SPEECH at the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly St Julian's, 19 June 2017 Page 1 of 20
Members of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, As always, it is a pleasure to join you again - on this occasion in the beautiful town of St Julian's. As you may know, Saint Julian is the patron saint of travellers - known for providing safe passage across a river, and a refuge for the sick and needy. Page 2 of 20
May the legacy of this saint continue to guide us, particularly in these times, when others are turning their back to some of the most pressing needs of people and of our planet. Precisely in this spirit, our partnership stands firm against a tide of protectionism and isolationism - a beacon of hope for responsible global leadership and solidarity. Given that we represent more than half of the United Nation's members, we need to take our global responsibilities even more seriously than ever. Page 3 of 20
I am proud, for example, that we continue to stand united in the fight against climate change. I am very happy to discuss how we can strengthen and deepen our cooperation even further and in other fields here today. As you may know, since we last met the European Union reaffirmed its determination to help deliver on global commitments. Page 4 of 20
As the world's leading humanitarian and development actor, the European Union is ready to play its part in full, to maintain clear momentum and keep global efforts on the right track to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development worldwide by 2030. Less than two weeks ago, the Presidents of the European Commission, Parliament and Council on behalf of our Member States came together to sign a new European Consensus on Development. Page 5 of 20
This Consensus commits the European Union and our Member States to an ambitions joint vision and framework for action, fully aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, which will enable us to work better and more closely together, making the most of our respective strengths and advantages. Like the 2030 Agenda, it focuses on the 5Ps of people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership. And emphasises the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainable development. Page 6 of 20
Of course, poverty eradication remains our primary objective. But we want to take a broader and more flexible approach, working with different actors, with countries at all stages of development, in a variety of circumstances, and across a wider range of issues. Page 7 of 20
We therefore want to take account of all relevant policies, including our humanitarian, security, migration,and climate actions - not at the expense of our development objectives - but precisely because an integrated approach offers us the best chance of truly achieving them. Page 8 of 20
And we believe that there are a number of cross-cutting elements, which really have the potential to drive significant change across all of our development goals including gender equality, youth, mobility and migration, sustainable energy, investment, domestic resources, innovative partnerships and good governance. Finally, as agreed in Addis, we also want to promote a more systematic and coordinated use of all means of implementation, going beyond traditional aid. Page 9 of 20
In 2016 once again, the European Union reaffirmed its position as the largest global development actor. Together with our Member States we delivered close to 60 percent of the total official development assistance way ahead of any other donor. In the new Consensus, we have reconfirmed both the 0.7 percent target - of Gross National Income dedicated to ODA - and our specific pledge for the Least Developed Countries. But we all know that, whilst important, ODA is just small piece of the puzzle. Page 10 of 20
This is why the new Consensus proposes to use public money in a much smarter way, to encourage the greater use of domestic resources and private investments, supported by sound policies. This is why we have put forward proposals for an ambitious European External Investment Plan, which has the potential to generate up to 44 billion euros of much-needed investment in vital social and economic infrastructure, SMEs, and opportunities for women and young people. Page 11 of 20
We could reach double that amount if other partners join this effort. As you know, this renewed approach to European development policy goes hand-in-hand with our work to ensure that the new relationship between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries beyond 2020 is also fit for purpose, and fit to respond to new global challenges and opportunities. Page 12 of 20
Since we last met, we have intensified our dialogue and outreach, both within Europe and with our African, Caribbean and Pacific partners, including through the ongoing engagement of former European Commissioners, Pascal Lamy and Louis Michel. Amongst EU Member States, there is clear support for a more modern, political and targeted partnership. Page 13 of 20
The starting point for our relations under the new partnership should be the new global framework for sustainable development, agreed in Addis, New York and Paris - and of course for us the new European Consensus on development. We need to address the current weaknesses, while exploiting the strengths of our current 'aquis,' focusing on our common values, with more tailored priorities at the regional level. Page 14 of 20
In this way, I believe that we can strengthen and modernise our relations, while maintaining the unquestioned added-value of our partnership and adding the much needed flexibility. As I said, I want this process to be one of genuine dialogue. And to prepare the ground now for a successful outcome to the formal discussions, which we hope to begin next summer at the latest. Page 15 of 20
I count on you, the elected representatives of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, to bring this debate to your citizens and Governments, and in turn to reflect their views in our deliberations. Finally, as you know, 2017 is also a particularly important year for our relations with Africa, which will culminate in the 5 th African Union- European Union Summit in Abidjan in November. Page 16 of 20
This Summit offers a unique opportunity to create a stronger, deeper and more action-orientated partnership, for greater prosperity and stability on both continents. To prepare for the Summit, we recently put forward proposals, setting out policy priorities and concrete initiatives for 2018 to 2020 - to help deliver the global 2030 Agenda and Africa's own Agenda 2063. Page 17 of 20
In the short to medium term we suggest, first and foremost, to focus on creating more and better jobs, especially for young people, including by increasing investment from the African and European private sectors. This means creating the framework in which sustainable, inclusive, responsible and green growth can thrive. And creating the right conditions for innovation to flourish - particularly in sectors with high job creation potential, such as agri-business, renewable energy and digital technologies. Page 18 of 20
Secondly, we need to ensure more resilient states and societies, by improving security, governance, and migration and mobility management. Ladies and Gentlemen, As we carry on our discussions here today on how to strengthen our cooperation in all of these areas, let us keep in mind the principles of mutual respect, equality and solidarity on which our partnership was built. Page 19 of 20
As Saint Julian did, may we continue to stand firm together - in these troubled waters. May we act as a bridge which connects people and continents. And may we always offer our support to those who need it the most. Thank you very much and I look forward to our discussions. (words 1,205) Page 20 of 20