Today in Riga S&D MEPs took part in the launch of the European Year for Development. This year is a great opportunity for EU institutions and countries to discuss global development policies. A focused European strategy on international development and greater policy coherence for development are needed to help people living in the world's poorest countries, reduce poverty and co-ordinate EU efforts for sustainable and inclusive development. 2015 must remind EU citizens why international development is in everyone's interests and redefine how the EU leads on global development.
Linda McAvan, S&D MEP and chair of the European Parliament's development committee, said:
"2015 is a vital year for international development policy. As we reach the target date for achieving the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), work is now underway to agree a new global development framework at the UN in September. The European Year for Development is a great opportunity to galvanise support for a strong new framework amongst EU citizens. We want the Year for Development to show that development policy works. It has concrete effects in improving the lives of millions, but there is still more to be done. The EU must play a leading role in these efforts, in partnership with other countries, international organisations and civil society."
Arne Lietz, S&D spokesperson for the European Year for Development said:
"Joined-up policies are crucial in development co-operation. Countries like Denmark or Finland have an annual coherence report to ensure different policy areas work together. I will push for such an annual policy coherence report from the German government. If we want to achieve sustainable results in development policy, we need stronger co-operation between all players."
The launch will be streamed live here: http://ec.europa.eu/avservices/ebs/schedule.cfm?&page=3&institution=0&date=01/09/2015
