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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Thank you

James Mackie, jm@ecdpm.org

www.ettg.eu

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