EUROPEAN COMMISSION Brussels, 26.11.2019 SWD(2019) 409 final COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Accompanying the document REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL 2019 Annual Report







On the implementation of the European Union’s instruments for financing external actions in 2018 {COM(2019) 604 final}



Table of contents Introduction: The European Union response to world developments in 2018 1. Delivering on global commitments 1.1. The EU as a strong global actor 1.1.1. International cooperation and development 1.1.2. European Neighbourhood Policy 1.1.3. Humanitarian aid and civil protection 1.1.4. EU enlargement 1.1.5. Security and defence 1.1.6. Crisis response and preparedness 1.1.7. Making a difference: New instruments and aid modalities 1.1.8. Human rights and democracy 1.2. Fostering sustainable development 1.2.1. Implementing the 2030 Agenda comprehensively and coherently 1.2.2. The means of implementation of the new agenda 1.2.3. Working better together with Member States 1.2.4. Policy Coherence for Development

1.2.5. Development effectiveness 1.3. Working together towards the SDGs – policy level 1.3.1. SDG 1 No poverty 1.3.2. SDG 2 Zero hunger 1.3.3. SDG 3 Good health and well-being 1.3.4. SDG 4 Quality education 1.3.5. SDG 5 Gender equality 1.3.6. SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation 1.3.7. SDG 7 Affordable and clean energy 1.3.8. SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth 1.3.9. SDG 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure 1.3.10. SDG 10 Reduced inequalities 1.3.11. SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities 1.3.12. SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production 1.3.13. SDG 13 Climate action 1.3.14. SDG 14 Life below water 1.3.15. SDG 15 Life on land 1.3.16. SDG 16 Peace, justice and strong institutions 1.3.17. SDG 17 Partnerships for the goals 2. Results reporting and alignment to SDGs

2.1. The EU International Cooperation and Development Results Framework and the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II) Performance Framework 2.1.1. Revision of the EU Results Framework and results reporting exercise 2.2. Results-based management 2.3. Overview of results for EU RF Level 2 2.4. Results reported under the EU RF per SDG 2.4.1. SDG 1 No poverty 2.4.2. SDG 2 Zero hunger 2.4.3. SDG 3 Good health and well-being 2.4.4. SDG 4 Quality education 2.4.5. SDG 5 Gender equality 2.4.6. SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation 2.4.7. SDG 7 Affordable and clean energy 2.4.8. SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth 2.4.9. SDG 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure 2.4.10. SDG 10 Reduced inequalities 2.4.11. SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities 2.4.12. SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production 2.4.13. SDG 13 Climate action 2.4.14. SDG 14 Life below water 2.4.15. SDG 15 Life on land

2.4.16. SDG 16 Peace, justice and strong institutions 2.4.17. SDG 17 Partnerships for the goals 2.5. The Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II) Performance Framework 2.5.1. Reporting from ongoing interventions 2.5.2. Coverage and structure of the IPA II PF 2.5.3. Results-based management 2.5.4. Overview of key results reported for the IPA II PF 3. Implementation: Geographical overview 3.1. African continent, sub-Saharan Africa and all ACP programmes 3.1.1. Sub-Saharan Africa 3.1.2. South Africa 3.2. Latin America and the Caribbean 3.2.1. Latin America 3.2.1.4. Implementation 3.2.2. The Caribbean 3.3. Asia, Central Asia, Middle East/Gulf and Pacific 3.3.1. Asia 3.3.2. Central Asia 3.3.3. Middle East/Gulf region 3.3.4. The Pacific

3.4. Enlargement 3.4.1. Introduction 3.4.2. IPA priorities 3.4.3. Implementation 3.4.4. Humanitarian aid and civil protection: Responding to the emergency needs of people affected by conflicts and disasters 3.4.5. Crisis response and preparedness 3.4.6. Working better together, contributor effectiveness and donor coordination 3.4.7. Working towards the SDGs 3.5. European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) 3.5.1. European Neighbourhood East 3.5.2. European Neighbourhood South 3.6. The OCTs 3.6.1. Introduction 3.6.2. Implementation 4. Managing aid 4.1. Monitoring systems 4.1.1. New reporting system on SDGs 4.1.2. Evaluation: Review of the work programme 4.1.3. Lessons learned 4.2. Aid delivery modalities

4.2.1. Budget support, PFM 4.2.2. Using EU grants strategically via blending, including the European EIP 4.3. Improving ways of working 4.3.1. Simplification of procedures 4.4. Communication, transparency and learning 4.4.1. Communication 4.4.2. Transparency 4.4.3. Learning Introduction: The European Union response to world developments in 2018 During 2018, the European Union (EU) faced – and rose to – significant challenges on the international scene. Conflicts and instability continued to develop globally and at the EU’s southern and eastern borders. State fragility and security concerns were evident from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa. Conflicts continued in Syria, Ukraine and Yemen. There was limited progress in the Middle East peace process (MEPP). Regional rivalries sharpened, and the major powers competed to extend their global economic and strategic influence. Unilateral action and the weakening of the rules-based global order challenged multilateralism and the international system. In its engagement in world affairs, the EU continued to promote a joined-up approach whereby the EU institutions and Member States use all available instruments to strive for a more peaceful and prosperous world. The EU’s external action is framed by the Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy and grounded in the Lisbon Treaty. It calls on Member States to act collectively to overcome challenges. In 2018, the EU’s comprehensive response spanned diplomacy, security, financial relations, trade, development, humanitarian aid and further development of special relations with its closest neighbours. The EU also supported urgent reforms to enable the multilateral system to face present and future challenges and to boost cooperation and partnerships with regional organisations. In the Western Balkans, the European Commission’s Western Balkans Strategy of February 2018 provided a major boost for the region’s European path. It reconfirmed the future of the Western Balkans as an integral part of the EU and called for significant enhancement of the EU’s political, technical and financial support to the region. At the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Sofia in May 2018, EU leaders reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans, and the Western Balkans partners recommitted to this perspective as their firm, strategic choice. The EU leaders agreed on new measures for enhanced cooperation with the region. The historic Prespa Agreement between Greece and the Republic of North Macedonia provided an example of strengthening good neighbourly relations for the entire region. Turkey continued to move away from the EU, with a continued deterioration in particular in the rule of law field and a substantial reduction in EU funding due to backsliding by Turkey in key areas. Cooperation continued in areas of joint interest, in particular on migration. Under the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the EU continued to support and foster stability, security and prosperity in the EU’s closest Neighbourhood and to develop strong partnerships with neighbouring countries to the east and south based on joint ownership, focusing on issues of key concern to the EU. An ambitious work plan – the ‘20 Deliverables for 2020’ – was endorsed by the leaders in the context of the Eastern Partnership Summit in November 2017. The monitoring of the ‘20 Deliverables for 2020’ started in 2018 and was discussed at the Eastern Partnership ( ) foreign ministers’ meeting on 15 October. The EU also continued to help secure a lasting peaceful solution that respects the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and promoted further mediation efforts. It also agreed to increase cooperation with Ukraine on cybersecurity, hybrid threats and strategic communication in preparation for elections in 2019. The EU’s response to the challenging situation with Russia continued to respect the five agreed principles. They involve collaborating with Russia on foreign policy and global issues of interest to the EU, such as the Arctic, Iran, Syria and migration, while supporting civil society and promoting dialogue. In the Middle East and North Africa, the EU continued to support the ENP goal of stabilisation and promoted regional integration in the strategically important Mediterranean region. Although the situation in Syria continued to present challenges, the EU pursued a political solution to bring lasting stability and to address the most critical humanitarian and resilience issues affecting Syrians and communities hosting Syrian refugees. The Syria Conference in April 2018 reaffirmed the international community’s political and financial support to the country’s neighbours and resulted in pledges of EUR 3.5 billion in grants. The EU supported the stabilisation of Iraq, Libya and Yemen in cooperation with the United Nations (UN) and regional partners. The two-state solution and its existing policies, including on Jerusalem, remained central to EU engagement in the MEPP, working with Israelis, Palestinians and the international community. Implementing and preserving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran remained an important priority. EU Member States showed an ongoing intention to implement the JCPOA as long as Iran abides by its nuclear commitments. The deal continued to ensure that Iran does not acquire material or equipment to develop nuclear weapons, as confirmed repeatedly by the International Atomic Energy Agency, thereby demonstrating its importance to the security of Europe, the Middle East and the wider world. The EU and Africa worked to bolster the strategic partnership between the ‘twin continents’ and strove to implement the outcomes of the African Union (AU)–EU Summit (29–30 November 2017). This strengthened alliance between the two continents is based on mutual interests and shared values and encompasses peace and security; governance; mobility and migration; investment and job creation; and knowledge and skills. The EU supports the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the integration of the continent through the African Continental Free Trade Area. Negotiations to secure a renewed partnership with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states continued in preparation for the expiry of the Cotonou Agreement in February 2020. The EU provided bilateral and regional support to promote stability in the Sahel as a key priority. This involved political, security, development and humanitarian investment amounting to EUR 8 billion. The EU and the Niger presidency also organised a conference of G5 Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger) in February 2018. This was a milestone towards operationalising the G5 Sahel Joint Force, which addresses challenges including terrorism and organised crime, climate change and demographic growth. The transatlantic relationship remained central to EU foreign policy. The EU made good progress with the United States through a strong and effective relationship focusing on foreign relations with the EU’s immediate Neighbourhood, North Korea and the Western Balkans. The EU also stepped up cooperation with the United States over foreign policy issues such as cybersecurity, counterterrorism and defence, and pursued constructive dialogue to resolve differences and to defend the EU’s values, political objectives and economic interests. It worked with Canada on strengthening multilateralism and on implementing the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

In relation to partnership between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean, the ministerial meeting in July 2018 was successful; work continued to shape the future of the partnership, in order to transition from development cooperation to a diversified model that emphasises trade, investment, research and innovation, education, the digital agenda and collaboration in defence of common values. In addition, the EU continued to support the implementation of the peace agreement in Colombia, a key element for the stability of the region, while closely following events in Venezuela. The EU worked hard to modernise Association Agreements with Chile and Mexico and to conclude the Association Agreement with Mercosur. Overall, the EU sought to facilitate political processes in order to re-establish respect for democracy, the rule of law and human rights and to assist the countries of the region in tackling the humanitarian consequences of migration. At the Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM) in October 2018, leaders agreed to improve connections between the continents to boost trade, improve security, increase dialogue and preserve the environment. They renewed their support for the rules-based international order and an open world economy. The EU showed its commitment to an active EU security presence and engagement with Asia at bilateral, regional and global levels, while pursuing sustainable connectivity between both regions. The EU remained committed to the ongoing diplomatic process and efforts to bring about the denuclearisation of North Korea, both in talks with partners and through sanctions. The EU and UN have vast expertise in this field, which could be used to achieve lasting peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. The EU also continued to exercise a mix of international efforts and constructive engagement with Myanmar in order to improve the situation there while providing extensive humanitarian assistance to Rohingya refugees. The EU supported an inclusive and united platform for peace in Afghanistan, involving all social groups and protecting 18 years of progress on fundamental rights for women, children and minorities. The EU played a leading role in the implementation of global agreements, notably the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on climate change and the negotiations for the Global Compacts on Migration and on Refugees. Throughout 2018 (the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights, the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute and the 20th anniversary of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders), the EU confirmed its commitment to promoting the protection of human rights. The EU increased its efforts on cybersecurity with the Global Tech Panel and led determined global efforts to promote international ocean governance, and negotiations for the Global Pact for the Environment. In addition, the EU made important headway in implementing the Integrated Approach to Conflict and Crises. Following the adoption of the Joint Communication on Resilience in 2017, work continued on a coherent policy framework with the focus being on the Neighbourhood. The EU continued to promote external policies and cooperation that enhance the security of the EU and its citizens, focusing on internal and external security. The EU stepped up its engagement with partners in areas such as counterterrorism, non-proliferation and disarmament, cybersecurity, maritime security and sanctions. With regard to trafficking in human beings, the EU delivered towards its 2017 Communication, identifying as a targeted priority the intensification of a coordinated and consolidated response, both within and outside the EU (). In this context, the EU Anti-trafficking Coordinator promoted a coherent and coordinated approach to the complex phenomenon of trafficking in human beings, both within the EU and in relation to non-EU countries, addressing the issue in key relevant instruments (). The Global Strategy on the EU’s Foreign and Security Policy anticipated the importance of a strong UN as the bedrock of the multilateral rules-based order and affirmed the EU’s commitment to it. The EU and its Member States remained the largest contributor to the UN. The EU provided more than one quarter of all voluntary contributions, while Member States contributed to one third of the UN regular budget and more than one third of the peacekeeping budget. In 2018, the strategic partnership of the EU and the UN on peacekeeping operations and crisis management resulted in a new action plan for the next three years. All of the EU’s 16 crisis management missions and operations cooperated closely with members of the UN family. EU missions and operations continued to share the same theatres as UN missions, including several in Africa. The EU played a key role in UN reform, both by helping the UN Secretary-General Guterres to secure an ambitious package across the three reform strands (management; peace and security; development system) and by implementing measures due to enter into force on 1 January 2019.



1. Delivering on global commitments 1.1. The EU as a strong global actor The EU strongly promotes a joined-up approach that brings together EU institutions and Member States to work towards a more peaceful and prosperous world. The Lisbon Treaty guides the EU’s external actions while the Global Strategy on the EU’s Foreign and Security Policy enables the EU to act collectively and responsibly to tackle complex global challenges. While continuing to implement the five original priorities of the Global Strategy (), support for a global order based on international law with the UN at its core, in partnership with regional organisations, is increasing. Advancing multilateralism means adjusting to the changing realities and distribution of power in the world while ensuring visibility and strong implementation of key milestones for the multilateral system, such as the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Iran nuclear deal or the UN Global Compact for Migration. It also means redoubling efforts to work with others who remain committed to the existing international system. The groundbreaking trilateral AU–EU–UN partnership paves the way for enhanced cooperation on the wider peace and security agenda, while support for the G5 Sahel Joint Force is an example of the importance of investing in regional security partnerships. In 2018, the EU assisted with the comprehensive approach to conflicts and crises through timely interventions under the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) and through Common Foreign and Security Policy actions across the world, including in Bangladesh, Central African Republic, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, the Philippines, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela and the Western Balkans. Through these actions, the EU contributed to mediation, dialogue and confidence building, conflict prevention and post-conflict peacebuilding; to strengthening the rule of law, the fight against terrorism, and security sector reform; and to efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons and promote effective global governance and multilateralism. During the year, the first Capacity Building for Security and Development (CBSD) initiatives were launched under the IcSP ( ). These actions, which were closely coordinated with the relevant military EU missions on the ground in Central African Republic, Mali and Somalia, demonstrate the EU’s integrated approach. The EU is taking greater responsibility for its defence and assisting partners with peace and security. Advancements on a Coordinated Annual Review on Defence, the Military Planning and Conduct Capability, the European Defence Industrial Development Programme, the EU–NATO Joint Declaration and the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) are concrete and historic achievements. Intense work continues on the European Defence Fund and the proposal for a European Peace Facility to finance peacekeeping operations. Also, under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), the EU operates civilian and military missions worldwide. In addition to its work on conflict, the EU continues to tackle existing vulnerabilities and respond to humanitarian crises – natural and man-made – amplified by climate change, insecurity and modest economic growth. The EU and its Member States remain the world’s largest donors of humanitarian aid and of development assistance, providing more than half of Official Development Assistance (ODA) globally, making a huge difference to the livelihoods of millions of people around the world. The EU also fosters dialogue on values and global challenges with key partners across the world. Human rights, gender equality and support for women, peace and security are central to all EU policies. The EU seeks to broaden conversations, defend and promote European values, build new cross-regional alliances and project influence, contributing to the security of the EU and its citizens. The EU upgraded dialogue (e.g. with Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, Turkey and Western Balkans) on non-proliferation and disarmament, cybersecurity, maritime security and sanctions, focusing on the internal/external security nexus in counterterrorism. Finally, trade is, for some, becoming a political weapon. As the world’s largest trading bloc and the biggest source of foreign direct investment, the EU continues to work with international partners to promote a free and fair international trading system. The EU is deeply engaged in the reform of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and will continue to defend itself against unfair and distorting trade practices while expanding its bilateral and regional partnerships. New technologies are revolutionising how we live, how we work and how we conduct diplomacy, development and security. This was the rationale for the EU proposal to create the Global Tech Panel. Technology is creating new challenges not covered by international laws and standards, and the EU will contribute decisively to shaping those laws and standards using the strength of the single market to ensure predictability, social inclusion and prosperity. 1.1.1. International cooperation and development In 2018, the Commission continued to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda globally, advancing the application of the new European Consensus on Development (2017) (), which provides a framework for a common approach to development policy. Thus, the Commission actively integrated SDGs across its methods, instruments and tools. The Commission continued to develop tailored partnerships for effective development cooperation. For example, in September 2018, the EU and countries in the ACP group started to plan for their cooperation after 2020, aiming to conclude the agreement by the end of 2019. A key policy initiative was the Africa–Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs, announced by President Juncker in September 2018. Since the adoption of the Consensus, the EU has been actively implementing the Addis Ababa Action Agenda as an integral part of the 2030 Agenda. This involves promoting the mobilisation and use of financial and non-financial means and all forms of partnerships to achieve the SDGs. ODA, which still plays a significant role in many developing countries, will be used more catalytically to generate additional financing for sustainable development. This approach will be part of the future Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI), which sets out to support the implementation of the SDGs.

The EU and its Member States are firmly committed to the SDGs and to eradicating poverty. In 2018, EU ODA was 0.47 % of gross national income (GNI) – EUR 74.4 billion – down compared to 2017, when it was at 0.50 % of GNI. This reduction was due to a significant decrease in donor refugee spending, which assists refugees and asylum seekers during the first year of their stay, covering food, shelter or training (). In 2018, the Commission continued to address economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. For instance, the European External Investment Plan (EIP) promoted sustainable development in Africa and the European Neighbourhood through enhanced investment, boosting local economies and creating decent jobs while addressing the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement. In 2018, the EU allocated EUR 1.54 billion to 28 guarantees to unlock investments for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in energy and connectivity, cities, agriculture and the digital sector. Also, 21 blending projects in sub-Saharan Africa are expected to leverage around EUR 4 billion for transport, energy, private sector development (PSD) and agriculture. Several programmes were launched under the Spotlight Initiative, the EU–UN partnership to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. Support is provided to strengthen local organisations working to end gender-based violence. Moreover, a total of EUR 265 million has been committed to combat sexual and gender-based violence in Africa and Latin America. The EU has also sought to enhance research and innovation collaboration, which is a key vehicle for fostering socioeconomic development and supporting the EU’s external policies. In 2018, major developing partner regions participated on approximately 225 occasions () in Horizon 2020 collaborative projects, supported by an EU contribution of about EUR 33 million. 1.1.2. European Neighbourhood Policy In 2018, the EU continued to implement its revised ENP, aiming to stabilise the EU’s Neighbourhood (the overarching goal of the 2015 review). Throughout the year, the revised ENP mobilised significant support for its four refocused priorities () and fully integrated the principles of differentiation and shared ownership. Engagement with all Neighbourhood countries through political dialogue continued, and additional guidance and support was provided to ENP partner countries with their reform efforts. In the east, the EU’s assistance and major programmes were based on the ‘20 Deliverables for 2020’, adopted at the Brussels Summit in November 2017. A new institutional set-up of the Eastern Partnership has also been put in place. Work on the differentiated relations with all Eastern Partner countries has advanced well. The political framework set by the Association Agreements with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine and the association agendas have continued to be implemented. The realignment of multilateral and bilateral actions is ongoing, and the multi-annual Programming Documents for 2017–2020 for Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine (for the period 2018–2020) and the regional east provided the basis for annual programming. The Single Support Framework for Azerbaijan was adopted in December 2018, while a package of ‘special measures’ was adopted for Belarus, with negotiations on Partnership Priorities. In response to the conflict in the east of Ukraine, the EU provided humanitarian support and assistance for stabilisation and early recovery. The EU also adopted a significant package to support development and strengthen social and economic resilience in government-controlled areas. In the south, the EU and Tunisia agreed on strategic priorities for 2018–2020. A Single Support Framework (2018–2020) for Algeria was adopted. The EU–Morocco Action Plan implementing the advanced status and the Single Support Framework were extended for one year. The EU–Jordan Association Council agreed on a two-year extension of the Partnership Priorities. The first drafts of the Partnership Priorities with Palestine and Israel were prepared for discussion with Member States in early 2019 and action plans were extended for three years. The EU also presented a review of its engagement in favour of the two-state solution to Member States at the Gymnich meeting in August 2018, to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its support. Its conclusions are being integrated into the programming. Substantial efforts were devoted to enhancing coordination mechanisms in the Neighbourhood South and ensuring coordination of the EU response at all levels, including via Joint Humanitarian and Development Frameworks for Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, and permanent discussion and coordination between the different instruments, including humanitarian and crisis response. Mitigating the impact of the protracted Syrian crisis remained a priority throughout 2018. The April Brussels II Conference on Supporting the future of Syria and the region reaffirmed the engagement of the EU in supporting Syrian refugees and host communities – notably in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey – through the activities of the EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian crisis. Meanwhile, in Libya, the security situation remained a barrier to the implementation of cooperation programmes. Operations continued to be remotely managed from Tunis, where the delegation is temporarily based. The EU continued to drive forward programmes to assist Neighbourhood countries to tackle the causes of instability through a sustained focus on good governance, the rule of law and human rights, both in the east and the south. Significant efforts at bilateral and regional levels continued to increase the capacity of civil society across the region in terms of policy shaping to support human rights defenders and freedom, as well as the accountability of states to their citizens. Migration and related security challenges also continued to receive EU attention and support. The EU continued to apply a balanced approach to the multiple aspects of migration, with a focus on areas of mutual interest. For example, the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa contributes to addressing the causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, the fight against trafficking of human beings and smuggling of migrants, and the protection, voluntary return and reintegration of migrants to their countries of origin. Peer-to-peer instruments, the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX) model and Twinning also actively contributed to support the overall reform process in line with EU political priorities. 1.1.3. Humanitarian aid and civil protection Humanitarian crises have steadily increased in complexity and severity in recent decades; this trend did not change in 2018. Conflict remained the main driver of humanitarian needs, while natural disasters necessitated emergency aid. Overall, more than 134 million people needed humanitarian assistance and protection – and more funding than ever before was required to help them. The Commission funded humanitarian aid operations for more than EUR 1.5 billion ( ) in more than 90 countries (Figure 1). A significant proportion of this went on supporting conflict-affected populations inside Syria and refugees in neighbouring countries and regions. The EU has also continued to be a leading donor in other parts of the world, with Africa continuing to account for a large share of funding. Figure 1. EU humanitarian aid in 2018 However, maintaining the EU’s capacity to respond rapidly remains a challenge due to difficult access and security situations in several countries. Promoting principled humanitarian aid and respect for international humanitarian law has continued to be at the heart of the Commission’s overarching objectives as a donor. In 2018, the EU continued to play a leading role by chairing the two EU donor groups: the Donor Support Group of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Good Humanitarian Donorship group. The Commission also continued to chair the ‘Call to action on protection from gender-based violence in emergencies’, to be handed over to Canada in January 2019. In line with the Grand Bargain agreed in 2016 between donors and operational agencies at the World Humanitarian Summit, the Commission has also worked for the greatest possible efficiency and value for money in the use of humanitarian funding. A key part of this has been the Guidance Note on the Delivery of Large-Scale Cash Transfers. In addition, support for innovation and digitalisation has continued to be a major focus of the EU’s drive to maximise the impact of humanitarian aid. The Commission has also pursued work on resilience as crisis and fragility become normalised in many parts of the world. The peace element of the Humanitarian–Development Nexus was endorsed during the informal Foreign Affairs Council for Development meeting in September 2018, with the understanding that efforts should contribute to addressing a protracted crisis, though not to the detriment of principled humanitarian assistance programmes. Education in emergencies remains a flagship policy for the EU: in 2018, the Commission adopted a Communication on Education in Emergencies and Protracted Crises, setting clear and strategic priorities. Having met Commissioner Stylianides’ pledge to devote 8 % of the EU’s 2018 humanitarian aid budget to education in emergencies, the EU has set the ambitious goal of 10 % in 2019.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism (rescEU) was activated 20 times. Within the EU, assistance was provided for forest fires in Greece, Latvia, Portugal and Sweden. Following oil leaks, Bulgaria and France requested EU support on the issue of marine pollution. International assistance was provided to Guatemala (volcanic eruption), the Democratic Republic of Congo (Ebola outbreak) and Indonesia (earthquake and tsunami). The unprecedented 2018 forest fire season demonstrated the need to continue strengthening the EU, which prioritised concluding negotiations on the Commission proposal. Political agreement was reached at the end of 2018, paving the way for its rapid implementation, which is a top priority for the EU in 2019. The EU will also step up support for Member States to improve their disaster risk management and will set up a new EU Civil Protection Knowledge Network to share lessons learned. Cooperation on training, research and innovation will be, where possible, extended to neighbouring countries. This new legal framework also enables an overall increase in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism financial envelope of EUR 205 million for the remaining Multiannual Financial Framework period (2019–2020), which will partly be used to finance prevention and preparedness projects, training, exercises, peer reviews, advisory missions and exchange of experts in Neighbourhood and enlargement countries. 1.1.4. EU enlargement The Commission continued to support enlargement countries to improve their readiness to join the EU. For example, on 6 February 2018, the Commission adopted the Strategy for ‘A credible enlargement perspective for and enhanced EU engagement with the Western Balkans’ ( ). This provided a major boost to the enlargement agenda and confirmed the firm merit-based prospect of EU membership for all countries in the region. At the same time, it stressed the urgent need to make progress on the rule of law, economy, reconciliation and good neighbourly relations. It also put forward concrete measures to increase EU engagement with the region. The EU–Western Balkans Summit in Sofia on 17 May 2018 brought together the heads of state or government from EU Member States and leaders from the six Western Balkans partners. It focused on improving connectivity and security in the region. EU leaders reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans, and the Western Balkan partners recommitted themselves to this perspective as their firm strategic choice. The EU leaders agreed on the Sofia Declaration and the Sofia Priority Agenda (), outlining new measures for enhanced cooperation with the region. The annual enlargement package, consisting of a Commission Communication on the implementation of EU enlargement policy and seven country reports, was adopted on 17 April 2018. In view of the progress made by the Republic of Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia, the Commission recommended opening accession negotiations with the two countries. On 26 June 2018, the Council responded positively to this progress and set out the path towards opening accession negotiations with the two countries in June 2019, provided further progress is made. The Council will discuss the Commission recommendations in October 2019. There has been some re-engagement between the EU and Turkey in 2018, including a leaders’ meeting in March 2018. The EU–Turkey dialogue was maintained on crucial issues of common interest, including migration, with a key role played by the implementation of the March 2016 EU–Turkey Statement (). However, due to the continued deterioration of the rule of law in Turkey, in June 2018 the Council noted that Turkey’s accession negotiations have effectively come to a standstill, and no further work towards modernising the EU–Turkey customs union is foreseen. The implementation of the pre-accession assistance to Turkey took place in this challenging context, with a substantial reduction in funding due to backsliding by Turkey in key areas. The EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey, established in November 2015, continued to enable a joint coordination mechanism of existing instruments and to ensure that the needs of refugees and host communities in Turkey are addressed in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. In 2018, results under the first tranche of funding, totalling EUR 3 billion, were already visible, with programmes benefiting over 2 million refugees. In July 2018, the Commission adopted a decision on a second tranche of EUR 3 billion to be committed in 2018–2019, with EUR 2 billion coming from the EU budget and EUR 1 billion from Member States’ contributions. Programmes under the second tranche will reflect the protracted nature of the refugee situation and focus on inclusion and self-reliance. At the end of 2018, EUR 1.4 billion of the second tranche has been committed. This is a remarkable achievement and constitutes major progress in achieving the EU’s objectives. 1.1.5. Security and defence In 2018, the implementation of the EU’s Global Strategy in the areas of security and defence focused on deepening cooperation through PESCO. This included legal acts as well as the launch of collaborative PESCO projects. In June 2018, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), along with the Commission itself, proposed a European Peace Facility. It would provide the EU with an off-budget fund to finance all Common Foreign and Security Policy operational actions with military or defence implications, including partner country military capacity building and support for partner organisation peace operations to prevent conflict, preserve peace and strengthen international security. The European Defence Industrial Development Programme was launched, and proposals were made by the Commission for a European Defence Fund. In November 2018, the mandate and staffing ceiling of the permanent operational planning and conduct capability for non-executive military missions were reinforced. Moreover, a ‘civilian CSDP compact’ was adopted by the Council, with 22 commitments to develop civilian capabilities, enhance the effectiveness of civilian CSDP missions and ensure a joined-up approach with other EU instruments. EU–NATO cooperation on countering hybrid threats focused on 20 out of 74 EU–NATO common actions. The Helsinki Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats scaled up its support for EU and NATO staff, and exchanges continued on cyber concepts, training, threat indicators, alerts and assessments. The EU also contributed to NATO’s Building Integrity programme to help NATO partners in the EU Neighbourhood prevent corruption in defence- and security-related sectors. EU–UN information exchanges have intensified. The agreement on ‘Reinforcing the UN-EU Strategic Partnership on Peace Operations and Crisis Management: Priorities 2019–2021’ has extended its scope from peacekeeping to other aspects of peace operations and crisis management. The CBSD initiative introduced a previously missing element to the EU toolbox: the possibility in specific circumstances to support military actors in partner countries to enhance their capacity to prevent and respond to crises on their own. This contributes to national and regional stability, sustainable development and peaceful societies. In 2018, CBSD actions were approved in Central African Republic, Lebanon, Mali and Somalia, in particular to train and support military actors to contribute to the restoration of state authority and enhance the state capacity to deliver basic services in insecure areas. An operational risk assessment/management methodology was also developed to identify and mitigate the risk of unintended negative consequences of such EU support. The 2018–2020 Multiannual Indicative Programme was approved for IcSP Article 4 (to support conflict prevention, peacebuilding and crisis preparedness capacities globally) and Article 5 (to assist in addressing global, trans-regional and emerging threats). Thus, several projects were launched to strengthen the resilience of communities and governments against violent extremism and terrorist attacks, including actions on anti-money laundering and counterterrorist financing. Interregional cooperation and countries’ capabilities to prevent and manage incidents involving chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence and explosive agents were also strengthened. 1.1.6. Crisis response and preparedness Throughout 2018, the IcSP remained a key tool for EU diplomacy in crisis contexts and in its quest for stability, conflict prevention and resolution, and peacebuilding. All 42 new crisis response actions adopted responded directly to EU political priorities. Commitments under the crisis response component of the IcSP amounted to EUR 254.1 million – a 55 % increase compared to 2017. Under the Annual Action Plan for conflict prevention, peacebuilding and crisis preparedness, EUR 33.7 million were committed to longer-term interventions. This component of the IcSP allowed for targeted support related to all major crises worldwide, including ongoing activities in 14 out of 16 countries listed as the ‘least peaceful’ of 2018 according to the Global Peace Index (): Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine and Yemen.

The 2018 Annual Action Programme also consolidated IcSP support to civil society in third countries to prevent conflicts and build peace while contributing to inclusive peace mediation and dialogue processes at local, regional and international levels. While many of the IcSP actions take place in areas suffering from prolonged conflicts, as outlined above, some address challenges in different contexts, such as in Lesotho, Madagascar, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Crisis response actions adopted in 2018 included the first specific mine intervention in north-eastern Syria in areas liberated from Da’esh by the Global Coalition; considerable engagement to advance peace negotiations and support stabilisation actions in Central African Republic; continued support to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s (OSCE’s) Special Monitoring Mechanism; innovative action on cybersecurity in connection with Ukrainian elections; and support related to the crisis in Venezuela, including help to neighbouring countries receiving refugees. In addition, newly adopted actions in Central African Republic, Mali and Somalia, as well as ongoing programmes in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo (), Niger and Ukraine, directly complement the work of CSDP missions, thereby contributing to the implementation of the EU Integrated Approach in response to conflicts and crises. Furthermore, 2018 was the first year of implementation of CBSD actions following the 2017 amendment to the IcSP regulation. So far, five CBSD actions have been launched in four countries (Central African Republic, Lebanon, Mali and Somalia) under Article 3, and one action has been adopted under Article 4 to build regional centres for training in the areas of health, mine clearance or civil protection for military actors. Work to coordinate international efforts in conflict and post-conflict settings continued with the UN and other international organisations, notably the World Bank. Initiatives to contribute to peacebuilding and stabilisation efforts in fragile mineral-rich areas (e.g. by promoting responsible sourcing and trading of gold and diamonds in West Africa and Central Africa) have continued: the EU used its rotating presidency of the Kimberley Process to attract additional attention. New support has also been identified in the area of transitional justice, where a new expert facility will provide fast and reliable access to experts and advisers for deployment in third countries. 1.1.7. Making a difference: New instruments and aid modalities In order to finance the SDGs and respond to an increasingly complex world, development finance needs to rely on a combination of funding sources. To increase the impact of ODA, public and private funds must be leveraged as efficiently as possible. The EU must be ready to adapt and further develop its financial instruments and policy tools for investments outside the EU if it is to deliver on its ambitious commitments to sustainable development. To this end, in 2017 the European Commission developed the EIP, a new EU initiative offering an innovative way to attract more investment, in particular from businesses and private investors, to countries in Africa and the EU Neighbourhood. At the core of EIP, the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD) combines a new guarantee instrument (total EUR 1.54 billion) with two regional investment platforms (the Africa Investment Platform (AIP) and the Neighbourhood Investment Platform, NIP), which together account for EUR 2.6 billion, by blending EU financial support with loans and equity from eligible institutions that finance and manage development projects in countries outside the EU. The EFSD guarantee aims to support investments in less developed and more risky countries in Africa and the European Neighbourhood by attracting private sector players into sectors in which they do not traditionally get involved. Under the EFSD guarantee, the Commission provides partial guarantees to eligible financiers, who pass on the benefits of the guarantee to investment operations – directly or via local private banks, investment funds or microcredit institutions – to the end borrowers, such as MSMEs, through a wide range of financial instruments. These may include loans (including local currency loans), guarantees, counter-guarantees, capital market instruments, any other form of funding or credit enhancement, insurance and equity or quasi-equity arrangements. As of 31 December 2018, 28 guarantees have been validated via the EFSD, mobilising EUR 1.54 billion from the initial guarantee of the EIP, with the expectation of unlocking EUR 17.5 billion in total investments in areas such as access to finance for MSMEs, energy and connectivity, agriculture, cities and digital. The EU blending allocated for 51 projects in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to leverage nearly EUR 10 billion in sustainable investment and around EUR 9.5 billion for 43 projects in the Neighbourhood. Overall, programmes and projects approved by the EFSD by the end of 2018 are expected to mobilise around EUR 37 billion in investment, bringing the EU close to its target of unlocking EUR 44 billion by 2020. The first guarantee agreement was signed in December 2018 with the Dutch Development Bank (FMO) for the ‘Nasira’ Risk-Sharing Facility. As a result, the EU will extend to FMO a guarantee of up to EUR 75 million for its proposal. This will enable FMO to mobilise investment of around EUR 1 billion for the purpose of supporting migrants, displaced people and refugees, and youth, women and underserved entrepreneurs in particular. The aim of the facility is to create or support up to 800 000 jobs in partner countries. Another of the guarantees will enable the French Development Agency (AFD) to provide affordable and sustainable credit to financially underserved producers and rural MSMEs. Projects enabled by the guarantee will lead to greater financial inclusion of rural populations while promoting environmentally responsible practices (i.e. climate-smart agriculture). These projects will also help transform partner financial institutions, improving their technical skills and the range of financial products available. The AFD estimates that the resulting projects will help to create or maintain at least 750 000 jobs and improve access to finance for around 400 000 people and agribusinesses, especially in the least developed and highly indebted countries. 1.1.8. Human rights and democracy The 2030 Agenda reflects a human-rights-based vision, which is fully consistent with the EU policy framework ( ). While several SDGs make an explicit link between development and human rights and democracy (in particular SDG 5, SDG 10 and SDG 16), all are underpinned by human rights. The year 2018 marked the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In this landmark year, the EU reaffirmed its support to human rights, democracy and good governance throughout its financial instruments, both by reinforcing the rights-based approach to promote human rights and democracy in development cooperation – as a result of its underpinning in the new European Consensus on Development – and by dedicated support to human rights and democracy worldwide. Against a backdrop of increased attacks on human rights and human rights defenders, protection of human rights defenders and support of civil society were emphasised, including enabling space for action (e.g. freedom of association and assembly, freedom of expression). In October 2018, the EU supported the Human Rights Defenders World Summit, bringing together over 150 human rights defenders in Paris, and reaffirmed its strong commitment to protect them worldwide. Through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) alone, more than 1 300 human rights defenders under threat received assistance from emergency funds. Furthermore, the EIDHR reinforced its emergency facility for civil society with an additional contribution of EUR 3.5 million ( ), and more than 250 new civil society human rights/democracy initiatives were supported worldwide (EUR 100 million). Special attention was given to some of the most difficult human rights issues, for example, in the context of ‘land-grabbing’ and climate change, extrajudicial killings and disappearances, forced labour and modern slavery, and freedom of religion and belief (approximately EUR 20 million). The European Endowment for Democracy, with renewed financial support from the EU, further extended its operations in the Neighbourhood, Turkey and the Western Balkans, with 103 new initiatives funded in 2018 in support of civil society, independent media and democracy activists. Against a backdrop of continuing challenges to global democracy, the EU continues to reaffirm its commitment to democratic processes, launching programmes totalling more than EUR 41.7 million in some 30 countries in 2018. These programmes aim to support the electoral process and institutions, parliaments, political parties, civil society and wider democratic governance. The EU also deployed 9 fully fledged Election Observation Missions (EOMs), 10 Electoral Expert Missions (EEM) and 4 follow-up missions in 2018. EEMs aim to ensure that follow-up work focuses on the EOM recommendations for the improvement of electoral processes and thus they are increasingly important in the context of results-oriented management. The launch of the pilot programme ‘INTER PARES’ (EUR 5 million) in 2018 aims to build capacity of partner country parliaments through peer-to-peer exchanges with EU Member State parliaments. In addition, the largest share of budget support – which represents 40 % of EU bilateral cooperation – goes to governance, providing an essential opportunity to reinforce dialogue in support of democracy, justice reforms and the rule of law. Moreover, in 2018, the EIDHR included for the first time a specific amount (EUR 5 million) to leverage digital technologies in support of global democracy via civic activism and participation. In 2018, the EU also reinforced its commitment to counter violence against women and girls. The Spotlight Initiative – a EUR 500 million EU–UN strategic partnership – gained momentum with the commitment of an initial EUR 320 million to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

1.2. Fostering sustainable development 1.2.1. Implementing the 2030 Agenda comprehensively and coherently The 2017 European Consensus on Development aligns the EU with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. The Consensus is set out in the framework of EU external action provided by the Treaty on the European Union (Article 21 on external action) and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (Articles 208–211 on development) and in the EU Global Strategy. The Enlargement and revised European Neighbourhood Policies also contribute to achieving the SDGs. It is in the EU’s interest to play a leading role globally in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through its external action – doing so will foster a stronger and more sustainable, inclusive, secure and prosperous Europe. The EU’s robust commitment to the SDGs signals its support of multilateralism. National governments are responsible for implementing the 2030 Agenda. However, the EU will continue to engage actively with partner countries through policy dialogues based on the SDGs, making use of national development plans and voluntary national reviews of SDGs. This goes hand in hand with the EU objective to promote joint programming with the Member States and enhance cooperation with the UN. In accordance with the Consensus, the Commission is continuously updating reporting systems for consistency with the 2030 Agenda’s follow-up processes and indicators and is working closely with Member States for greater impact at country level – through joint programming, joint implementation and joint results frameworks – in line with the ‘Working better together’ commitment. The Commission also played a key role in forging the renewed Partnership in Development between the EU and the UN, adopted in September 2018, in support of accelerated SDG implementation at country level. In response to the 2030 Agenda, the EU has revised its International Cooperation and Development Results Framework and will report on this annually. To assess progress in partner countries, the indicators for this revised framework have been based, where possible, on the internationally agreed indicators for the SDGs. SDGs are also reflected in major initiatives such as the proposal for a new external financing instrument – the NDICI – and the EU’s new partnerships with Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, that will succeed the Cotonou Agreement after 2020 and should work towards fulfilling the SDGs. Getting the private sector fully on board and boosting sustainable investment beyond the EU’s borders remains a priority. The European EIP, an important initiative designed to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, ensures an integrated approach to boosting investments in Africa and in the European Neighbourhood with a focus on conﬂict- and violence-aﬀected and fragile countries, landlocked countries and the least developed countries (LDCs) that are in greatest need. 1.2.2. The means of implementation of the new agenda In line with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the EU has a comprehensive and integrated approach to mobilising financing from all available sources (public and private, domestic and international) as well as promoting other means of implementation, including the establishment of good policies and policy coherence for development, which are needed to fulfil the SDGs. In 2018 the Commission published its report ‘Investing in sustainable development’, in which it presented progress made by the EU and the Member States towards meeting the commitments of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda between 2015 and 2017. Presented by Commissioner Mimica at the 2018 UN Financing for Development Forum, the overall message of the report is that the EU is collectively on track to meet most of the commitments by 2030 if current efforts are maintained. While the 2018 figures show that the EU and its Member States remain the world’s largest providers of ODA, more effort needs to be made in some areas, notably providing ODA to the LDCs. Budget support is central to the EU’s international cooperation policy: it accounts for around 40 % of EU bilateral assistance and is used in 91 countries or territories; it provides a platform for policy dialogue and creates synergies with other aid modalities; it contributes to strengthening country systems and budget processes in the context of SDG implementation; and it offers additional fiscal space for necessary actions or reforms, rewarding performance when results are met. Investments, blending or guarantees are supported by budget support contracts, which strengthen the economic framework. Other EU achievements in 2018 include bringing together aid, investment, trade, domestic resource mobilisation and policies designed to unlock the full potential of all financial flows. Through the EIP, the EU encourages investments in partner countries in Africa and the EU Neighbourhood region. The EIP is expected to leverage at least EUR 44 billion in investment in sustainable development in Africa and the countries neighbouring the EU by 2020. With the establishment of the EFSD, a key innovation is the increased importance of investments underwritten by a new External Action Guarantee. The EU allocated the entire EUR 1.54 billion guarantee of the EFSD to 28 projects and signed the first guarantee agreement for a project designed to unlock financing for entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan Africa and the EU Neighbourhood. The EU also allocated EUR 2.2 billion to blending operations in an effort to leverage other sources of public and private finance. Through these instruments, the EU supports actions to prevent climate change and promote the social and economic empowerment of women. Given the importance of the private sector as a contributor to inclusive growth and creation of decent jobs, the EU has taken measures to promote local PSD in partner countries. Through assistance for investment climate reforms, lending and venture capital facilities and technical assistance to businesses (including MSMEs), the EU is promoting attractive policy environments. Moreover, support for mobilisation of domestic resources is helping to improve the transparency, fairness, effectiveness and efficiency of tax systems in partner countries. The EU is helping partner countries make the most of the diverse financing sources available to support SDG implementation (including Development Finance Assessments). It is also facilitating the process of ODA modernisation and the development of the Total Official Support for Sustainable Development (TOSSD) statistical measure to help identify available means of implementation (e.g. investment, private mobilised resources, South–South and triangular cooperation and financial flows) for emerging donors. An international task force co-chaired by the European Commission has advanced the drafting of reporting instructions for the TOSSD. 1.2.3. Working better together with Member States Working better together for the SDGs is about the EU developing a European approach for development cooperation in a partner country that adds value to collective bilateral development cooperation, both in terms of policy dialogue and technical and financial support. The key components that strengthen this framework are joint programming, joint results frameworks and joint implementation. By December 2018 there were 23 Joint Programming Documents in place globally, and intensified efforts to reach the same level of commitment were underway in another 17 partner countries. To further support and facilitate joint programming, the EU Joint Programming Guidance was published in 2018, providing a basis for training EU staff. Work was undertaken during the year to document current experiences and practices as well as to provide recommendations on joint programming in conflict-affected and fragile states, joint programming in support of the SDGs and use of joint results frameworks. These efforts were further complemented by production of joint programming case studies, stories and videos from the field. The Global Learning Event on Joint Programming, which shared knowledge among practitioners, and a joint mission by the EU and Member States to Mali, also signalled closer European collaboration in development cooperation and external actions. Cooperation between the EU and the Practitioners’ Network for European Development Cooperation continued with a focus on the efficiency and effectiveness of joint implementation. Also in 2018, Joint Programming Documents were launched in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya and Senegal. 1.2.4. Policy Coherence for Development

In all the policies that it implements, the EU is committed to embracing the objectives of development cooperation likely to affect developing countries. This is known as Policy Coherence for Development (PCD) and is enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Through this commitment, the EU aims to minimise contradiction, build synergy among its different policies to the benefit of partner countries and increase the effectiveness of development cooperation. As highlighted in the 2017 European Consensus on Development, PCD is an important contribution to the achievement of SDGs by partner countries and to the broader objective of policy coherence for sustainable development. Given that implementation of the 2030 Agenda requires a whole-government approach and coordination efforts at all levels, work on PCD has been integrated into the Commission’s work on implementation of the 2030 Agenda across all its policies. PCD is an important interface between internal and external implementation of the 2030 Agenda. To reflect this new approach, the Commission adapted its reporting on PCD by integrating it into the overall EU reporting on the SDGs. In 2018, the Commission collected input from Member States and started drafting the 2019 EU report on PCD. In addition, the scope of PCD has been broadened beyond the traditional five strategic challenges (trade and finance, climate change, food security, migration and security) to reflect the new dynamics of the SDGs and the requirements of the Consensus. The Commission promoted PCD in this new policy framework internally and with Member States, the European Parliament and civil society. Reporting from EU delegations on PCD issues was further reinforced to get better evidence on the impact of EU policies in partner countries. Work on the strategic evaluation of PCD, covering the period 2009–2016, started in 2016. The Commission took account of the external evaluation and prepared a Staff Working Document to present its conclusions. 1.2.5. Development effectiveness The EU, along with its Member States, is actively engaged in improving aid and development effectiveness. It adheres to the commitments of successive high-level forums on aid development expressed in various declarations, the last one being the Nairobi Outcome Document from the second High-Level Meeting of the Global Partnership in 2016. In the new European Consensus on Development, the EU and its Member States reaffirm their commitment to apply the key principles of development effectiveness: ownership of development priorities by partner countries; focus on results, transparency and accountability; and inclusive development partnerships. The EU coordinates and supports Member States in the implementation of these principles, promoting a European approach that allows common positions and practices to be developed in light of the 2030 Agenda. In particular, the Commission has contributed in the areas of implementing and enhancing development effectiveness at country level. The Commission supports the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation (GPEDC) goals and actively promotes the application of development effectiveness principles across all development cooperation and aid modalities. The Commission also directly contributes to, discusses and promotes use of the evidence generated by the GPEDC Progress Reports (2016 and 2018). The reports are used to monitor implementation of the development effectiveness principles through country-led and country-based processes, as a tool for mutual accountability. The Commission also launched studies to explore how to improve access to procurement by local contractors, support the use of country systems and increase the impact on results of development effectiveness principles. In addition, following discussions among Development Assistance Committee (DAC) members, a revised DAC Recommendation on Untying ODA was approved, resulting in wider coverage of eligible countries. 1.3. Working together towards the SDGs – policy level 1.3.1. SDG 1 No poverty Introduction The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with the 17 SDGs at its core, is the principal international blueprint for poverty eradication and sustainable development. The primary objective of the new European Consensus on Development is poverty reduction. EU work across the SDGs contributes to eradicating poverty in all its dimensions. It requires an approach that addresses the related issues of inequality, exclusion and discrimination and has a special focus on the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society: growth must be inclusive and sustainable. Tackling poverty in all its dimensions requires actions on all fronts (including education, health, social protection, gender equality, strengthening resilience, etc.). To reduce economic and social inequalities, the EU supports development of policies that seek to maximise positive social outcomes and impacts. In this context, domestic resource mobilisation is seen as key to ensuring long-term inclusive growth, poverty eradication and sustainable development.

The links between poverty, conflict, fragility and forced displacement are also addressed in a comprehensive manner. This requires merging actions on human rights, food security, rule of law, good governance, environmental degradation, displacement, peace, security, etc. While the focus is kept on poverty eradication, the Consensus commits to a comprehensive approach to conflict and crises. The EU tackles extreme poverty in fragile situations through its conflict early warning system and better use of transition strategies that recognise the nexus between sustainable development, humanitarian action, peace and security. Ultimately, all development cooperation initiatives are designed to contribute to the overarching SDG 1. Poverty eradication is considered to be the result of many interacting activities. Overview and trends The reduction in extreme poverty is one of the global success stories of the past 30 years. However, significant areas of extreme poverty remain. The number of people living on less than USD 1.90 a day has fallen to a record low of about 655 million (around 9 % of the world’s population), but without significant shifts in policy, there will still be about 480 million people (approximately 6 % of the world’s population) in extreme poverty in 2030. In 2030, poverty is expected to be concentrated in the LDCs and conflict-affected countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Poverty is not just an issue for developing countries – in 2018, 6.2 % of Europeans were suffering severe material deprivation. In the context of the new European Consensus on Development, the EU is committed to allocating at least 20 % of its ODA to social inclusion and human development. Given the expected concentration by 2030 of extremely poor people in fragile and conflict-affected regions, the EU continues to strengthen ways to address the needs of the poor in those regions. Although poverty has reduced, the related challenge of inequality within countries has increased almost everywhere. Of the 10 most unequal countries in the world, 7 are in sub-Saharan Africa. The EU attaches great importance to the link between humanitarian aid – as a rapid response measure in crisis situations – and more medium- and long-term development action. More than 68 million people were forcibly displaced in 2018, and most of them were hosted in developing countries with limited resources. Protracted displacement – that is, lasting five or more years – has become the norm. Forcibly displaced people rely for years on humanitarian assistance despite this not being designed to cater for long-term displacement. Throughout 2018, the EU continued to prevent forced displacement from becoming protracted and to gradually end dependence on humanitarian assistance in existing displacement situations by fostering self-reliance and enabling the displaced to live in dignity. At policy level, the EU actively contributed to the process that led to the adoption of the Global Compact on Refugees and the Global Compact for Migration by the end of 2018. Case studies The EU’s use of budget support to eradicate poverty The EU implements some 270 budget support programmes in 90 countries or territories. These are fully aligned with partner countries’ own development policies, priorities, objectives and country systems in the context of SDG implementation. Since 2003, EU budget support beneficiaries have achieved strong gains in terms of reducing extreme poverty. Some budget support programmes directly support national strategies for development and poverty reduction, aimed at tackling various root causes of poverty; others contribute to the implementation of specific policies in given sectors. Also in this context, the EU policy dialogue and performance monitoring pays particular attention to pro-poor measures advocating for policies that are inclusive in their design and effectively address social or geographic disparities, including fiscal and tax policies. Moreover, EU budget support increasingly focuses on low-income countries (). In 2017, 37 % of total commitments were allocated to low-income countries compared to 26 % in 2014. This includes helping fragile states to rebuild basic state functions and to improve their resilience.



European Commission, OECD, Finland and Germany: EU Social Protection Systems Programme Launched in January 2015 and co-financed by the European Commission, the OECD and the governments of Finland and Germany, this is a four-year programme supporting 10 low- and middle-income partner country governments and national expert institutions in their efforts to develop comprehensive social protection systems comprising social assistance, social insurance, active labour market measures and access to essential social services and care. Partner countries include Cambodia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kyrgyz Republic, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Togo, Vietnam and Zambia. Joining forces with international organisations already working with the governments in these countries was central to the EU Social Protection Systems Programme Strategy. The programme provides support through a combination of: ·country-driven technical assessments; for example, systemic capacity assessment and development; ·development of country-specific analytical tools to assess the current status and potential pathways for the social protection system; ·strengthening capacity for policymakers and practitioners. One of the aims of the programme is generating evidence-based knowledge, for future EU cooperation and for use by other development partners, on the effectiveness of social protection in reducing poverty and vulnerability, addressing inequality and promoting social cohesion. 1.3.2. SDG 2 Zero hunger Introduction As of December 2018, if current trends continue, SDG 2 is unlikely to be achieved by 2030. World hunger and food insecurity have been on the rise in the past few years, following earlier improvements. This increase can largely be attributed to conflicts, natural disasters and climate change. According to the 2018 Global Report on Food Crises, 821 million people were suffering from hunger and malnutrition and more than 124 million people in 51 countries were in food crisis situations. The EU and its Member States have been working with partners to address hunger in all its forms, including by promoting sustainable and resilient agriculture. Agriculture and rural development can be powerful drivers of growth, job creation and poverty reduction and therefore contribute to other SDG targets as well. Overview and trends Support for growth of sustainable agricultural includes initiatives focused on scaling up research and innovation. The Development Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture (Desira) initiative, launched at the One Planet Summit in December 2017, has regenerated momentum following consensus over the benefits of boosting climate-relevant research and innovation in agriculture. The EU continues its support in 2018 both by providing a platform and by mobilising around EUR 140 million to stimulate innovation at country, regional and global levels to transform agriculture in rural areas. New activities were developed in 2018 regarding agro-ecological intensification and agroforestry, livestock, water management in farming systems, pest and disease surveillance, carbon sequestration and agriculture knowledge and innovation systems in more than 20 countries. In September, the EU hosted a conference together with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to help eradicate a virus that kills millions of sheep and goats each year. At the conference, over 45 countries renewed their commitment to globally eradicate peste des petits ruminants by 2030. In 2018, the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) started its operations to develop innovative solutions for the sustainable management of water and agro-food systems, with the support of the EU, the Member States and key Mediterranean partner countries. The Horizon 2020 framework programme contributed EUR 220 million.

Building resilience has been a key component of EU support for agriculture and food and nutrition security. In September, the EU heralded this approach at the UN General Assembly with a signing ceremony to support the work of the Global Network against Food Crises. Having spearheaded the Global Report in 2016, the EU, together with the FAO, the World Food Programme and additional partners, produced the 2018 Global Report on Food Crises. Based on this report, and through the EU’s flagship resilience initiative PRO-ACT (Pro-Resilience Action), EU involvement in 18 countries will support resilience building in tandem with humanitarian responses. The EU plays a key role in supporting investments in agriculture and agri-food systems and making sure that these are administered responsibly, that issues such as land governance receive sufficient attention and that farmer organisations receive due support. As of 31 December 2018, the EU supports land governance actions in about 40 countries and contributes to secure access and use of land for men and women, which is crucial for sustainable development, food security and an inclusive and vibrant agricultural sector. By the end of 2018, on top of grants, a further EUR 215 million had been provided to leverage additional private funding and support investments for MSMEs. In October, the EU published its ‘Progress report on the Commission’s action plan on nutrition’. The EU is on track to fulfil its two commitments. It has already allocated 71 % of the EUR 3.5 billion target, as a result of which 4.7 million children will have been averted from stunting by 2025. Despite this being more than double the 2017 calculation of 2 million, 151 million children under the age of 5 will continue to suffer from stunting. In the third biennial report, ‘Implementing EU food and nutrition security policy commitments’, published in October 2018, EU donors’ overall alignment with EU policy priorities is analysed according to two themes in particular: climate-resilient approaches and nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices. The report shows that annual financial contributions from the EU and its Member States to food and nutrition security increased to EUR 4.2 billion – an increase of 14.7 % since 2014 and 24.8 % since 2012. Genuine efforts are made to ensure that support is climate-sensitive (over 43 % promotes climate change adaptation) and gender-sensitive (over 57 % promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment). Following publication of that report, the Council adopted important conclusions in ‘Strengthening global food and nutrition security’ (14554/2018). Adopted in November 2018, they call on the EU and its Member States to continue collaborating to improve the coherence and effectiveness of development cooperation. Another important achievement was the International Fund for Agricultural Development’s (IFAD) release of the ABC Fund as a private impact investment fund with support from the EU (EUR 45 million). Case studies Empowering women and strengthening resilience The ‘Resilience building and creation of economic opportunities in Ethiopia (RESET II)’ programme is a Commission services’ initiative that aims to address the root causes of displacement and irregular migration in eight drought-prone areas of the country. With a budget of EUR 48.3 million from the EU Trust Fund (EUTF) and Austria and the Netherlands, the programme is implemented by eight consortia of around 30 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) coordinating closely with federal and local government institutions for the period 2016–2020. Although the central role of women in resilience building is widely recognised, a strong gender dimension has been lacking, prompting technical support from Commission services to strengthen the gender focus of RESET II. Activities have included fieldwork in two clusters, each incorporating a self-assessment survey of gender-responsiveness, and participation in an experience-sharing workshop organised by the EU delegation. Gender transformative approaches include: activities to promote positive behaviour change; engaging with men and women on nutrition training, family planning and gender-based violence; and supporting women in leadership to act as role models for others. Implementing partners are confident that these initiatives are having a positive impact on women’s empowerment and resilience. Beneficiaries cite more opportunities for women to engage in income-generating activities, increasing their voice in decision-making (inside and outside the home), more positive attitudes towards supporting girls in school and greater harmony in the home. Diversifying diets and livelihoods The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is a research centre co-funded by the EU and IFAD, which has a project in Kenya called the 4K club. Implemented in partnership with local NGOs in Machakos (100 km south-east of Nairobi) 50 students cultivate a diverse, nutritious and healthy food system in their school garden. The fruit and vegetables from the garden are used to provide healthy school meals. Clubs from surrounding communities also participate in the project by taking saplings and seeds home for their own farms; thus the project is helping to tackle malnutrition issues at the community level. As of 31 December 2018, the Nutrition Food Portfolio has been developed for 16 sites across Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. Participants in such projects improve their diets and can generate additional income by selling their produce. 1.3.3. SDG 3 Good health and well-being Introduction The EU supports progress towards SDG 3 through a comprehensive range of EU instruments (bilateral programmes on health, population, gender and nutrition) and contributions to global initiatives, UN agencies and civil society organisations (CSOs), working closely with other EU services and Member States. Effective health policy and programmes require complementary work and progress in other sectors and SDGs, such as SDG 2 (nutrition), SDG 4 (education), SDG 5 (gender equality and women’s empowerment) and SDG 10 (reducing inequalities). At the same time, good health is an essential component of the human capital of each country, and hence a co-determinant for its economic and social development. The EU and its Member States support partner countries in pursuing a ‘health in all policies’ approach and encourage cross-sectoral and coordinated efforts aimed at effectively and sustainably improving the quality, coverage and affordability of healthcare for all. Overview and trends Health aid amounts to EUR 2.6 billion in the period 2014–2020, of which 50 % is allocated to global initiatives, while the other 50 % is implemented through bilateral and joint EU actions in 17 countries (), aimed at strengthening country health systems and supporting countries to reach their SDG 3 targets, including universal health coverage. Many of the 43 countries that received EU health aid from previous financial frameworks are still benefiting from programmes with a similar objective of sustainably strengthening country systems and ensuring the most vulnerable and marginalised population groups are being reached, including children under the age of five, adolescents and youth, and pregnant and breastfeeding women. Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are priority areas for support, as reflected in the new European Consensus on Development and the second EU Gender Action Plan (GAP II) (2016–2020), and represent an entry point for gender equality and the empowerment of women. An estimated 30 % of EU health aid is spent on reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health (EUR 469 million in 2017). Contributions to global initiatives – e.g. the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM); Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; the Universal Health Coverage Partnership of the World Health Organization (WHO); the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) – ensure that the EU plays a significant role in shaping the international policy agenda. The Commission has pledged EUR 475 million to the Global Fund for the period 2017–2020. This represents about 5 % of total resources spent and, in 2017, helped put 11.5 million people on life-saving HIV treatment, detected and treated 5 million cases of tuberculosis (including treatment of 102 000 people with drug-resistant tuberculosis), distributed 197 million mosquito nets to prevent malaria and treated 108 million cases of malaria (). The Commission’s support to Gavi (EUR 200 million for 2016–2020, representing about 2 % of total resources spent) helped to immunise 65 million children in 2017 (). Through the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, the EU has supported the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) with EUR 500 million since 2003. Furthermore, the Commission provided a grant to WHO of EUR 28 million during the period 2016–2018 in support of the Universal Health Coverage Partnership programme. The programme contributed to improving donor coordination and aid effectiveness and to strengthening health systems in 28 partner countries. The EU’s contribution to the UNFPA Supplies Trust Fund (two grants, totalling EUR 45 million, for 2016–2020) helped improve access to SRHR, including family planning in 46 mainly low-income countries. In 2017, the programme reached 15 million women with quality family planning services. The contraceptives provided had the potential to avert 7.5 million unintended pregnancies, 18 000 maternal deaths, 114 000 child deaths and 2.3 million unsafe abortions (). In November 2018 the Commissioner pledged EUR 26.5 million to the World Bank Global Financing Facility as a contribution towards innovative work aiming to bridge the financing gap and improve health outcomes for women, children and adolescents. In the framework of enlargement negotiations, the Commission services supported countries to align to the EU acquis communautaire and standards. Through the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA and IPA II), support was provided to Bosnia and Herzegovina to transform care institutions (EUR 1 million), to North Macedonia to analyse secondary and tertiary health system effectiveness (EUR 0.6 million) and to Montenegro for the construction of a new health facility, to support early childhood development, to reform the national disability determination system and to purchase microbiology equipment (EUR 8.5 million). The EU also supported actions against global health threats, such as air pollution and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and strengthened preparedness and responsiveness of countries’ national health systems against epidemics. It provides around EUR 200 million every year to support humanitarian health programmes. Under the EU’s Partnership Instrument, EUR 9 million has been allocated to address AMR in seven Latin American countries through development of national ‘One health’ action plans. The EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020 ( ), covered research on poverty-related and neglected infectious diseases as well as regional initiatives, such as the second EDCTP programme (EDCTP2) ( ) and other multinational initiatives. By the end of 2018, Horizon 2020 supported 104 research projects worth EUR 431 million, and EDCTP2 supported 125 projects related to accelerating the development of medical interventions with a total estimated value of EUR 264 million. These included 35 multicentre clinical research grants with a total estimated value of EUR 223 million. Sustained investment in clinical research capacity in sub-Saharan Africa remains a central priority for the EDCTP, including preparedness for (re-)emerging epidemics. The EDCTP also continued to fund projects to strengthen ethics reviews and the regulatory framework for conducting clinical research, as well as fellowships to strengthen research capacity, promote scientific excellence and leadership. As of December 2018, 58 individual African fellowships (39 male and 19 female) have been funded to promote scientific excellence and leadership, the Alumni Network platform was launched and renewed funding was provided for four regional networks of excellence focused on research capacity development. Case studies

Progress towards universal health coverage and improved health equity in Bangladesh The Supporting Public Health Institutes Programme (SPHIP) (2015–2020) strengthens institutes of public health in low-income countries to assist national authorities with evidence-based policymaking in key public health areas. In Bangladesh the SPHIP project is tackling health inequalities, focusing on the urban poor. About one third of the urban population lives in slums, with poor access to health services and deteriorating health and nutrition conditions. The Bangladeshi International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, working closely with the Ministry of Health, collated evidence and strengthened the capacity of decision makers to exploit the evidence to advocate for and implement policies that improve the health of the urban poor. Key results include: §stronger public health institutions able to promote evidence-informed policymaking; §increased dialogue between scientists, policymakers and the general public on urban health; §formulation and implementation of new policies on urban health, resulting in more effective and equitable distribution of health services. More information is available at http://www.share4health.com/ . Boosting support to improve health outcomes for vulnerable women and children in northern Nigeria Since 2013, the EU, in close partnership with Unicef, has been supporting health authorities in two northern states with a EUR 30 million programme to address high maternal, newborn and child mortality. An additional EUR 50 million (2016–2020) extends coverage of the programme. Key results include: §enhanced policy dialogue and strategic planning with health authorities and humanitarian and development actors and establishment of community accountability platforms; §strengthened community systems for management of common health conditions; §improved access to quality maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition services at primary care facility level through upgrading of facilities and capacity building of staff, and enhanced outreach to communities. 1.3.4. SDG 4 Quality education Introduction The EU continued its proactive engagement towards achieving SDG 4, supporting around 100 countries through a number of funding instruments and offering other support to global education partnerships. For the 2014–2020 programming period, around 60 partner countries either included education as a focal sector in their Multiannual Indicative Programmes or had cooperative programmes with an education component. Bilateral support for education at country level is provided by several programmes or projects and implemented through a mix of complementary modalities. Of the education focus programmes, 21 provide budget support, which contributes typically to strengthening education systems and enabling governments to achieve their strategic goals. Overview and trends The EU, together with its Member States, is the biggest contributor to the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), which supports basic education, focusing on the poorest countries and/or those in fragile situations. For 2018–2020, an additional EUR 100 million was pledged, on top of the EUR 375 million for 2014–2018. GPE’s priority is to provide all children access to education. Through its support for the GPE, the EU has contributed to the enrolment of millions more children in school. Through the ‘Erasmus+’ programme, the EU continued to support partner countries to enhance the employability of individuals and to reinforce intercultural dialogue and understanding. Between 2015 and 2017, under ‘Erasmus+’ mobility in higher education, thousands of students and university staff moved between Europe and the Neighbourhood South countries (32 000); the Western Balkans (27 000); the Eastern Partnership countries (24 000); Asia (18 000); Africa (14 000); Latin America and the Caribbean (5 000). Between 2014 and 2017, hundreds of scholarships for joint master’s degree programmes were awarded to: African, Asian and Latin American students (2 978); students from the southern Neighbourhood (476); students from the Eastern Partnership countries (376); and students from the Western Balkans (295). Furthermore, projects for capacity building in higher education were funded to modernise and reform higher education institutions, develop new curricula, and improve governance and build relationships between higher education institutions and enterprises, focusing on: the southern Neighbourhood (953); the Eastern Partnership (304); Africa, Asia and Latin America (254); and the Western Balkans (68). The EU also contributes to Building Resilience in Crises through Education (BRiCE) and Education Cannot Wait (ECW). BRiCE supports access to quality education to preschool, primary and lower secondary levels for children in fragile and crisis-affected environments in several African countries, with EUR 24 million contributed for 2018–2021. The ECW fund supports education in crisis situations. With an EU contribution of EUR 16 million, it helped to reach more than 650 000 children during its first year of operation (2017–2018). Harnessing education’s unique transformational potential is essential for delivering on the EU’s commitment to leave no one behind. In this context, education in emergencies remained a political priority for the EU throughout 2018. In May 2018, the European Commission issued the Communication on Education in Emergencies and Protracted Crises for an increasingly coordinated Humanitarian–Development Nexus approach and clear strategic priorities. Besides the substantial development funding, in 2018 EU humanitarian aid has continued to scale up its budget for education in emergency actions to 8 % of the humanitarian budget, amounting to over EUR 90 million. Through this funding, the EU provided support to girls and boys of primary and secondary school age in over 30 countries. At the G7 Charlevoix Summit, the EU pledged to invest EUR 72 million over three years to promote equal access to quality education and learning opportunities.



Case studies European School in Tbilisi Context The establishment of the first European School in the Eastern Partnership in Tbilisi is part of the broader regional effort to address the needs of young people. It is a priority project in the context of the European Neighbourhood East cooperation which, as part of the Eastern Partnership ‘20 Deliverables for 2020’, constitutes a key element of the Youth Package endorsed at the Eastern Partnership Summit of November 2017. The Youth Package is designed to bring together various actions into a comprehensive set of measures addressing the educational, social and economic challenges facing young people in the Eastern Partnership region. Objectives The Youth Package aims: §to support young people in improving their professional opportunities through education; §to offer a high-quality secondary diploma course to pupils from Eastern Partner countries; §to base the educational approach on the European School system, bringing together the excellence of the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a focus on European studies; §to promote cooperation, multicultural understanding, tolerance, fundamental values and a better understanding of the EU and its engagement in the region. Impact With the support of the EU’s 28 Member States and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, the Eastern Partnership European School opened its doors in September 2018 to 30 students aged 16–17 from the six Eastern Partnership countries. These students passed a rigorous, merit-based selection process to obtain scholarships for their diploma studies. They now have the opportunity to engage in European studies and consider EU issues in a multilingual and multicultural environment, through academic courses and extracurricular activities. Since its opening in September, the school has generated a lot of interest in Georgia and elsewhere in the region. The 30 scholarship students reported very positive experiences at the end of the first academic term, and as of December 2018, faculty members report that academic performance has been very high. In addition, 24 other students (not funded by the EU scholarship programme) chose to follow a ‘European Studies’ focus, which is evidence of the interest in the programme itself. A new call for applications for the 2019/20 scholarships is in progress, and the intention is to increase the number of grants approved. Iraq – capacity building in primary and secondary education to improve quality and equality Context In Iraq, conflict and the almost tripling of the population in the last 30 years resulted in an inadequate supply of quality education. There are also new pressures from the influx of Syrian refugees and the movement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly to Kurdistan. Although the enrolment rate for primary school is 91 %, only 44 % complete on time, with wide discrepancies in both enrolment and completion between governorates, gender and urban/rural populations. Actions ·Implement quality assurance of schools according to defined standards with a focus on issues of inclusion, gender and IDPs to ensure schools are able to respond to emerging needs. ·Build capacity to enhance the curriculum. ·Support teacher development around inclusive pedagogies for excluded groups, and revise how teachers are distributed throughout the country, with a focus on language/cultural issues. Impacts ·Financial aid for greater inclusion; ·Advocacy by parents and teachers; ·Increased parent–school dialogue.





Nepal – budget support Context Almost 10 % of the school population in Nepal — divided equally between girls and boys — still do not attend school. A rather complex mix of causes, such as ethnicity, poverty, disabilities, discrimination and language, keeps these children out of school. The EU support is enabling Nepal to make its schools more inclusive at a quicker pace. Actions ·The EU is supporting the government to expand equitable access to schools and to improve the quality, governance and resilience of the education system. ·EU policy dialogue focuses particularly on three dimensions: early grades, disaster risk reduction and equity. ·Targeted interventions are being implemented in the most disadvantaged districts to reduce the number of children not in school and to improve the learning achievements of the most vulnerable groups. Impact ·Children from the poorest households, children with disabilities and children from deprived communities will benefit from the Consolidated Equity Strategy, developed by the Ministry of Education with the support of the EU and other development partners to tackle inequality in school education. 1.3.5. SDG 5 Gender equality Introduction Gender equality and empowerment of women and girls have been core values and principles of the EU since its foundation and key to EU development policy, as well as international relations policy, and they feature prominently in the new European Consensus on Development as a key value and principle of EU external action. GAP II identified three main priority areas: i) Ensuring girls’ and women’s physical and psychological integrity; ii) Promoting women’s and girls’ socioeconomic and cultural rights; iii) Strengthening girls’ and women’s voice and participation in all decision-making processes, in all settings and at all levels. Overview and trends Commission services contributed substantially to the operationalisation of the 2030 Agenda in the field of gender equality. The GAP II implementation is fully underway, and the second report covering 2017 was published in October 2018. It shows progress and actions taken by EU delegations, the European Commission services, European External Action Service (EEAS) and EU Member States throughout 2017, while underlining what still remains to be achieved in order to attain the GAP II objectives and consequently the SDGs. The Council welcomed this progress in its conclusions of 26 November 2018. The 2019 report is in preparation. After two years of implementation, there is evidence of enhanced EU political leadership and management ownership of the gender equality priority. The commitment to mainstreaming continues to gain traction, as seen, for example, in the use of gender analysis in the formulation of many more actions. What is notable in the reports is that all EU services are making greater use of gender expertise to strengthen their actions and to contribute more comprehensively to GAP II objectives and gender equality outcomes. The Commission is progressing towards achieving