EU development co-operation ministers discuss EU contribution to eradication of global poverty

In Brussels on 27 May, under the aegis of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, the meeting of the EU development co-operations ministers continued, in which Latvia was represented by the Under-Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maija Manika.

At the meeting, the EU member states exchanged views on the EU contribution towards reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in preparation for the UN high-level event on the MDGs in New York on 25 September 2008.

The Council assessed achievements so far towards reaching the MDGs and agreed on the need for further progress in order to reach the goals for 2010 and 2015, and to reduce global poverty. Foreign Ministry's Under-Secretary of State Maija Manika indicated at the meeting that Latvia acknowledges its commitments and is working to meet them as far as it can within the limits of the macroeconomic situation. She added, however, that development co-operation should be considered in a wider context, not only assessing the amount of the EU-rendered assistance but also improving the quality and effectiveness of this assistance.

In view of the steep rise in food prices, the EU member states voiced the determination to give a collective response towards resolving the problems arising from the food crisis,addressing short-term, medium-term, and long term issues.

The issue of the EU's implementation of the MDG will be examined at the 19 and 20 June European Council as well.

At the development co-operation ministers session, the member states also discussed current issues regarding the Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, confirming their commitment to finalise the talks at the earliest time possible and to implement the above agreements, which would facilitate the sustainable development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.

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