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Europe matters

Europe has the potential to make a real contribution to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Together with Member States the European Commission (EC) provides over half the worlds development assistance and, in 2002 it was the third largest provider of official development assistance (oda). It is also the largest provider of humanitarian assistance- a fact often overlooked. As the main commercial partner of many developing countries its role in trade relations is significant. Finally, around a quarter of DFID's budget is channelled through the EC (which equated to £882m in 2002/03). Contributions are obligatory, not discretionary (except for the European Development Fund which is negotiated every 5 years).

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) ministerial meeting in Hong Kong in December will aim to take forward the current round of trade talks (the Doha Development Agenda - DDA). We will want to work with our European Union (EU) partners, the Commission and the European Parliament to achieve the best possible result at that meeting. We want an outcome which leads to global economic growth, including through better access to markets for developing countries, in particular for the poorest nations in the world. We want an outcome which reflects the MDGs, and which allows the DDA to be completed by 2006.

On 1st July the UK took over the Presidency (or rotating chair) of the EU Council until the end of 2005. The UK will be responsible for representing EU views to third countries, for example, with the Commission in Trade negotiations.

DFID and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) work together closely on many of the shared policy areas of UK Government such as international trade. We need to also work with our European partners to deliver on these policy commitments.

See the Doha Development Agenda

Last updated: 4 October 2005

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