Development Policy
Human rights, ecology should stand higher than business interests
The Bishops of Latin America are concerned that the EU is more prompt in negotiating new trade deals than ensuring the respect of basic human rights, when violated by companies who have their headquarters in Europe, writes Cardinal Pedro Barreto.
EU countries top development policy charts
EU countries lead the way when it comes to development policy, according to a new report by a US-based think-tank. Eleven EU countries dominate the top-12 of the Commitment to Development Index published by the Center for Global Development on Tuesday (18 September).
The EU’s bank in Africa steps up the action
Whether or not Jean-Claude Juncker’s plans for a "partnership of equals" with Africa becomes reality any time soon, the Luxembourg-based European Investment Bank will have an ever-increasing role in the continent.
Wanted: New forms of trade partnership with Africa
After several months of different European leaders beating a path to the African continent, Jean-Claude Juncker’s European Commission has got in on the act. But for the moment, Brussels is not offering anything new on either trade or investment.
EU states rap UN mission in Nigeria for failing to secure aid access
European states warned the United Nations that more than 800,000 people are cut off from aid and may be starving in northeast Nigeria, contradicting government assertions that a crisis has abated and rebuking the world body for failing to secure access.
China pledges $60 billion to Africa, fends off accusations of setting a debt trap
China is helping Africa develop, not pile up debt, a top Chinese official said on Tuesday (4 September), as the government pushes back against criticism it is loading the continent with an unsustainable burden during a major summit in Beijing.
Africa prepares to drive a hard trade bargain with EU
Increasing trade between the EU and the ACP (African-Caribbean-Pacific), particularly African countries, lay at the heart of the ambition of the Cotonou Agreement. That was supposed to be embodied by regional Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) with the EU.
Impasse on migration clouds EU-Africa relations
The issue of how to control migration from Africa may have exorcised European leaders in recent years, but it could also derail the EU's main political agreement with the continent.
Tensions grow over the future of the ACP group
The African Union wants to have a continent-to-continent dialogue with Europe, a change that could make the framework of the Cotonou Agreement implode and leave the Pacific and Caribbean states out in the cold.
Merkel begins West African tour in Senegal
German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Senegal Wednesday (29 August), at the start of a West African tour, with Berlin hoping that development of the continent will help stem migration and boost the fight against jihadism.
EU-ACP relations after Cotonou Agreement: Re-set, re-launch or retreat?
Struck in 2000 in Benin, the Cotonou Agreement has shaped relations between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP) for nearly 20 years. The accord expires in 2020 and negotiations between the European Union and the ACP on its successor will begin in the coming weeks.
The Cotonou agreement, has it fulfilled its promises?
The Cotonou agreement has regulated cooperation between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries since 2000. With negotiations on its successor about to start, the results so far seem mixed. EURACTIV France reports.
May vows post-Brexit UK will be leading investor in Africa
British Prime Minister Theresa May today (28 August) pledged to prioritise investment in Africa as she started a three-nation visit to the continent to drum up new trade deals ahead of leaving the European Union.
Emmerson Mnangagwa sworn in as president of Zimbabwe
Emmerson Mnangagwa was officially sworn in as president of Zimbabwe on Sunday (26 August) after winning a bitterly-contested election which was the country's first since the ousting of strongman Robert Mugabe.
Children in humanitarian crises: How the EU can help them
The European Union (EU) has the opportunity to positively shape the lives of children trapped in conflicts, natural disasters and other humanitarian situations around the world. On World Humanitarian Day (19 August), Delphine Moralis explains why this is so important and what the bloc can do.
Central Africa rebels rearm after military gets Russia weapons
Russia's supply of weapons to the Central African Republic's military has sparked an arms race, with rebels turning to traffickers in Sudan for fresh gun shipments, according to a UN panel of experts.
Chad hosts CAR refugees despite poverty
Chad is a country struck by conflict and poverty, yet it has welcomed nearly 400,000 refugees from neighbouring countries, especially from the Central African Republic (CAR). EURACTIV.fr reports.
Roses instead of opium: Afghan farmers enjoy sweet smell of success
Standing in a field of roses in eastern Afghanistan, former poppy grower Mohammad Din Sapai quickly but carefully plucks the delicate petals that will be turned into rose water and oils for sale around the world.
AIDS fight falters, report says
For the first time the number of AIDS-related deaths has dropped below 1 million, according to a new report published by UNAIDS. However, progress is still too slow and as a result, 2020 HIV targets might not be reached. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Migration can only be tackled by the EU as a whole
Without a shared EU foreign policy, the notion of halting future migration waves is unrealistic, write Ilhan Kyuchyuk and Samuel Doveri Vesterbye. Ilhan Kyuchyuk MEP (Bulgaria) is ALDE Vice President and Member of the European Parliament; Samuel Doveri Vesterbye is...
Child malnutrition still prevalent in Chad’s capital
In the capital of Chad, N'Djamena, the Chad-China Friendship Hospital treats cases of acute malnutrition in young children, a countryside phenomena that has taken over the city in the past few years. EURACTIV.fr reports.
EU is shutting out UK aid agencies, minister tells MPs
The UK’s development minister accused the European Commission on Tuesday (17 July) of discriminating against UK aid agencies, in a move that could scupper future partnerships after the UK leaves the EU.
EU relies on stability in the Sahel for its own security
“Europe’s security, and that of Spain, depend on security in the Sahel," said the EU Special Representative for the Sahel, Ángel Losada. EURACTIV’s partner Euroefe reports.