council of the european union
The Council of the European Union, whose Presidency rotates every six months between the Member States, is the main decision-making organ. The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) is formed by the Ministers or Secretaries of State of each Member State. Depending on the specific agenda to be discussed, Ministers of European Affairs, Development, Trade and Defense also take part.
european commission
The Commission is a major player in Europe's development policies. Different EC Directorates-General and Services are committed to the implementation of a coherent, complementary and coordinated European development policy.
DG Development is the main EC body responsible for European development policy.
Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO), which is in the same portfolio as DG DEV, provides emergency assistance and relief to victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts outside the EU.
EuropeAid Cooperation Office (AIDCO) is 'the major player on the external assistance scene'. Its role and responsibility is to manage the funds allocated for external assistance projects.
DG Trade 'conducts the European Union's common trade policy
In September 2000 the Group of RELEX Commissioner established the interservice Quality Support Group - iQSG to ensure that the main EC external cooperation programming documents are coherent and of consistently high quality.
The European Parliament participates in EU development policy by approving legislative acts together with the Council, through the co-decision procedure.
In particular, the EP, in the framework of its Committees on External Policies, has set up a standing Committee on Development, to better organize its work in this matter.
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