COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Proposal for a new European Consensus on Development Our World, our Dignity, our Future
Date: 2016-11-22
Institutions: Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development, European Commission
Subjects: EU Member State, cooperation policy, democracy, developing countries, development aid, environmental protection, human rights, job creation, poverty, sustainable development

EN 

   EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Strasbourg, 22.11.2016  COM(2016) 740 final   COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Proposal for a new European Consensus on Development Our World, our Dignity, our Future {SWD(2016) 387 final} {SWD(2016) 388 final} {SWD(2016) 389 final}  
 
 
Table of Contents 

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 3 

THE NEW EUROPEAN CONSENSUS ON DEVELOPMENT  "OUR WORLD, OUR 
DIGNITY, OUR FUTURE" .......................................................................................................... 5 

1. GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND THE 2030 AGENDA .................................................................................. 5 

1.1. Global challenges and trends ........................................................................................................ 5 

1.2 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ........................................................................... 6 

2. THE EU RESPONSE ............................................................................................................................... 7 

2.1 A stronger and more effective EU in a changing world ................................................................ 7 

2.2. Principles and values guiding EU development action. ............................................................... 9 

3.  OUR COMMON PRIORITIES - A FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION ................................................................. 10 

3.1. People – human development and dignity .................................................................................. 10 

3.2. Planet – protecting the environment, managing natural resources and tackling climate change 13 

3.3. Prosperity – inclusive and sustainable growth and jobs ............................................................. 14 

3.4. Peace – peaceful and inclusive societies, democracy, effective and accountable institutions, rule 
of law and human rights for all ......................................................................................................... 17 

4.  PARTNERSHIP - THE EU AS A FORCE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA ........................ 20 

4.1. Working better together .............................................................................................................. 20 

4.2. Fostering stronger, more inclusive multi-stakeholder partnerships ............................................ 22 

4.3. Tailoring development partnerships to reflect capacities and needs .......................................... 23 

5. STRENGTHENING APPROACHES TO IMPROVE EU IMPACT .................................................................. 24 

5.1. Mobilising and making effective use of all Means of Implementation ...................................... 24 

5.2. Policy coherence for development ............................................................................................. 26 

5.3. Development effectiveness ......................................................................................................... 26 

6.  FOLLOWING UP ON OUR COMMITMENTS ........................................................................................... 27 

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INTRODUCTION 

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (the 2030 Agenda)1, adopted by the United Nations in 
September 2015, represents a new and ambitious framework to achieve sustainable development and 
poverty eradication. The core of the 2030 Agenda is the set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 
and associated targets. 

Consistent with its active part in the negotiations, the EU should play a leading role in implementing 
the  Agenda.  A  number  of  initiatives  are  being  taken  forward  for  this  purpose.  The  Commission 
Communication on "Next steps for a sustainable European future: European action for sustainability"2 
shows the significance of the SDGs for Europe and explains how the EU contributes to reaching them, 
including through EU external action. The Global Strategy on the EU's Foreign and Security Policy3, 
which provides a vision for Europe's engagement in the world, highlights the importance of the SDGs 
in the context of EU external action. In addition, the 2030 Agenda needs to be incorporated into the 
Union's  development  cooperation  policy,  and  in  particular  by  revising  the  shared  vision  of  the  EU 
institutions  and  the  Member  States  set  out  in  the  Consensus  on  Development4,  which  was  signed  in 
2005 and pursued the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.  

In relation to development cooperation  policy, both  the Union  and its Member States are obliged  to 
comply with the commitments and take account of the objectives they have approved in the context of 
the United Nations5.  In line with the procedure followed in 20056, this Commission Communication 
proposes  a  new  Consensus  on  Development.  It  aims  to  update  the  development  response  to  current 
global  challenges  and  to  promote  the  implementation  of  the  2030  Agenda  in  partnership  with 
developing countries, taking account of the new framework provided by the Lisbon Treaty. It reflects 
the analysis of the responses to the online public consultation7 held from May to August 2016, other 
consultative and outreach discussions and further preparatory assessment work8.  

Given its broad policy scope, the objective of contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda 
in  developing  countries  can  best  be  met  through  enhancing  coordination  of  the  development 
cooperation  policies  of  the  EU  and  its  Member  States.  The  purpose  of  the  proposed  new  European 
Consensus  on  Development  aligned  with  the  new  Agenda,  with  a  shared  vision  and  common  long-

1  Transforming  our  world:  the  2030  Agenda  for Sustainable  Development,  Resolution adopted by  the  General 
Assembly on 25 September 2015 (UNGA A/RES/70/1) 
2  Next  steps  for  a  sustainable  European  future-  European  action  for  sustainability,  Communication  from  the 
Commission  to  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  European  Economic  and  Social  Committee  and  the 
Committee of the Regions, (COM (2016) 739) 
3 Shared Vision, Common Action: A Stronger Europe – A Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and 
Security Policy, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, June 2016 
4  The  European  Consensus  on  Development,  Joint  statement  by  the  Council  and  the  representatives  of  the 
governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission on 
European Union Development Policy: 'The European Consensus', signed on 20 December 2005, as published on 
24 February 2006 (2006/C 46/01, OJ C 46/1) 
5 Art. 208 (2), Consolidated version of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (hereinafter TFEU) 
6  Proposal  for  a  Joint  Declaration  by  the  Council,  the  European  Parliament  and  the  Commission  on  the 
European Union Development Policy: The European Consensus, Communication from the Commission to the 
European  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  European  Economic  and  Social  Committee  and  the  Committee  of  the 
Regions (COM(2005) 311/F1) 
7  Synopsis  Report  summarising  the  main  results  of  the  consultation  on  the  new  European  Consensus  on 
Development, Commission Staff Working Document, (SWD (2016) 389) 
8 Assessing the 2006 European Consensus on Development and accompanying the initiative "Proposal for a new 
European Consensus on Development", Commission Staff Working Document, (SWD (2016) 387) 

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term orientations is to provide the framework for the common approach to development cooperation 
policy that will be applied by the EU and its Member States.   

The Commission asks the Council and the Parliament to adopt the new Consensus on Development, in 
the form of a Joint statement by the Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member 
States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission.  

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THE NEW EUROPEAN CONSENSUS ON DEVELOPMENT  
"OUR WORLD, OUR DIGNITY, OUR FUTURE" 

1. GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND THE 2030 AGENDA 

1.1. Global challenges and trends  

1.  The world has changed considerably since the last European Consensus on Development9 in 
2005,  in  terms  of  both  opportunities  and  risks.  Societal  and  economic  issues  are  increasingly  inter-
linked, which opens new perspectives for shared progress, while often precluding simple solutions to 
problems. There have been important global demographic shifts, combined with economic, social and 
environmental changes. Global population is growing by around 80 million additional people a year 
and  by  2050,  70%  of  the  world  population  will  live  in  cities.    Even  if  the  overall  growth  rate  is 
slowing, 2.4 billion people are projected to be added to the global population between 2015 and 2050, 
of which 1.3 billion will be in Africa. Addressing the education and employment needs of youth will 
be challenging.  

2.  The levels and geography of poverty and inequality have shifted and developing countries 
have  become  increasingly  diversified.  The  Millennium  Development  Goals  have  played  a  pivotal 
role  in  driving  unprecedented  development  progress.    Since  2005,  over  half  a  billion  people  have 
escaped  from  extreme  poverty  and  hunger,  mostly  in  East  Asia.  Less  than  10%  of  the  world's 
population lives in extreme poverty. Yet challenges persist. By 2030 the majority of the world's poor 
will  be  concentrated  in  fragile  and  conflict-affected  states  and  in  sub-Saharan  Africa,  although 
substantial  pockets  of  poverty  will  remain  in  some  middle-income  countries.  Reaching  the  poor  in 
such divergent situations requires differentiated approaches.  Inequality within countries is a growing 
concern  for  growth  and  stability.  Over  70%  of  the  world's  population  live  in  countries  where 
inequality has increased over the last two decades. True gender equality remains a distant aspiration..  

3.  Building resilience and sustainability is indispensable for lasting solutions to complex global 
challenges.  Poverty  increases  vulnerability  and  high  levels  of  vulnerability  aggravate  the  chronic 
effects of poverty. Extreme and chronic fragility, structural and recurring crises remain the source of 
humanitarian  emergencies  and  are  hampering  the  development  of  entire  communities.  Protracted 
crises and conflicts place a huge burden on national and international resources and on the fulfilment 
of  human  rights.  At  over  65  million,  the  number  of  refugees  and  displaced  persons  is  at  its  highest 
level  since  the  Second  World  War.  Development  achievements  are  being  challenged  by  emerging 
global public health threats. After the financial crisis, growth is recovering but not to pre-crisis levels. 
Shortcomings in governance, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, including corruption and 
security  challenges  and  the  shrinking  space  for  public  participation  and  civil  society,  pose  a 
fundamental challenge to the effectiveness of development efforts.  

4.  Global public goods are under stress. The world still faces persistent environmental problems, 
in  particular 
threatens  development  gains  and 
disproportionately affect the poor. Access to sustainable and affordable energy services particularly in 
Sub-Saharan  Africa  is  limited  and  remains  a  critical  challenge  to  economic  growth  and 

the  challenge  of  climate  change,  which 

9  The  European  Consensus  on  Development,  Joint  statement  by  the  Council  and  the  representatives  of  the 
governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission on 
European Union Development Policy: 'The European Consensus', signed on 20 December 2005, as published on 
24 February 2006 (2006/C 46/01, OJ C 46/1) 

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industrialisation  in  the  continent.  Renewable  energy  generation  represents  about  25%  of  global 
production, although it is growing in terms of share and investment. Sustainable agriculture and food 
systems, including sustainable fisheries, will have to address the needs of a growing global population 
while protecting the environment. Water demand and water stress will increase significantly over the 
next decades, making it a major challenge for adaptation to climate change impacts. Oceans are under 
increasing  pressure.  Access  to  scarce  natural  resources  is  at  risk,  given  depletion  and  unsustainable 
management,  requiring  support  for  a  transformation  towards  a  more  circular  economy,  based  on 
resource efficiency.  

5.  The  development  landscape  is  expanding,  encompassing  more  and  new  actors  and 
innovative  solutions.    The  private  sector  is  increasingly  a key  partner  in  fostering  more  sustainable 
models  of  development.  Combining  public  and  private  resources  to  leverage  more  investments  is 
allowing to step up engagement, also in challenging environments. A realignment of global resources 
and  investment  is  needed  to  achieve  sustainable  development.  Information  and  communications 
technology,  as  well  as  resilient  and  efficient  infrastructure  networks,  offer  major  opportunities  for 
progress across sectors. 

6.  The  Global Strategy on the European  Union's  Foreign and Security  Policy (EUGS)10 calls 
for a credible, responsive and joined-up Union. The Consensus on Development is a key element of 
the engagement of the European Union (EU) in the world and of its response to global challenges. 

1.2 The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 

7.  The  2030  Agenda  for  Sustainable  Development  (the  2030  Agenda),  adopted  in  September 
2015  by  the  United  Nations  General  Assembly11,  is  the  international  community's  agreed 
comprehensive  response  to  these  challenges  and  trends.  The  evolution  from  the  Millennium 
Development Goals to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reflects the changing approach to 
global  development,  based  on  common  objectives,  self-reliance,  mutual  interest  and  shared 
responsibility  across  countries  at  all  stages  of  development.  The  SDGs  reflect  a  vision  based  on 
universal  human  rights  fully  consistent  with  EU  values  and  offer  an  opportunity  to  promote  the  EU 
experience in sustainable development. 

8.  The  2030  Agenda  is  universal,  applying  to  all  countries.  All  countries  face  these  challenges 
together and must use all means at our disposal to tackle them. The Agenda must be implemented as a 
whole  and  not  selectively.  Implementation  must  be  based  on  a  rules-based  global  order,  with 
multilateralism as its key principle and the United Nations at its core.  

9.  With  the  Sustainable  Development  Goals  at  its  heart,  the  2030  Agenda  sets  out  a 
comprehensive vision of what needs to be achieved to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable 
development. It balances the three dimensions of sustainable development, includes the key issues of 
governance and peaceful and inclusive societies, and recognises the important inter-linkages between 
its goals and targets.  

10 Shared Vision, Common Action: A Stronger Europe  – A Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign 
and Security Policy, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, June 2016; See 
Council conclusions on the Global Strategy on the European Union's foreign and security policy, Council of the 
European Union, 17 October 2016 (13202/16) 
11 Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Resolution adopted by the General 
Assembly on 25 September 2015 (UNGA A/RES/70/1) 

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10.  The  Addis  Ababa  Action  Agenda12,  as  an  integral  part  of  the  2030  Agenda,  sets  a  new 
paradigm  for  implementation  through  financial  and  non-financial  means  -  placing  domestic 
action and sound policies at its heart. Together, the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda 
set  out  what  is  needed,  through  a  global  partnership  encompassing  policy  and  financial  means,  to 
achieve the SDGs. The 2030 Agenda is also complemented by the Sendai13 framework on disaster risk 
reduction  and  the  Paris  agreement  on  Climate  Change,  which  provides  a  binding  framework  with 
universal commitments.  

11.  The EU and its Member States must respond to current global challenges and opportunities 
in the light of the 2030 Agenda which they helped to shape. This Consensus on Development is a key 
element of the overall response. The European institutions will work together to take it further, while 
respecting their distinct institutional  roles  and competences.  In relation to development  cooperation 
policy,  action  by  the  EU  and  its  Member  States  is  mutually  reinforcing  and  must  be  coordinated  to 
promote the complementarity and efficiency of their action14. Given the requirement for the Union and 
its  Member  States  to  comply  with  the  commitments  and  take  account  of  the  objectives  they  have 
approved  in  the  context  of  the  United  Nations15,  the  purpose  of  the  new  European  Consensus  on 
Development  is  to  provide  the  framework  for  the  common  approach  to  development  cooperation 
policy  that  will  be  applied  by  the  EU  and  its  Member  States.  It  therefore  applies  to  the  European 
Union and its Member States.     

2. THE EU RESPONSE 

2.1 A stronger and more effective EU in a changing world   

12.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  are  strongly  committed  to  implementing  the  Agenda  to 
achieve sustainable development in its three dimensions – economic, social and environmental - 
in a balanced and integrated manner. A range of EU policies contribute in a coherent manner to this 
objective,  involving  many  different  actors.  By  contributing  to  the  achievement  of  the  2030  Agenda, 
the  EU  will  foster  a  stronger,  more  sustainable,  inclusive  and  prosperous  Europe,  as  set  out  in  the 
Commission  Communication  "Next  steps  for  a  sustainable  European  future:  European  action  for 
sustainability"16.  Implementation  will  be  closely  coordinated  with  that  of  the  Paris  agreement  on 
Climate Change17 and other international commitments, given their major inter-linkages.  

13.  EU external action will be important for the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda 
globally.    The  EU  itself  has  also  changed  in  the  last  years.  With  the  new  institutional  set-up  and 
political  instruments  further  to  the  Lisbon  Treaty,  it  is  today  better  equipped  to  respond  to  global 
challenges and opportunities where they arise. The EUGS provides a vision for Europe's engagement 
in  the  world,  including  its  main  interests  and  priorities,  through  a  range  of  policies,  which  include 

12  Addis  Ababa  Action  Agenda  of  Third  International  Conference  on  Financing  for  Development,  Resolution 
adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 27 July 2015 (UNGA A/RES/69/313) 
13 Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, Resolution adopted by the United Nations General 
Assembly on 23 June 2015 (UNGA A/RES/69/283) 
14 Art. 210 (1), TFEU 
15 Art. 208 (2), TFEU 
16 Next steps for a sustainable European future- European action for sustainability, Communication from the 
Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the 
Committee of the Regions, (COM (2016) 739) 
17 Adoption of the Paris Agreement, 12 December 2015 (FCCC/CP/2015/L.9 Rev.1) 

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development  policy.  The  EUGS  highlights  the  important  role  of  the  2030  Agenda,  which  has  the 
potential  to  trigger  the  necessary  transformation  in  support  of  EU  values  and  the  objectives  of  EU 
external action.   

14.  Development policy pursues the objectives of EU external action. This includes the objective, 
set  out  in  Article  21(2)(d)  of  the  Treaty  of  the  European  Union  (TEU)  of  fostering  the  sustainable 
economic,  social  and  environmental  development  of  developing  countries,  with  the  primary  aim  of 
eradicating  poverty,  as  laid  down  in  Article  208  of  the  Treaty  on  the  Functioning  of  the  European 
Union  (TFEU).  In  line  with  the  objectives  set  out  in  Article  21  (2)  TEU,  development  policy  also 
contributes to inter alia: supporting democracy, the rule of law and human rights; preserving peace and 
preventing  conflict;  improving  the  quality  of  the  environment  and  the  sustainable  management  of 
global  natural  resources;  and  promoting  an  international  system  based  on  stronger  multilateral 
cooperation  and  good  global  governance.  Therefore  the  Consensus  will  also  contribute  to  the 
requirement of ensuring the consistency between the different areas of EU external action and between 
these and its other policies18. 

15.  Development  policy  is  an  essential  part  of  the  range  of  EU  policies  to  tackle  global 
challenges, manage interdependence and build a better world.  Development policy will continue 
to be  coordinated with other EU policies, including humanitarian aid,  trade and regional integration, 
the  revised  European  Neighbourhood  Policy19,  health,  environment,  energy,  agriculture,  fisheries, 
migration  and  science,  technology  and  innovation  to  deliver  more  effective  results.  Development 
cooperation  addresses  several  root  causes  of  insecurity,  conflicts,  complex  crises  and  the  flows  of 
refugees, displaced persons and irregular migrants. Sustainable development and poverty eradication 
are essential to address global challenges in the long run.  

16.  This Consensus will contribute to the achievements of the priorities of EU external action, 
as  further  set  out  in  the  EUGS,  including  through  support  to  resilience  at  all  levels  and  the 
promotion  of  shared  prosperity.  The  SDGs  will  be  a  cross-cutting  dimension  of  all  the  work  to 
implement the EUGS20. Further action on resilience in this context will address the ability of states and 
societies  to  reform,  thus  withstanding  and  recovering  from  internal  and  external  crises.  It  will  also 
reflect  that,  echoing  the  SDGs,  resilience  is  a  broad  concept,  encompassing  all  individuals  and  the 
whole of society21, and requires strengthening capacities to deal with vulnerability to risks emanating 
inter alia from socioeconomic conditions, environment and climate change, disasters and conflicts. In 
doing so, it will address the key drivers of fragility affecting the most vulnerable populations. 

17.  The  EU  is  well  placed  to  play  its  part.  It  derives  great  strength  from  its  political  and  social 
solidarity and is a major economic and trading partner with countries across the world. It has a major 
global presence through its extensive diplomatic networks, including in post-conflict and fragile states. 
It  is  a  global  source  of  policies  and  best  practice  for  sustainable  development  in  many  fields.  It  has 
long experience in development cooperation, using a wide range of instruments and channels. It is also 
a leading player in protecting global public goods.    

18 Art. 21(3), Consolidated version of the Treaty on European Union (hereinafter TEU) 
19 Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy, Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the 
Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, 18 November 2015 
(JOIN(2015) 50) 
20  See  Council  conclusions  on  the  Global  Strategy  on  the  European  Union's  foreign  and  security  policy 
(paragraph 5), Council of the European Union, 17 October 2016 (13202/16) 
21  "State  and  Societal  Resilience  to  our  East  and  South"  (section  3.2)  in  Shared  Vision,  Common  Action:  A 
Stronger  Europe  –  A  Global  Strategy  for  the  European  Union’s  Foreign  and  Security  Policy,  High 
Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, June 2016 

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18.  A critical factor to achieve these common objectives and make the biggest contribution  to 
the 2030 Agenda is to act united as the EU. The EU and its Member States therefore commit to 
working together better. The EUGS recognises that greater coherence is required between Member 
States and EU institutions; and between the internal and external dimensions of EU policies. Coherent 
and  consistent  engagement  will  result  in  greater  credibility,  legitimacy,  added  value,  influence  and 
positive  impact  in  the  world.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  must  be  united  in  diversity,  using  a 
variety of experiences and approaches, bearing in mind respective comparative advantages.  

2.2. Principles and values guiding EU development action. 

19.  This Consensus is governed by the principles of EU external action, set out in Article 21(1) of 
the TEU, which it seeks to advance in the wider world: democracy, the rule of law, the universality 
and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles 
of  equality  and  solidarity,  and  respect  for  the  principles  of  the  United  Nations  Charter  and 
international law. These universal values are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda.  

20.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  implement  a  rights-based  approach  to  development 
cooperation22. This will encompass all human rights and promotes inclusion and participation; non-
discrimination;  equality  and  equity;  transparency  and  accountability.  The  approach  will  continue  to 
play a key role in ensuring that no-one is left behind under the 2030 Agenda, wherever they live and 
regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, migration status or 
other  status.  This  approach  is  fully  consistent  with  the  primary  objective  of  EU  development  policy 
which is the reduction and, in the long term, the eradication of poverty. It includes addressing multiple 
discriminations faced by vulnerable people. 

21.  Gender  equality  is  at  the  core  of  EU  values  and  enshrined  in  its  legal  and  political 
framework. It is vital for achieving the SDGs and cuts across the whole 2030 Agenda. The EU and its 
Member  States  will  promote  women’s  rights,  gender  equality  and  the  empowerment  of  women  and 
girls and their protection as a priority across all areas of action. 

Gender Equality 

Women and girls continue to be deprived of rights, resources and voice. They are less likely than men to be in education, 
training or paid work. Social norms and discriminatory legal frameworks can leave girls and women with little control over 
decisions that affect their lives. The gender gap is even larger when gender inequality intersects with other forms of exclusion 
such  as  disability,  age,  ethnicity,  sexual  orientation  or  geographical  remoteness.  Gender  equality  positively  impacts  on 
progress  on  democracy,  human  rights,  health,  education,  growth  and  conflict  resolution  and  gender  action  must  be 
mainstreamed across all relevant policies.   

The EU is a global leader in promoting gender equality and women and girls' empowerment in its external relations, 
particularly through the comprehensive, results-oriented EU Gender Action Plan 2016-202023. As a contribution to the 2030 
Agenda, the EU and its Member States will translate this policy approach to gender into concrete actions to empower women 
and girls, including tackling discrimination and violence against them. This will include: promoting their economic and social 

22 Council conclusions on a rights-based approach to development cooperation, encompassing all human rights, 
Council of the European Union, Foreign Affairs (Development) Council meeting, 19 May 2014 
23 Council conclusions on the Gender Action Plan 2016-2020, Council of the European Union, 26 October 2015 
(13201/15) 

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rights  and  empowerment;  strengthening  their  voice;  ensuring  their  physical  and  psychological  integrity;  and  shifting  the 
institutional culture of the EU and its Member States to deliver on commitments.    

3.  OUR COMMON PRIORITIES - A FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION  

22.  The  2030  Agenda  is  highly  inter-connected.  Its  implementation  requires  comprehensive 
national  sustainable development  strategies that integrate in a balanced manner the economic, social 
and  environmental  dimensions  of  sustainable  development.  Actions  to  address  one  priority  have 
impacts in other areas and some challenges, such as sustainability and inequality, permeate all parts of 
the  Agenda.  Recognising  the  need  to  take  these  inter-linkages  into  account  in  planning  and 
implementing development cooperation, the EU and its Member States will pay particular attention to 
integrated actions that can create co-benefits and meet multiple objectives in a coherent way, giving 
more prominence to key drivers with cross-cutting transformative potential, such as gender equality, 
youth, investments, sustainable energy, migration and mobility.  

23.  In this context, the development action of the EU and its Member States will be structured 
around  the  priorities  framing  the  2030  Agenda:  people,  planet,  prosperity,  peace  and 
partnership.  

3.1. People – human development and dignity 

24.  Eradicating  poverty  in  all  its  dimensions,  tackling  discriminations  and  inequalities  and 
leaving no one behind will remain at the heart of EU development cooperation policy, building on 
the major new impetus which the 2030 Agenda gives to these objectives. Progress in these areas will 
provide a stronger foundation for sustainable development. 

25.  The  SDGs  highlight  the  areas  where  continued  progress  is  required  to  ensure  human 
development  and  dignity.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  pursue  an  end  to  hunger,  universal 
health  coverage,  universal  access  to  quality  education  and  training,  adequate  and  sustainable  social 
protection  and  decent  work  for  all,  within  a  healthy  environment.   They  will  support  partners  in 
fulfilling  their  responsibility  to  strengthen  their  national  policies  and  governance  for  the  sustainable 
provision of essential services. They will put a strong focus on the protection of the most vulnerable. 

26.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  work  to  ensure  access  for  all  to  affordable,  safe, 
sufficient and nutritious food. They will make greater efforts to end hunger, ensure food security and 
nutrition  and  enhance  resilience  of  the  most  vulnerable,  particularly  in  countries  facing  recurrent 
crises. They will continue to take action to address all forms of malnutrition, tackling under-nutrition 
and the stunting and wasting of children.  

27.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  support  the  poorest  communities  in  improving  access 
for  all  to  land,  food,  water  and  clean,  affordable  energy  without  damaging  effects  on  the 
environment.  Safe  drinking  water  and  sanitation  is  a  basic  service  and  a  pre-requisite  for  health, 
growth  and  productivity.  It  is  also  particularly  vulnerable  to  environmental  degradation,  including 
climate  change.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  support  sustainable  and  integrated  water 
management  through  a  more  strategic  approach  to  regional  development  and  integration.  They  will 
promote  sustainable  urban  development  to  improve  services,  accessibility  and  the  quality  of  life  of 
rapidly growing urban populations while forging stronger links between rural and urban areas. 

10 

 
 
 
 
28.  Better  health  is  the  cornerstone  of  human  dignity  and  global  prosperity.  The  EU  and  its 
Member States will continue to act to strengthen health systems, prevent and combat communicable 
diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and hepatitis, help secure affordable medicines and 
vaccines for all, and address global health threats, such as antimicrobial resistance. They will reduce 
child and maternal mortality and malnutrition, promote mental health and address the growing burden 
of non-communicable diseases in partner countries.  

29.  Ensuring access to quality education for all is a prerequisite for long-lasting development. 
The EU and its Member States will support inclusive life-long learning and equitable quality education 
at all levels - early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary, technical and vocational training and adult 
learning, with special attention to education and training opportunities for girls and women. They will 
work harder to ensure everyone has the knowledge, skills, capabilities and rights they need to enjoy a 
life in dignity, to be fully engaged in society as responsible and productive adults, and to contribute to 
the  social  and  economic  well-being  of  their  communities  and  to  the  promotion  of  and  access  to 
culture.  

Youth 

Young  people's  needs  and  aspirations  require  particular  attention.  By  2030,  the  number  of  youth  aged  15-24  years  in  the 
world is projected to grow by 7%, to nearly 1.3 billion, with many concentrated in developing countries, especially in regions 
like  Africa  and  South  Asia,  where  the  median  age  is  below  the  world  level.  Creating  sufficient  good  quality  jobs  for  the 
young will remain a key challenge. Young people are particularly vulnerable in situations of violent conflict, organised crime 
and  trafficking.  Targeted  policies  and  appropriate  investment  are  required  to  promote  young  people's  rights  and  facilitate 
their engagement in social, civic and economic life, and to ensure their full contribution to inclusive growth and sustainable 
development. To ensure sustainable progress and inclusiveness, youth also needs to participate in democratic processes and 
assume leadership roles.  

Sub-Saharan Africa faces a particular challenge and will have to create about 18 million jobs per year up to 2035 to absorb 
new labour market entrants. The EU and its Member States will increase the focus on meeting the needs of youth and 
improving their future prospects, in particular aiming to increase quality employment and entrepreneurship, supported by 
effective education, vocational training, skills development, and access to digital technologies and services. The EU will also 
aim to strengthen youth empowerment and participation in local economies, societies and decision-making and in the conduct 
of  public  affairs.  This  will  also  aim  to  harness  the  demographic  youth  dividend,  digital  innovation  capacity  and  offer 
opportunities for youth to enjoy greater mobility and benefit from technological progress.  

30.  Economic growth is lasting and more beneficial to the poorest, when it is inclusive. The EU 
and its Member States will act to reduce inequality of outcomes and opportunity. By doing so, 
they  will  assist  the  poorest  sections  of  society  directly  and  also  help  to  promote  more  inclusive, 
sustainable growth that does not compromise future generations. To tackle rising economic and social 
inequalities,  the  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  support  national  development  paths  that  maximise 
positive  social  outcomes  and  impacts  and  that  pay  due  attention  to  better  sharing  the  benefits  of 
growth, the creation of wealth and decent jobs and of improved access to factors of production, such 
as  land  or  finance.  They  will  work  with  partner  countries  to  promote  progressive  taxation  and 
redistributive  public  expenditure  policies  that  promote  access  to  quality  basic  services  for  all,  in 
particular  to  quality  education,  health  services  and  sanitation.  They  will  also  support  efficient, 
sustainable  and  equitable  social  protection  systems  to  guarantee  basic  income,  prevent  relapses  into 
extreme poverty and build resilience. They will assess the determinants and trends of economic and 
social  inequalities  and  strengthen  their  tools  and  approaches  to  make  them  more  effective  in 
addressing inequality, including by mainstreaming the reduction of inequality in their activities. They 

11 

 
 
 
 
will promote the rights of persons with disabilities and work to ensure their participation on an equal 
basis.  

31.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  vigorously  promote  the  protection  and  fulfilment  of 
women's and girls' rights. They will pursue the fulfilment of obligations under the Convention on the 
Elimination  of  All  Forms  of  Discrimination  against  Women.  They  remain  committed  to  the 
promotion, protection and fulfilment of all human rights and to the full and effective implementation 
of the Beijing Platform for Action and Cairo Programme of Action, of the International Conference on 
Population and Development and the outcomes of their review conferences and remain committed to 
sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in this context.  

32.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  reinforce  their  focus  on  eradicating  poverty  in  very 
poor, fragile or conflict-affected countries where, for the foreseeable future, domestic resources will 
not  be  sufficient  to  provide  basic  social  services  for  all;  a  stronger  focus  on  human  development 
remains essential. 

33.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  strengthen  resilience,  particularly  of  vulnerable 
populations, in the face of environmental and economic shocks, natural and man-made disasters 
and  global  threats  to  health. They  will  systematically  integrate  in  their  action  the  objective  that 
individuals,  communities  and  countries  should  be  able  to  better  prepare  for,  withstand,  adapt,  and 
quickly recover from stresses and shocks without compromising long-term development prospects24. 
This will entail closer cooperation and complementary action between development and humanitarian 
actors, building on a shared analysis of risks and vulnerabilities.  During protracted crises, the EU and 
its  Member  States  will  protect  longer-term  social  structures,  deliver  humanitarian  and  development 
assistance  in  a  coherent  way,  and  integrate  long-term  displaced  people  into  wider  development 
planning, including access to education and decent jobs. 

34.  The EU and its Member States will  promote the resilience of long-term forcibly displaced 
persons  and  their  inclusion  in  the  economic  and  social  life  of  host  countries,  recognising  that 
displaced  peoples'  capabilities  are  a  vital  portable  asset,  essential  for  their  resilience  and  for  re-
building their lives. The EU and its Member States will apply a rights-based approach, paying special 
attention to accompanied and unaccompanied minors and other highly vulnerable people. 

 3.2. Planet – protecting the environment, managing natural resources and tackling 

climate change 

35.  Environmental  sustainability,  including  a  stable  climate,  is  indispensable  to  poverty 
eradication and sustainable development, particularly for the poorest sections of society. Human 
well-being  and  resilient  societies  depend  on  healthy  ecosystems  and  a  functioning  environment. 
Environmental degradation, including climate change, can offset economic progress, jeopardise peace 
and  stability  and  cause  large-scale  migration.  In  addition  to  dedicated  actions,  environmental 
consideration needs to be integrated across all sectors of development cooperation sectors, including 
through  preventive  action.  A  responsible  private  sector  and  the  application  of  the  'polluter  pays' 
principle  will  also  be  critical  to  success.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  promote  resource 
efficiency  and  sustainable  consumption  and  production  with  a  view  to  decouple  economic  growth 

24 The EU approach to resilience: learning from food security crisis, Communication from the Commission to 
the  European  Parliament  and  the  Council,  3  October  2012  (COM(2012)  586);  Council  Conclusions  on  EU 
approach to resilience, Council of the European Union, 3241st Foreign Affairs Council meeting, 28 May 2013 

12 

 
 
 
                                                            
from environmental degradation and enable the transition to a circular economy.  They will also make 
enhanced use of science, technology and innovation to promote environmental sustainability, and will 
promote  the  use  by  partners  of  the  comprehensive  data  and  information  available  through  European 
and  international  Earth  observation  programmes  to  support  evidence-based  decisions  that  take  into 
account the state of the environment.  

36.  The EU and its Member States will support the conservation and sustainable management 
of  all  natural  resources,  and  the  conservation  and  sustainable  use  of  biodiversity  and  ecosystems, 
including  forests,  oceans,  coastal  areas,  river  water  basins  and  other  ecosystems.  They  will  promote 
co-benefits  from  sustainable  management,  including  enhancing  climate  resilience  and  adaptation.  
They  will  enhance  the  integration  of  sustainability  in  all  cooperation  sectors  and  raise  the  profile  of 
environment  issues  in  dialogues  with  our  partners.  They  will  promote  the  use  of  natural  capital 
accounting. They will support better governance and capacity building for the sustainable management 
of  natural  resources,  promoting  the  involvement  of  stakeholders  and  the  respect  for  the  rights  of  all 
including  indigenous  and  local  communities.  They  will  promote  the  protection  and  restoration  of 
marine  ecosystems  to  achieve  healthy  and  productive  oceans,  the  sustainable  management  of  ocean 
resources  and  sustainable  fisheries,  including  through  improved  ocean  governance  and  the 
development of the blue economy. 

37.  The  2030  Agenda  requires  urgent  efforts  by  all  on  global  public  goods.  The  EU  and  its 
Member  States  will  implement  the  2030  Agenda  and  the  Paris  climate  change  agreement 
through  coordinated,  coherent  action,  to  exploit  synergies  in  full,  building  also  on  other 
international  frameworks  such  as  the  Sendai  Framework  for  Disaster  Risk  Reduction  and  the  New 
Urban Agenda25.  

38. 
The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  integrate  environment  and  climate,  including 
mitigation and adaptation, throughout its development cooperation strategies. They will support 
national strategies, including cross-government planning and programming, which promote resilience, 
reduce  climate  risk  and  contribute  to  emission  reduction,  consistent  with  the  implementation  of 
Nationally  Determined  Contributions  (NDCs)  to  the  Paris  Agreement.    In  turn,  the  legally  binding 
character  of  the  Paris  Agreement  and  the  requirement  to  adopt  NDCs  can  also  give  an  impetus  to 
national development planning in the context of the 2030 Agenda. 

39.  Energy  is  a  critically  important  development  enabler  and  central  to  solutions  for  a 
sustainable planet. The scale of financial investment needed to bring universal access to clean energy 
services  requires  the  engagement  of  many  actors.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  increase 
cooperation  with  all  relevant  parties,  including  the  private  sector,  on  energy  demand  management, 
energy efficiency, renewable energy generation and clean technology development and transfer. They 
will  also  promote  the  phase-out  of  fossil-fuel  subsidy,  stable  and  transparent  energy  markets  and 
deployment of smart grids and the use of digital technologies for sustainable energy management.  

Sustainable energy and climate change  

Access  to  sustainable  and  affordable  energy  and  tackling  climate  change  are  two  challenges  to  be  addressed  in  close 
coordination  to  achieve  sustainable  development  in  its  three  dimensions.  Developing  countries  need  energy  to  promote 
inclusive growth and further improve standards of living in an environmentally friendly manner. Investment in energy can 
ensure access to clean water, clean cooking, education and healthcare and also create jobs and support local businesses. The 
EU and its Member States will address energy poverty by contributing towards universal access to energy services that are 
affordable,  modern,  reliable  and  sustainable,  with  a  strong  focus  on  renewable  energy.  Supporting  Africa  and  our 

25 The New Urban Agenda, Habitat III, https://habitat3.org/the-new-urban-agenda 

13 

 
 
                                                            
neighbourhood in this energy transition will be a part of the enabling framework for the EU's Energy Union. It will go hand 
in  hand  with  continued  EU  action  consistent  with  its  global  leadership  in  tackling  climate  change  and  supporting  third 
countries to tackle climate change and transition into a low-emission climate-resilient economy. 

Taking into account diverse conditions in partner countries, the EU and its Member States will address these issues 
through strategic dialogue, best practice and knowledge sharing and development cooperation. Strategic investment in 
sustainable energy will be used to support the improvement of regulatory frameworks enabling the development of a healthy 
energy sector and to leverage private finance. EU action needs to be supported by key drivers including: political ownership 
and partnerships; an adequate regulatory framework for the energy sector; and boosting investment. This enhanced strategy 
will ensure constructive and consistent EU engagement with partners on energy and climate. 

3.3. Prosperity – inclusive and sustainable growth and jobs  

40.  A  key  challenge  in  the  2030  Agenda  is  achieving  inclusive  and  sustainable  growth  and 
creating  decent  jobs,  particularly  for  women  and  youth.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will 
promote an economic transformation that creates decent jobs, generates sufficient revenues for public 
services,  and  fosters  sustainable  value  chains.  This  includes  promoting  sustainable  consumption  and 
production patterns in a circular economy, resource efficiency and the transformation to low-emission 
and  climate  resilient  pathways.  Inclusive  sustainable  growth  builds  long-term  resilience  in  partner 
countries,  by  creating  opportunities  for  vulnerable  population  groups  and  those  most  at  risk,  to 
participate  in,  and  benefit  from,  wealth  and  job  creation,    It  is  a  medium  and  long  term  solution  to 
addressing the root-causes of instability, irregular  migration and forced displacement.  

41.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  help  to  make  developing  countries  more  business-
friendly.  They  will  contribute  to  improving  conditions  for  economic  activity  by  promoting  better 
policies and regulatory environment, better business environments, new business models and greater 
government  capacity.  They  will  promote  access  to  financial  services,  including  for  women,  for  the 
poor  and  for  micro,  small  and  medium  enterprises.  They  will  also  promote  private  sector  initiatives 
and  social  enterprises  providing  local  services.  Public  sector  investment  in  research  and  innovation 
capacity  in  developing  countries  can  also  help  unlock  private  sector  investment  and  help  drive 
economic and social development. 

42.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  promote  and  facilitate  trade  and  investment  in 
developing  countries  in  support  of  sustainable  development.  The  EU  has  a  strong  record  in 
opening its markets to least developed countries and will continue to promote trade as a key driver of 
growth and poverty reduction in developing countries.  Through the implementation of the 'Trade for 
All'  strategy,  the  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  support  their    trading  partners  to  fulfil  their 
commitment under the Addis Ababa Action Agenda to integrate sustainable development at all levels 
of trade policy and to achieve progress in a broad range of SDGs. The EU and its Member States will 
coordinate  development  cooperation  programmes  with  trade  policy  tools  in  support  of  the 
implementation  of  the  provisions  in  trade  agreements  relating  to  trade  and  sustainable  development. 
They  will  combine  the  skills  and  resources  of  the  private  sector  with  supportive  trade  policies  and 
instruments,  Aid  for  Trade  and  economic  diplomacy,  which  will  promote  inclusive  and  sustainable 
economic growth and help third countries adopt growth models that take account of resource scarcity 
and climate change action.   

The  2030  Agenda  and  the  Addis  Ababa  Action  Agenda  provide  a  framework  within  which  responsible  investment  can 
contribute  to  sustainable  development  in  all  its  dimensions.  It  can  help  guide  resourcing  decisions  in  support  of  human 

Investment 

14 

 
 
 
 
capacity,  infrastructure,  institutions  and  services  so  as  to  maximise  returns.  Investment  is  an  important  means  of 
implementing the 2030 Agenda. Sustainable investments help to diversify economies, link them to regional and global value 
chains, promote regional integration and trade, enhance local economic value and meet social needs.  

The purpose of the proposed European External Investment Plan26  is to provide an integrated financial package to 
finance  investments  in  Africa  and  the  EU  neighbourhood.  The  Plan  includes  a  European  Fund  for  Sustainable 
Development;  technical  assistance  to  develop  sustainable  projects  and  attract  investors;  and  a  set  of  measures  aimed  at 
improved  economic  governance  and  business  environments  and  engagement  with  the  private  sector.  It  will  build  on  EU 
experience with blending public grants with third party loans to catalyse more funds for sustainable development. The Plan 
includes a new Guarantee facility to leverage additional finance, particularly from the private sector, by addressing the key 
factors that promote investment. The Guarantee will be funded by the EU and wherever possible other contributors and will 
be used to absorb potential losses incurred by eligible investors (including the International Financial Institutions and private 
sector investors) and therefore lower the risk profile of investment in developing countries.  

The implementation of the Plan would thus contribute to growth and job creation, deliver innovative products or services and 
attract private investment.  It will contribute to the attainment of the SDGs thus helping to tackle the root causes of migration. 
The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  also  contribute  to  scaling-up  private  and  public  investments  in  low-carbon,  climate-
resilient  green  economy.  They  will  seek  to  contribute  to  improving  resource  efficiency,  decoupling  growth  from 
environmental degradation, promoting sustainable consumption and production and reducing vulnerabilities. Investments will 
be undertaken in partnership with local enterprises and actors and in respect of land rights and labour rights. 

43.  The EU and its Member States will work with the domestic and international private sector, 
including  employers'  and  workers'  organisations,  to  promote  responsible,  sustainable  and 
effective approaches. The private sector should engage in responsible and sustainable activities that 
contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The EU and its Member States will promote the 
mobilisation of private resources for development in areas with significant transformation potential for 
sustainable  development,  including  sustainable  agriculture,  clean  energy,  resilient  infrastructure, 
health,  green  and  circular  economy  and  digitalisation.  Higher  uptake  of  responsible  practices  by  a 
wider  range  of  EU  companies  with  supply  chains  in  developing  countries,  in  close  partnership  with 
their  public  and  private  stakeholders,  and  promoting  fair  and  ethical  trade,  would  make  a  strong 
contribution  to  implementation  of  the  2030  Agenda.  Sustainable  development  and  corporate  social 
responsibility commitments need to be built into business models as a matter of course. The EU and its 
Member States will continue to support responsible business practices and responsible management of 
supply chains, integrating human and labour rights, financial probity and environmental standards and 
accessibility. They will work to prevent human rights abuses and promote the UN Guiding Principles 
on Business and Human Rights. They will promote labour standards that ensure decent employment 
conditions for workers, in particular those defined by the International  Labour Organisation, both in 
the formal and informal sector, including by supporting the transition from the informal to the formal 
economy. 

44.  Sustainable agriculture, together with sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, remains a key 
driver  for  poverty  eradication  and  sustainable  development.  Two-thirds  of  the  world's  poor 
depend  on  agriculture  for  their  livelihoods,  and  a  number  of  developing  countries  remain  highly 
dependent on trade in few commodities. Investments in sustainable agriculture are needed to diversify 
production  systems,  prevent  malnutrition  and  generate  increases  in  productivity  and  jobs,  without 
harming  the  environment.  Major  private  sector  investment  is  required  in  Africa,  particularly  as  the 

26 Strengthening European Investments for jobs and growth: Towards a second phase of the European Fund for 
Strategic Investments and a new European External Investment Plan, Communication from the Commission to 
the  European  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  European  Central  Bank,  the  European  Economic  and  Social 
Committee,  the  Committee  of  the  Regions  and  the  European  Investment  Bank,  14  September  2016 
(COM(2016)581) 

15 

 
 
 
                                                            
agri-food  and  agro-industry  sector  is  a  key  sector  for  creating  the  jobs  needed  in  the  short-  and 
medium-term. These investments must protect soils, conserve water resources, prevent deforestation, 
and  maintain  healthy  ecosystems.  Smallholder  farmers  and  the  poor  remain  of  central  importance, 
with a particular focus on youth integration and women's empowerment. Sustainable agriculture must 
harness  the  greenhouse  gas  mitigation  potential  of  agriculture,  while  enhancing  resilience  to  climate 
change impacts. The EU and its Member States will aim to develop agricultural value chains which 
benefit  the  poor  and  encourage  agro-industry  to  generate  jobs  and  added  value.  This  includes 
increasing  the  quality  of  sanitary  and  phytosanitary  conditions,  promoting  sustainable  fisheries  and 
aquaculture  practices,  and  supporting  action  to  tackle  illegal  fishing,  marine  pollution  and  climate 
change  impacts.  The  EU  will  seek  to  improve  governance  relating  to  tenure  of  land,  oceans,  and 
forests.  

45.  Digital  technologies  are  being  adopted  in  the  developing  world  at  an  unprecedented  rate. 
However,  lack  of  connectivity,  mainly  in  Africa,  and  limited  competition  make  digital  technologies 
unaffordable for the majority of the population.  

46.  The  EU  and  its  Member  states  will  continue  to  develop  their  support  for  promoting 
information  and  communication  technologies  in  developing  countries  as  powerful  enablers  of 
growth  ("Digital  for  Development").  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  focus  on  better 
mainstreaming  digital  solutions  in  development.  They  will  support  enabling  environments  for  the 
digital  economy  by  enhancing  free,  open  and  secure  connectivity.  They  will  support  digital 
entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation, and will promote the use of digital technologies in other 
priority areas (such as governance, agriculture, education, health and energy). They will also support 
digital literacy and skills to empower people, including the most vulnerable. 

47.  The EU and its Member States will support the design, construction and operation of urban 
infrastructures  that  are  more  resource  efficient.  They  will  also  support  the  development  of 
sustainable, interconnected and secure transport networks and other resilient infrastructure to promote 
growth, trade and investments. 

48.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  seek  to  boost  the  potential  of  cities  as  hubs  for 
sustainable, inclusive growth and innovation, taking account of their wider rural communities. 
In line with the UN's New Urban Agenda, they will promote the delivery of basic services, sustainable 
land  planning,  equitable  management  of  land  markets  and  sustainable  urban  mobility.  They  will 
promote  inclusive  and  balanced  territorial  and  urban  policies.    They  will  build  cities'  resilience  to 
shocks and harness opportunities for a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. 

3.4.  Peace  –  peaceful  and  inclusive  societies,  democracy,  effective  and  accountable 

institutions, rule of law and human rights for all  

49.  Inclusive  societies  and  accountable,  democratic 
institutions  are  preconditions  for 
sustainable  development  and  stability.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  promote  the  universal 
values of democracy, good governance, rule of law and human rights for all - across the full range of 
partnerships  and  instruments  and  across  all  situations,  including  through  development  action.  They 
will support the domestic efforts, tailored to the needs and context of each society to build sustainable 
democratic states, resilient to external and internal shocks. To meet these objectives they will promote 
accountable  and  transparent  institutions,  participatory  decision-making  and  public  access  to 
information. They will promote effective multi-level governance, with the participation of vulnerable 
groups, through partnerships between national, sub-national and local governments. They will support 

16 

 
 
 
and  promote  an  open  and  enabling  space  for  civil  society,  inclusive  approaches  and  transparency  in 
decision making at all levels. They will support initiatives to tackle corruption. They will continue to 
support inclusive, transparent and credible elections and active participation of citizens throughout the 
electoral cycle.  They will support democratic governance that ensures the enjoyment of fundamental 
freedoms, including freedom of religion or belief and that delivers on universal human rights, whether 
civil,  political,  economic,  social  or  cultural,  including  the  promotion  of  cultural  diversity.  Political 
dialogue will be a major platform for action, including with and beyond partner governments.  

50.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  foster  efficient,  independent,  open  and  accountable 
justice systems to promote the rule of law. They will continue to support justice reform in order to 
promote access to justice for all - and in particular the poor and vulnerable groups of society. 

51.  Poverty,  conflict,  fragility,  humanitarian  need  and  forced  displacement  are  deeply  inter-
linked  and  must  be  addressed  in  a  coherent  and  comprehensive  way.  The  EU  and  its  Member 
states  will  address  their  various  root  causes  at  all  levels,  ranging  from  exclusion,  inequality,  human 
rights  violations  and  absence  of  the  rule  of  law  to  environmental  degradation  including  climate 
change.  

52.  The EU and its Member States will use development cooperation as part of the full range of 
policies  and  instruments  to  prevent,  manage  and  help  resolve  conflicts  and  crises,  meet 
humanitarian  needs  and  build  lasting  peace  and  good  governance.  The  prime  focus  of 
development cooperation remains poverty eradication and there will be no diversion of effort from that 
goal.  To  this  end,  the  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  promote  the  comprehensive  approach27  to 
conflict  and  crises,  focusing  on  fragility,  human  security  and  recognising  the  nexus  between 
sustainable development, peace and security. These actions will take place at all levels, from global to 
local, and at all stages of the conflict cycle, from early warning to prevention to crisis response and 
stabilisation. In the context of development cooperation, the EU and its Member States will work with 
security  sector  actors,  including  military  actors  under  exceptional  circumstances,  to  build  their 
capacity to support sustainable development objectives, in particular the achievement of peaceful and 
inclusive  societies.  They  will  promote  shared  solutions  to  security  and  development  challenges, 
including  through  support  for  security  sector  reform28  and  capacity  building  for  security  and 
development.  They  will  also  focus  their  efforts  on  preventing  and  countering  violent  extremism  by 
strengthening  the  resilience  of  individuals  and  communities  to  the  appeal  of  radicalisation  and 
extremism,  including  through  fostering  religious  tolerance  and  interreligious  dialogue.  They  will 
continue to support the principle of responsibility to protect and the prevention of atrocity crimes.  

53.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  focus  their  development  cooperation  in  fragile  and 
conflict-affected states and   support to the most vulnerable.  By promoting and protecting human 
rights,  democracy,  the  rule  of  law  and  good  governance,  the  EU  and  its  Member  States  will 
proactively contribute to building stability and security and promoting resilience in fragile situations. 
This includes efforts to tackle urban crime and violence. They will integrate conflict sensitivity in their 
work, to maximise the impact for peace and human security. They will promote peace, state-building, 
transparency,  accountability  and  access  to  justice,  by  engaging  with  all  stakeholders  in  conflict-
prevention, peace-keeping and peace-building processes. They will support transitional justice through 
context-specific  measures  promoting  truth,  justice,  reparation  and  guarantees  of  non-recurrence.  

27 Council conclusions on the EU's comprehensive approach, Council of the European Union, Foreign Affairs 
Council meeting, 12 May 2014 
28 Elements for an EU-wide strategic framework to support security sector reform, Joint Communication to the 
European Parliament and the Council, 5 July 2016 (JOIN(2016) 31) 

17 

 
 
                                                            
Stabilisation  requires bridging the gap between conflict resolution  and longer term reform  processes 
taking  hold,  building  trust  between  government  and  population  including  through  jump-starting 
delivery  of  services.  In  this  context  the  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  revitalise  partnerships  with 
qualified  regional  partners.  The  success  of  interventions  related  to  peace  and  security  depends 
particularly  on  cooperation  with  local  actors  and  their  ownership  of  the  process.  The  EU  and  its 
Member  States  will  address  all  aspects  of  preventing  and  responding  to  sexual  and  gender-based 
violence  in  conflict  and  post-conflict  situations,  and  support  women's  participation  in  conflict 
prevention, conflict resolution and relief and recovery. 

54.  The EU and its Member States will implement humanitarian and development cooperation 
in  a  more  coherent  and  complementary  way,  thus  actively  contributing  to  building  resilience  and 
tackling  chronic  vulnerability  and  risk.    This  requires  improved  working  practices  between  the 
development  and  humanitarian  communities  to  strengthen  the  linking  of  relief,  rehabilitation  and 
development, including a deeper exchange of information, donor coordination, joint analysis of risks 
and vulnerabilities, a shared definition of strategic priorities, joint programming, transition strategies 
and through the EU's Conflict Early Warning System. The EU and its Member States will ensure early 
engagement and close cooperation of political and development actors from the outset, to complement 
and  build  on  the  humanitarian  actors'  emergency  and  early  recovery  interventions.  Ensuring 
humanitarian access to provide basic relief, and the protection of humanitarian principles and law, are 
paramount, in line with the commitments made at the World Humanitarian Summit in May 2016.  

55.  The EU and its Member States will increase its efforts to build resilience and adaptability to 
change, consistent  with the Sendai Framework  for Disaster  Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and the 
Paris  Agreement  on  climate  change.  Helping  people  and  communities  to  be  better  prepared, 
reducing their exposure and vulnerability, and strengthening resilience to withstand and recover from 
shocks and disasters is key to reducing adverse impact and avoiding loss of lives and livelihoods. The 
EU  and  its  Member  States  will  build  risk  assessments  and  gap  analysis  into  their  development 
cooperation programmes. They will also build preparedness for cross-border threats to health, in line 
with International Health Regulations, in particular through capacity building of national and regional 
health systems.  

56.  Migration  is  a  complex,  global,  long-lasting  phenomenon  requiring  a  carefully-designed, 
balanced, evidence-based and sustainable policy response. The 2030 Agenda clearly recognises the 
positive contribution of migration and mobility to inclusive growth and sustainable development. This 
contribution  can  benefit  the  migrants  themselves,  their  families  and  the  countries  of  origin  and 
destination.  They  are  significant  drivers  of  the  global  economy:  total  remittances  to  developing 
countries in 2015 were well over twice total Official Development Assistance (ODA) flows. The EU 
and  its  Member  States  will  step  up  efforts  to  seize  the  opportunities  for  development  offered  by 
migration, while addressing its challenges. This will include promoting in partner countries investment 
and  innovation  to  boost  growth  and  employment  opportunities,  supporting  social  and  education 
systems and working with private sector partners and others to lower the cost of remittances.   

57.  Poorly managed migration can create major challenges and impact negatively on countries 
of  origin,  transit  and  destination,  on  the  migrants  themselves  and  on  communities  where  they 
transit  or  settle.  In  the  worst  scenario,  migrant  populations  can  be  denied  human  rights,  access  to 
health and education, and risk falling victims of forced labour and human trafficking. Similarly, poorly 
managed migration, in both host and transit countries, can create challenges requiring rapid responses 
and  might  in  some  extreme  cases  put  host  countries'  health  and  education  systems,  governance  and 
overall stability and security under severe strain. Thus, addressing migration cuts across many policy 
areas, including development, good governance, human rights, employment, health, education, social 

18 

 
 
protection and environment, including climate change. The EU and its Member States will contribute 
to  this  objective  through  a  more  coordinated,  systematic  and  structured  approach  maximixing  the 
synergies  and  the  leverages  of  the  internal  and  external  aspects  of  Union  policies,  combining 
immediate  humanitarian  support  to  refugees  and  internally  displaced  persons  and  more  structural 
support in relation to migration through development policy, which will be  an important part of this 
effort.  

Mobility and migration 

The  EU and  its  Member  States will  step  up  efforts to  better manage  migration  and  forced displacement in  partner 
countries  in  all  its  aspects,  including  addressing  its  root  causes.  Through  strengthened  engagement,  they  will  help  to 
facilitate the  safe,  orderly regular  and  responsible  migration and  mobility of  people,  in  order  to seize  the opportunities  for 
development offered by migration, while addressing its challenges. Addressing migration and forced migration successfully 
requires short- and long-term cross-sectoral interventions, policies and legal frameworks, to ensure migrant protection, while 
meeting the needs of both migrants and host populations. 

The EU and its Member States will do this by consolidating migration as a key part of EU foreign policy dialogue, including 
through  the  elaboration  of  tailor-made  responses  and  strengthened  partnerships  within  the  Partnership  Framework 
Approach29.  These  comprehensive  partnerships  will  include  the  engagement  of  all  policies  and  tools  that  can  address  the 
multiple aspects of migration and forced displacement, including on legal migration, irregular migration, trafficking in human 
beings,  border  management,  remittances,  international  protection  and  return  and  reintegration  on  the  basis  of  mutual 
accountability and full respect of our humanitarian and human rights obligations. The Partnership Framework approach will 
also include reinforced attention to address the drivers of irregular migration and forced displacement, fully embedded in a 
strengthened context-specific evidence base. The engagement of the EU and its Member States will include working directly 
with  partner  countries'  central  and  local  authorities,  but  also  with  non-government  actors,  including  civil  society  and  the 
business community, as well as international organisations. Through these strengthened efforts the EU and its Member States 
will  actively  support  the  elaboration  of  the  Global  Compacts  on  Migration  and  Refugees,  as  called  by  the  New  York 
Declaration for Refugees and Migrants of 19 September 201630.  

4.  PARTNERSHIP - THE EU AS A FORCE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2030 AGENDA  

58.  While  recognising  that  each  country  has  primary  responsibility  for  its  own  economic  and 
social  development,  the  2030  Agenda  makes  clear  that  it  will  be  implemented  by  all  countries 
and  all  stakeholders  acting  in  collaborative  partnership.  In  response  to  global  challenges  and 
trends  and  focused  on  the  priorities  identified  above,  the  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  further 
improve  the  way  they  deliver  their  cooperation,  including  through  working  together  better.  This 
includes improving effectiveness and impact through greater coordination and coherence. In order to 
be more effective in pursuing its objectives, and in particular eradication of poverty, EU development 
policy  must  be  adaptable  and  responsive  to  pressing  needs,  potential  crises  and  evolving  policy 
priorities. 

29 Establishing a new Partnership Framework with third countries under the European Agenda on Migration, 
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the Council and the 
European Investment Bank, 7 June 2016 (COM(2016)385) 
30 New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants, Resolution adopted by the United Nations General 
Assembly on 19 September 2016 (A/RES/71/1) 

19 

 
 
 
 
 
                                                            
4.1. Working better together 

59.  At  country  level,  the  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  enhance  joint  programming  in 
development cooperation in order to increase their collective impact by bringing together their 
resources  and  capacities.  In  the  face  of  growing  challenges,  there  is  more  need  than  ever  for  a 
common  vision  for  EU  support  aligned  to  a  partner  country's  efforts  as  well  as  stronger  policy  and 
political dialogue. Working together, the EU and its Member States will share knowledge and develop 
strategic  responses  grounded  in  quality  analysis  of  the  country  context,  including  poverty  and 
sustainability,  and  the  country's  overall  relations  with  the  EU  –  for  instance  in  security,  trade  or 
migration.  In  doing  so,  they  will  take  account  of  country-  and  sector-specific  priorities  and  policies 
and of available means of development financing, in line with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. The 
EU and its Member States will pursue enhanced coordination and synergies, including through joint 
programming processes also in fragile and conflict-affected countries, using joint conflict analysis.  

60.  An increased use of EU single response strategies and, where appropriate, joint indicative 
programmes  will  ensure  greater  impact.  This  should  also  take  account  of  other  countries'  and 
international  actors'  comparative  advantages.  This  will  help  reduce  fragmentation  and  boost 
effectiveness.  Joint  monitoring  and  results  frameworks  will  be  core  elements  of  the  single  strategic 
response, in order to maintain momentum, inform dialogue and enhance mutual accountability. Joint 
programming should be open to other relevant donors and international actors at country level.   

61.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  provide  support  to  partner  countries  through  joint 
actions  in  order  to  implement  their  cooperation.  Joint  actions  can  be  implemented  at  national, 
regional  or  international  level  and  will  provide  for  coherent  and  effective  collective  EU  support  to 
given sectors, on specific themes or for a shared objective adapted to country contexts.  This should 
strengthen a coordinated policy dialogue with partner countries, linked to other areas of external action 
and bring EU expertise together for greater impact.   

62.  Joint  actions  will  be  open  to  all  EU  partners  who  agree  and  can  contribute  to  a  common 
vision,  including  from  the  private  sector  and  civil  society.  This  could  also  include  other  like-
minded governments, the United Nations and other international organisations. Joint actions must also 
be underpinned by a strong knowledge base and take account of all available sources of support. Joint 
actions could be implemented through various modalities and building on different actors' comparative 
advantage. Joint actions will be monitored and evaluated jointly, based on a joint results framework. 

63.  Coordinated work by the EU and its Member States on budget support will help to promote 
SDG implementation efforts in partner countries, improve macroeconomic and public financial 
management,  and  improve  the  business  environment.  Budget  support,  when  applicable  and  with 
those  willing  to  participate,  will  be  used  to  strengthen  partnership,  country  ownership  and  mutual 
accountability  with  developing  countries,  based  on  shared  principles,  objectives  and  interests  and  in 
response to partners countries' political, economic and social contexts. Budget support will be applied 
consistently  with  the  principles  of  development  effectiveness  and  will  be  accompanied  by  capacity 
development, knowledge and expertise transfers. It will thus complement developing countries' efforts 
to  collect  more  and  spend  better  in  support  of  sustainable  development,  and  to  promote  inclusive 
growth  and  job  creation,  poverty  eradication,  inequality  reduction  and  peaceful  societies.  Budget 
support can also contribute to addressing the causes of fragility and to promoting stability and state-
building in countries in fragile situations or transition.  

64.  EU  Trust  Funds  provide  opportunities  for  effective  joined-up  action  by  the  EU,  Member 
States and other development partners. EU Trust Funds allow the EU and its Member States to pool 
resources and apply quick and flexible decision-making and implementation and maximise the impact, 

20 

 
 
effectiveness  and  visibility  of  EU  development  cooperation  for  delivering  on  the  SDGs.  They  offer 
administrative  efficiency  and  high  added  value,  including  by  engaging  those  donors  willing  to 
contribute financially but without the capacity to act locally.  

65.  Blending  public  grants  and  loans,  which  can  also  leverage  private  finance  is  another 
important  means  to  implement  the  2030  Agenda.  Blending  covers  all  regions  of  EU  external 
cooperation  in  sectors  including  energy,  transport  and  water  infrastructure,  support  for  Small  and 
Medium  Enterprises,  social  sectors  and  the  environment.  Stronger  engagement  of  the  private  sector 
will  be  needed,  using  innovative  financial  instruments  to  help  attract  more  private  finance  for 
sustainable development, including for climate action. Blending is a major component of the proposed 
European External Investment Plan. Close partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and 
other  EU  and  Member  States'  financial  institutions  will  be  a  key  feature  of  EU  blending  activities. 
Other international financial institutions will also be engaged. 

66.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  coordinate  and  develop  unified  positions  in 
international  fora  on  all  matters  related  to  the  Consensus.  This  will  both  enhance  the  EU  and 
Member States' collective influence and also contribute to more effective multilateral discussions.  

4.2. Fostering stronger, more inclusive multi-stakeholder partnerships  

67.  Stronger partnerships are at the heart of the EU's approach to SDG implementation. The 
EU  and  its  Member  States  will  work  more  closely  with  all  other  relevant  stakeholders  to  promote 
implementation of the 2030 Agenda.  

68.  National  governments  have  primary  responsibility  for  implementing  the  2030  Agenda.  In 
relation with partner countries, the EU and its Member States will put renewed emphasis on country 
ownership, partnership and dialogue, in order to contribute to greater effectiveness. They will provide 
support for inclusive national planning in developing countries. They will promote open government 
dialogues with all stakeholders at the planning, implementation and review stages. Such processes will 
help  national  governments  to  assess  available  means  of  implementation,  identify  gaps  and  select 
appropriate areas for development and other international cooperation. A fundamental aim will be to 
build developing country capacity for implementation of the 2030 Agenda. This will include support 
for the mobilisation and effective use of domestic public finance, which represents by far the largest 
and  most  stable  source  for  financing  sustainable  development.  It  will  also  include  promoting 
eGovernment systems for efficient tax collection and transparency in use of public funds. The EU and 
its  Member  States  will  support  capacity-building  for  nationally  owned  monitoring  frameworks, 
quality  data  collection,  disaggregation  and  analysis  and  for  policy  coherence  for  sustainable 
development.  

69.  The  achievement  of  most  of  the  SDGs  will  also  depend  on  the  active  involvement  of  local 
authorities. The EU and its Member States will support decentralisation reforms, when appropriate, to 
empower local authorities for better governance and development impact. They will support processes 
to  help  people  to  interact  effectively  with  local  government  at  all  stages  of  policy  planning  and 
implementation.   

Successful 

70. 
implementation  also  requires  forging  stronger  partnerships  beyond 
governments. The EU  and its Member States will expand partnerships with the private sector, civil 
society,  including  trade  unions  and  employers'  organisations,  multilateral  organisations,  academia, 
diaspora groups and others. They will continue to support capacity building of relevant stakeholders. 

21 

 
 
 
71.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  deepen  their  partnerships  with  civil  society 
organisations  (CSOs).  They  will  promote  operating  space  and  enabling  environments  for  CSOs  to 
play their full role as advocates and implementers. They will support CSO commitments to effective, 
transparent and results-oriented development cooperation.  

72.  The EU and its Member States recognise the key role of the private sector as an engine for 
long-term  sustainable  development  and  the  need  to  engage  with  them  through  structured 
dialogue and shared development objectives. The EU and its Member States will develop practical 
partnership  arrangements  that  are  collaborative,  transparent  and  open  for  business  and  other 
stakeholders'  participation.  They  will  support  sustainable  and  ethical  business  practices  and  create 
incentives for private sector investment in global sustainable development. 

73.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  work  with  multilateral  organisations,  including  the 
United Nations system, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, the G7, G20, OECD 
and other multilateral institutions, to encourage them to align with the 2030 Agenda and foster mutual 
support  in  its  implementation.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  seek  synergies  with  the  United 
Nations, both globally and with UN country teams on the ground, including in order to improve UN 
effectiveness.    They  will  promote  the  participation  of  developing  countries  in  the  governance  of 
multilateral organisations.  

4.3. Tailoring development partnerships to reflect capacities and needs 

74.  To  be  effective,  EU  engagement  through  development  action  must  vary  according  to  the 
capacities  and  needs  of  developing  countries.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  work  with 
developing  countries  in  an  increasingly  diversified  and  tailored  manner.  Partnerships  should 
encompass development cooperation and financial assistance and go beyond those to involve a range 
of  strategies,  policies  and  instruments,  in  order  to  reflect  the  growing  variety  of  developing  country 
circumstances.   

75.  EU financial cooperation will be focused where it is most needed and can have most impact. 
The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  keep  the  prime  focus  of  their  development  cooperation  on  the 
poorest countries, including least developed countries, and fragile and conflict-affected states, which 
have the lowest potential to raise finance and the greatest shortfalls in means to achieve the SDGs and 
which will continue to depend heavily on international public finance. Efforts are needed to identify 
and  reach  those  people  being  left  behind,  through  the  delivery  of  essential  services,  increasing 
prospects for growth and building resilience to shocks.  

76.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  develop  their  engagement  with  more  advanced 
developing countries, beyond financial cooperation. These countries need fewer or no concessional 
forms  of  assistance,  but  are  crucial  for  the  implementation  of  the  2030  Agenda.  The  EU  and  its 
Member States will engage in development policy dialogue with these countries and across a range of 
policies through combinations of political, security, economic, scientific, technical, technological and 
adapted financial cooperation, as may be appropriate.  

Innovative engagement with more advanced developing countries 

More  advanced  developing  countries  remain  critical  for  implementing  the  2030  Agenda.  They  still  have  high  numbers  of 
people living in poverty within their borders and are often characterised by high levels of inequality. They have important 
impacts and influence within their regions. Their South-South cooperation with other developing countries is rising rapidly 

22 

 
 
 
 
and represents an important proportion of all international cooperation. As major economies, their impact on global  public 
goods and challenges including climate change is increasingly significant.  

The EU and its Member States will develop new partnerships with more advanced developing countries in order to 
promote  the implementation  of  the  2030  Agenda,  including  sustainable  development,  poverty eradication and  other 
shared  interests.  At  the  core  of  these  partnerships  will  be  dialogue  on  public  policy  and  reform,  taking  account  of  the 
diversity  of  Middle  Income  Countries  and  the  need  for  tailored  approaches.  The  policy  dialogues  will  promote  mutual 
interests and identify common priorities and partnerships. They will support the implementation of the SDGs, which provide 
a common and integrated framework for cooperation, and will help address global public goods and challenges. Cooperation 
could take place in the partner countries themselves, in their respective regions, in third countries or globally.  

These new partnerships will promote best practice, technical assistance and knowledge sharing. In addition, the EU and its 
Member States will engage in cooperation and dialogue with those Middle Income Countries which are becoming emerging 
donors  to  exchange  best  practices,  promote  South-South  and  triangular  cooperation  and  work  together  to  support  less 
advanced countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda. 

77.  The Consensus will guide actions also in the context of regional agreements, strategies and 
policies  in  relation  to  developing  countries.  The  future  frameworks  for  relations  with  countries 
including in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, will promote concrete implementation of the 2030 
Agenda at regional level. This will be a core element of the work in support of the Agenda,  and an 
opportunity to mainstream the objectives of the Consensus in our cooperation with partners including 
in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.  

78.  The 2030 Agenda provides a transformative political framework for all countries, and will 
guide EU actions in neighbouring countries under the revised European Neighbourhood Policy 
(ENP). This Policy is based on a set of shared priorities for the EU and its Member States and their 
partners, which reinforce the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. These ENP priorities focus on: good 
governance, democracy, rule of law and human rights; economic development for stabilisation, with a 
particular  focus  on  youth,  education  and  employment;  connectivity,  sustainable  energy  and  climate 
change;  security;  and  migration  and  mobility.  The  revised  Policy  also  aims  to  involve  regional 
partners  beyond  the  European  Neighbourhood  in  cross-cutting  issues  such  as  migration  and  energy. 
The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  use  a  mix  of  instruments  in  its  Neighbourhood,  consistent  with 
other EU action under the 2030 Agenda. 

5. STRENGTHENING APPROACHES TO IMPROVE EU IMPACT 

5.1. Mobilising and making effective use of all Means of Implementation 

79.  To reflect the framework set out in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the 2030 Agenda, 
the EU and its Member States must adapt their approach, to mobilise and make effective use of 
all means of implementation.  

80.  The  EU  and  its  member  States  will  work  with  partner  countries  to  promote  sound  policy 
environments for implementation of the 2030 Agenda. They will support state capacity to formulate 
and  implement  national  development  policies  and  to  increase  accountability  and  responsiveness  to 
citizens. 

81.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  put  an  enhanced  focus  on  generating  domestically 
additional  resources  for  sustainable  development  in  partner  countries.  This  will  include 

23 

 
 
 
 
promoting domestic resource mobilisation, boosting international trade as an engine for development 
and tackling illicit financial flows.  

82.  Domestic  public  finance  is  critical  to  all  countries'  efforts  to  implement  the  2030  Agenda. 
The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  support  developing  country  efforts  to  strengthen  revenue 
mobilisation, debt and public expenditure management, develop tax systems, increase the efficiency of 
public  expenditure  and  phase  out  fossil-fuel  subsidies.  ODA  continues  to  play  an  important  role  in 
complementing the efforts of countries – especially of the poorest and most vulnerable – to mobilise 
resources domestically. By better linking budget support and blending, the EU and its Member States 
can  contribute  to  improving  public  investment  efficiency  in  partner  countries,  by  supporting 
macroeconomic  and  fiscal  stability  frameworks,  sound  sector  policies  and  reforms,  comprehensive 
annual  and  medium-term  budgetary  frameworks  and  sound  public  financial  management  systems, 
including transparent procurement. 

Mobilising and using domestic resources 

Given its central importance, domestic public finance should be at the heart of all governments’ efforts to achieve inclusive 
growth, poverty eradication and sustainable development. It is also part of the social contract between a government and its 
citizens. Citizens are more willing to pay taxes when they feel they share in the country’s overall development and can hold 
their government accountable. 

The  EU  'Collect  More,  Spend  Better  approach'31  supports  developing  countries  in  three  areas:  improved  domestic 
resource mobilisation; more effective and efficient public expenditure; and debt management. It focuses on tax evasion, tax 
avoidance  and  illicit  financial  flows  as  well  as  on  the  efficiency,  effectiveness  and  fairness  of  tax  systems  and  of  social 
protection financing. It promotes sound public expenditure management to convert revenues into public goods and services, 
through fiscal discipline and the strategic allocation of resources.  

The EU and its Member States also support the Addis Tax Initiative and OECD/G20 work to address base erosion and profit 
shifting  and  on  tax  information  exchange.    They  support  developing  country  participation  in  relevant  international 
discussions and standard  setting processes,  including  the  Global Forum  on  Transparency and Exchange  of  Information  for 
Tax Purposes and G20/OECD discussions. They commit to pursue coherence between their tax policies and their effects on 
developing countries.  

83.  The EU is collectively committed to provide 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) as ODA 
within the timeframe of the 2030 Agenda32. It will also collectively provide 0.15% of GNI as ODA 
to Least Developed Countries in the short term, and reach 0.20% in the timeframe of the 2030 Agenda. 
The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  also  continue  support  for  climate  mitigation  and  adaptation  in 
developing  countries,  in  line  with  commitments  under  the  UN  Convention  on  Combatting  Climate 
Change and the Paris Agreement. The  EU and its  Member States  will continue political dialogue to 
enhance others' commitments to finance for sustainable development, including climate finance.  

84.  The EU and its Member States will contribute to initiatives to better measure financing for 
development.  This  will  include  finance  beyond  ODA,  from  all  sources,  that  contributes  to  Agenda 
2030 implementation, making use of tools such as the OECD's anticipated proposals for a measure on 
Total Official Support for Sustainable Development. 

31 Collect More, Spend Better, Commission Staff Working Document, 5 November 2015 
32  A  New  Global  Partnership  for  Poverty  Eradication  and  Sustainable  Development  after  2015  –  Council 
Conclusions (paragraphs 32 and 33), Council of the European Union, 26 May 2015 (9241/15) 

24 

 
 
 
 
                                                            
85.  Development  cooperation  will  support  the  implementation  of  the  provisions  in  trade 
agreements  relating  to  trade  and  sustainable  development33.  Coordinating  aid  and  cooperation 
programmes better in these areas will allow the EU to use the opportunities and leverage a closer trade 
relationship to promote this value-based agenda towards our trading partners. 

86.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  promote  the  application  of  other  means  of 
implementation,  including  capacity  building,  science,  technology  and  innovation.  They  will 
continue investing on research and development in and for developing countries, including enhancing 
national innovation systems. They will aim to strengthen measurable impacts on progress towards the 
SDGs  through  a  Responsible  Research  and  Innovation  approach  including  open  access  to  research 
results and data for publicly funded projects and education for science. 

5.2. Policy coherence for development   

87.  The Consensus contributes to the requirement to ensure consistency between the different 
areas of the EU's external action and between these and its other policies34. The policy coherence 
requirement  embedded  in  the  2030  Agenda  implies  mainstreaming  sustainable  development  in  all 
related EU policies, integrating in a balanced manner the three dimensions of sustainable development, 
addressing  interlinkages  between  different  SDGs  and  ensuring  consistency  between  EU's  external 
action and its other policies, and across international frameworks. 

88.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  reaffirm  their  commitment  to  policy  coherence  for 
development,  as  an  important  contribution  to  the  collective  effort  towards  achieving  broader 
policy  coherence  for  sustainable  development35.  They  will  continue  to  take  into  account  the 
objectives of development cooperation in policies which are likely to affect developing countries (Art. 
208 TFEU). The Consensus will guide efforts in applying policy coherence for development across all 
policies  and  all  areas  covered  by  the  2030  Agenda,  seeking  synergies  wherever  possible,  including 
notably  on  trade,  finance,  environment  and  climate  change,  food  security,  migration  and  security. 
Particular  attention  will  be  given  to  combating  illicit  financial  flows  and  tax  avoidance,  and  to 
promoting trade and responsible investment. 

89.  Delivering  on  the  new  universal  framework  for  sustainable  development  in  the  field  of 
development  cooperation  is  a  shared  responsibility  of  all  stakeholders.  The  EU  and  its  Member 
States will, therefore, promote whole-of-government approaches and ensure the political oversight and 
coordination efforts at all levels for SDG implementation. In order to better support policy formulation 
and decision-making they will ensure the evidence base of policy impacts on development countries 
by consultations, stakeholder engagements and ex-ante impact assessments and ex-post evaluations of 
major policy initiatives36. Policy initiatives should, wherever relevant, indicate how they contribute to 
sustainable development in developing countries. This is also instrumental for improving the EU and 
its  Member  States'  monitoring  and  reporting  capabilities  on  policy  coherence  for  development  and 

33 Trade for All. Towards a more responsible trade and investment policy, Communication from the Commission 
to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of 
the Regions, 14 October 2015 (COM(2015)497) 
34 Art. 21(3), TEU 
35 Council conclusions on Policy Coherence for Development (PCD): 2015 EU Report (paragraph 7), Council of 
the European Union, 26 October 2015 (13202/15) 
36  See  Better  regulation  for  better  results  –  An  EU  Agenda,  Communication  from  the  Commission  to  the 
European  Parliament,  the  Council,  the  European  Economic  and  Social  Committee  and  the  Committee  of  the 
Regions, 18 May 2015 (COM(2015)215) 

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impact on developing countries. Given the universality of the 2030 Agenda, the EU and its Member 
States  will  also  encourage  other  countries  to  assess  the  impact  of  their  own  policies  on  the 
achievement  of  the  SDGs,  including  in  developing  countries.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will 
moreover support partner countries in their own efforts to put in place enabling frameworks for policy 
coherence for sustainable development. They will promote policy coherence at international fora such 
as the UN and the G20. 

5.3. Development effectiveness 

90.  The EU and its Member States reaffirm their commitment to applying the key principles of 
development effectiveness, as confirmed at the Busan High Level Forum in 2011 and to putting 
them into practice in their development cooperation. These principles are: results; transparency and 
mutual  accountability;  democratic  ownership;  and  inclusive  development  partnerships.  The  Busan 
High  Level  Forum  emphasises  the  need  for  all  development  resources  and  all  partners  to  work 
together effectively to ensure sustainable outcomes.  The EU and its Member States will take forward 
this  work  across  the  board  including  through  the  Global  Partnership  for  Effective  Development 
Cooperation. Their development cooperation will be delivered in close cooperation with other partners 
and with full transparency towards citizens in Europe and developing countries.    

91.  The principles of development effectiveness apply to all forms of development cooperation. 
This  includes  international  public  finance,  such  as  ODA  and  south-south  cooperation,  civil  society 
actors,  philanthropic  foundations,  concessional  and  non-concessional  loans,  and  private  sector 
activities.    The  EU  and  its  Member  States  expect  all  other  development  partners  to  integrate  these 
principles into their own activities, adapted to their specific contexts.  

92.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  continue  to  champion  transparency,  which  should 
progressively cover the full range of development resources. They will develop tools to present and 
use development cooperation data more effectively to improve accountability processes and standards. 
They  will  support partner  countries  to link  resources  for  development  with  results,  by better  linking 
the planning and budgeting processes.  

93.  The EU and its Member States will promote the use of partner country systems for public 
financial management throughout the budget cycle, including procurement systems,  in order to 
help  improve  the  effectiveness  of  institutions  at  national  and  sub-national  level.  They  will  jointly 
assess the effectiveness of partner country systems, to ensure an informed and coordinated approach. 
They  are  committed  to  untying  their  aid  as  much  as  possible  and  encourage  all  providers  of 
development  cooperation,  including  emerging  economies,  to  do  the  same.  They  aim  to  refine  the 
definition of aid untying to ensure reciprocity between all international providers of finance. 

6.  FOLLOWING UP ON OUR COMMITMENTS 

94.  In relation to development cooperation, the EU and its Member States are fully committed 
to a comprehensive, transparent and accountable system for monitoring and review for the purpose 
of the 2030 Agenda.  

95.  The EU and its Member States will progressively adapt their reporting systems in this field 
to be consistent with the 2030 Agenda's follow-up processes and indicators. As part of this work, 
they  will  improve  the  quality  and  availability  of  data  on  their  development  cooperation  activities, 

26 

 
 
 
 
across  the  2030  Agenda.  They  will  work  to  ensure  that  reporting  is  consistent  with  that  of  other 
international commitments. 

96.  The EU and its Member States will integrate the 2030 Agenda and support the use of SDG 
indicators to measure development results at country level. In particular, SDG indicators can foster 
and  facilitate  a  common  EU  results-oriented  approach  that  favours  harmonised  results  reporting  at 
partner country level, including partner country level results frameworks, where they exist.  

97.  The EU and its Member States will produce a joint synthesis report on the impact of their 
actions in support of the 2030 Agenda in developing countries, as a contribution to EU reporting 
to the UN High Level Political Forum, when meeting at Head of State level every four years. This 
report  will  make  use  of  and  build  on  EU  reports,  including  reports  on  Results,  ODA  and  Policy 
Coherence for Development, and on monitoring of the SDGs in an EU context. 

98.  The EU and its Member  States will  boost  statistical  capacity  in  developing  countries.  This 
will  include  strengthened  capacity  for  the  production  and  analysis  of  data,  which  should  be 
disaggregated  where  possible  by  income,  gender,  age  and  other  factors,  and  provide  information  on 
marginalised, vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups, inclusive governance and other issues, consistent 
with the EU's rights-based approach. It will also include investments in stronger statistical institutions 
at  national  and  regional  level,  and  the  use  of  new  technologies  and  data  sources  such  as  Earth 
observation and geospatial information. 

99.  A mid-term assessment of the implementation of this Consensus will be carried out.  It will 
outline how the Consensus was applied and what it has achieved in support of implementation of the 
2030  Agenda.  The  EU  and  its  Member  States  will  systematically  check  progress  and  adjust  their 
actions  to  ensure  that  their  development  cooperation,  including  though  its  links  with  related  policy 
areas, continues to support implementation of the 2030 Agenda in developing countries.   

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