The world faces a multitude of interconnected challenges, from exacerbated poverty and climate change, to health crises and conflict. The changing geopolitical context, marked by the emergence of new global players and rising international tensions, calls for a critical examination of the EU’s future approach to external action.
The development community is deeply concerned about the transactional approach taken by certain key players, which is best illustrated by recent ODA cuts and the increased conditionality of development assistance, whether in the USA, France, or Germany. At the EU level, the recent redeployment of funds agreed upon during the revision of the current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) last year has led to a tangible reduction in EU support for human development in partner countries most in need. This decline in external funding underscores the urgency with which the EU must rethink its approach.
Today, the EU finds itself at a pivotal moment as it prepares the proposals for the post-2027 MFF and its future external financing instruments. Both the quantity, quality, and underpinning principles of the upcoming proposals will shape the EU’s role in the world for years to come. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that the EU’s external action remains effective, coherent and in line with the principles of solidarity and partnership as outlined in the Treaties.
To reflect on these critical issues, we invited three experts, from different backgrounds, to offer valuable insights into the challenges, future opportunities, and their recommendations:
- Paul Okumu, Head of Secretariat for the Africa Platform
- Murielle Laurent, Member of the European Parliament (S&D, France)
- Katja van der Meer, Policy Officer at the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM)
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