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Our Collective Interest Why Europe’s problems need global solutions
and global problems need European action
Lunchtime Seminar
10 October 2014, DEVCO Infopoint, Brussels
ETTG
• The European Think Tanks Group • ECDPM Maastricht, DIE Bonn, FRIDE Madrid & ODI London
• Like-minded group of 4 EU think tanks working on international development
• Various publications & briefs – www.ettg.eu
• First Memorandum for the new Commission in February 2010 … now second one …
• Launched on 10 September
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Global problems need global solutions
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• 2010 – Message was an aid perspective – global solidarity
• 2014 – Global interdependencies & multiple challenges – Global challenges also affect Europe – Still important to invest in development – solidarity – But imperative to tackle the global problems
• Period to 2020: opportunity for change – threshold moment – 2 key agreements in 2015: post-2015 and UNFCCC
• EU could make a real difference – it has the tools • Need now is to mobilise actors and resources in EU
– Ambitious political agenda – Collective action both internally and externally
How will we judge success?
By 2020 will EU have helped to tackle 5 challenges:
1. The world economy: is it becoming more equitable, resilient and democratic?
2. Is world set on a more sustainable path?
3. Is world more peaceful and secure?
4. Is world better governed and more democratic?
5. Have poverty and inequality declined?
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Trade & financial policy
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• Limitations to current approaches starkly revealed • Need to develop a new 21st Century growth model
Two policy levers available: • Responsible trade – the EU can improve:
– Do more for LDCs and others not ready for FTAs – Impact assessments of trade+investment agreements – Consequences of TTIP for developing countries
• Financial policy coordination – the EU can: – Reform governance of global financial markets and IFIs – Be a role model for automatic exchange of tax info
Climate Change
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• EU has to work to – Ambitious global climate agreement in 2015 – Support the transition to a green economy
• EU has shown commitment: – Has ambitious targets on emissions, energy, climate change
• Some progress made – increases EU credibility But further steps required, among them: • HRVP needs a stronger profile on climate change
– Strengthen EEAS capacity to deal with climate change
• Dev & Env Commissioners must continue with joint agenda • Invest more in strategic partnerships: China, India, etc.
Tackle conflict & fragility
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• Spill-over from unaddressed conflict in Africa, Middle East & Neighbourhood affects EU
• EU often takes lead or plays ‘best-supporting actor’ role – This supporting role to UN and others very valuable
• EU institutions have developed capacities – To respond to conflict and address fragility – Development assistance will become more focussed on fragility
• Need MS willingness to provide political & military back-up • Strong leadership can enhance EU approach with
– Clear collective decision making – A creative division of labour among EU insitutions and with MS – Renewed focus on conflict prevention
Democracy & human rights • Central to the EU’s identity
• Globally too there is growing demand for responsive governance & respect for human rights
• Committed to broad range of rights: women, minorities …
• Yet there are still gaps between EU policy & practice
• In response EU has designed new policies
Challenge now is to deliver on these
• In particular EU should ensure – Politically smart & contextually relevant engagement
– Use collective weight to promote global rules
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Poverty & inequality • EU must address drivers that keep people poor
– Tackle chronic poverty, stop impoverishment and support escapes from poverty
• Growth reduces poverty faster and more sustainably when equality is greater
• Redistribution does not hamper growth
• Tackling poverty & inequality at heart of EU project
• Use a poverty dynamics approach wtih partners
• Maximise joint focus on the reduction of poverty
• Develop careful strategies for phasing out from MICs
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Implications for EU • These over-arching themes not new
– Substance gives an extensive agenda for future work
• Delivery across range of interlinked policy areas – Integrated approaches and policy coherence essential – Not just about development cooperation – More effective external collective action – Work more closely between EU and Member States
• Joint action by leadership in EC, EEAS & EP … – Global strategy that link EU internal-external actions &
develops strategic partnership – Commission: strong leadership for clusters of policy areas – Strengthen EP scrutiny with joint committees – Embolden EUDs
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