We are at a critical juncture for international development and humanitarian aid. As poverty, climate change and increased conflict buffet populations around the world, the Committee on Development (DEVE) has an extremely important role in ensuring that the world’s most vulnerable are not left behind.
Within the EU, as budgets come under pressure, there has been a significant decline in support for overseas aid from both member state governments and the European Commission. This decline, in both the attention and importance given to development, coupled with a paradigm shift in the way we think about external relations, will keep DEVE busy for several years.
As an overarching priority, we must ensure that the Commission’s policy instruments continue to align with our treaty obligations and the priorities of the European Parliament.
As an existing member of DEVE and a former CEO of a humanitarian aid organisation, my priorities are very clear. First, time is running out on Agenda 2030, a plan to deliver the UN’s sustainable development goals. We must ensure that there is proper implementation and integration of those goals into all EU policies.
Secondly, DEVE will advocate for increased humanitarian funding, and push for better co-ordination between development aid and humanitarian efforts to build resilience in fragile states. This includes a special focus on “forgotten crises” such as Sudan, Yemen and Myanmar.
Thirdly, we will call for increased EU overseas development aid that is in line with the international commitment to allocate 0.7 per cent of gross national income. We must look at how the next generation of EU development funding looks under the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework.
DEVE will also ensure stronger oversight of the Global Gateway initiative to ensure that EU infrastructure projects serve the dual goals of sustainable development and poverty reduction, rather than solely advancing EU economic interests. This is one of the most important objectives for DEVE over the next five years, as it is the Commission’s flagship project in this area.
Next, we will prioritise gender equality as a key pillar of development, supporting women's access to education, healthcare, employment and participation in political and economic life.
Finally, in tandem with the Committee on International Trade, we will work for fair and sustainable trade agreements that benefit developing countries, with a focus on promoting sustainable value chains and ensuring human rights and environmental standards in trade policies.
DEVE aims to have a positive working relationship with Jozef Síkela and Hadja Lahbib, the commissioners-designate for international partnerships and for crisis management, respectively. During the hearings, we will seek to obtain commitments from them that align with the European Parliament’s positions, our committee’s priorities and our obligations under the treaties.
As the world around us rapidly changes, DEVE will continue to ensure that there is democratic scrutiny of decisions that affect some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.