portugal (~) euforic
current issues, food for thought, background information

policy and strategy

The Strategic Vision for Portuguese Development Cooperation and the current Government Program lay down the cross-cutting principles, the sectoral and geographical priorities and the mechanisms for a coherent policy. They especially stress the co-operation with Portuguese-speaking countries through the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP). Moreover, the importance of public/private partnerships with economic and civil society actors is emphasized.

implementing organisations

Portugal has a decentralised cooperation program, spread among 17 ministries and several agencies, as well as over 300 municipalities from 22 districts. The program is coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) , which receives around 45% of the development budget.

In 2003, Portugal created one main body for development co-operation within the MFA, the Portuguese Development Support Institute (IPAD), which coordinates, supervises and conducts the development policy. The plan of activities for 2006 elaborates on mission, structure, strategy, objectives and activities, although only available in Portuguese language.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF), General Directorate of European and International Affairs, is the second most important ministry for the Portuguese aid program, where around 40% of the development budget is allocated.

The directory of development organizations 2007 gives a comprehensive overview of private sector actors, civil society, universities, microfinance institutions and development consultancy firms.