EU Policy Coherence for Development: The challenge of sustainability
The EU has been at the forefront of efforts to define and implement the concept of policy coherence for development (PCD) in recent years. A range of instruments has been established to promote the inclusion of development issues in all EU policies. The workshop offered a platform for a lively debate among practitioners and researchers about the achievements of the EU in practice, the potential of recent reforms such as the better regulation package, and the lessons learnt from PCD efforts steered by the OECD at international level. As regards the security-development nexus, speakers highlighted both the progress made in enhancing PCD, for example through the comprehensive approach, and the risks of 'securitising' development policy. The Sustainable Development Goals, which include a target for 'Policy Coherence of Sustainable Development', have added a new layer to the debate. The UN views PCSD as a key factor in facilitating the achievement of the SDGs, and the OECD has taken the concept fully on board. But there are also critical voices which fear that the broader approach could lead to the dilution of the clearly defined legal obligation enshrined in the EU treaties. There was some consensus that PCD needs high-level political engagement to be effective.
Study
External author
Maurizio CARBONE and Mark FURNESS
About this document
Publication type
Policy area
Keyword
- aid evaluation
- common foreign and security policy
- cooperation policy
- coordination of aid
- developing countries
- development aid
- economic analysis
- economic conditions
- economic policy
- ECONOMICS
- EU finance
- EU financing
- European construction
- EUROPEAN UNION
- FINANCE
- free movement of capital
- impact study
- INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
- INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
- money laundering
- POLITICS
- politics and public safety
- public safety
- sustainable development
- the EU's international role
- UN Development Programme
- United Nations
- use of aid