Reform of the European Institutions

The European institutions are in the process of reforming the political and institutional structures dealing with external relations and development. The aim is to bring greater consistency and efficiency in the EU's foreign policy. But where will development fit?

Within the Commission the programming and implementation of nearly all European development actions have recently been moved under the direct responsibility of the Commissioner for External Relations. There is ample confirmation that the completion of the process, to submerge 'development' under external relations, is due to take place in 2003 or 2004. At this time the political portfolio of the Commission of Development will have become irrelevant since he will function under direct surveillance of the Commissioner for External Relations.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Council, Javier Solana, has expressed the view that the Development Council could and should be abolished - and development issues can be dealt with by the General Affairs Council.

Will there continue to be space for a development policy, which is based on its own independent development policy objectives? Or will development policy be made subordinate to foreign policy?

Publications
		Date
	Aid groups lash out at Solana plan to streamline Councils. David Cronin, European Voice	May 2002
	Tackling Poverty - A Proposal for European Union Aid Reform. Presentation by Mirjam van Reisen (31 KB)	March 2002
	Intégration européenne et élargissement - La politique de développement européenne a-t-elle un avenir? Mirjam van Reisen (96 KB)	October 2001
	Europe's Link with the Development World - New Directions? Joined-up Development Policy: Europe's Role within the International Donor Community. Contribution to the Wilton Park Conference by Mirjam van Reisen (54 KB)	2000
	SNV Online Reference: SNV is publisher of the European Union Online Reference Guide - a Key Info Guide on Foreign and Development Policy & Funding of the European Union.	November 2001