Ashton and Schulz joint statement on the European Consensus on Development

EU News 146/2014

Brussels, 03 April 2014
140403/02

Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, signed today in the European Parliament the European Consensus on Development, in the presence of the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz.

President Schulz and High Representative Ashton issued the following statement:

"The European Consensus on Development is the compass for the actions under the European Union's development policy.

European Development Policy is a true success story of which the European Union can be proud. In a rapidly changing world, the EU must remain committed to this policy. It must continue to be the leading donor of official development assistance and remain at the forefront in the fight for the eradication of poverty.

With this signature, the High Representative gives renewed impetus to the EU's engagement towards developing countries.

On the second day of the EU-Africa Summit and ahead of the European Year for Development 2015, this renewed commitment is both timely and significant. The signature underscores that the EU's determination to eradicate poverty is as vital today, the last year for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, as it was when the Consensus was first signed at the end of 2005, before the creation of the EEAS."

Source and additional information:
http://eeas.europa.eu/statements/docs/2014/140403_02_en.pdf

File Photo: Martin Schulz, EP President (C)EU, 2012 URL

• Tweet