On 1 and 2 February 2016, Luxembourg's Minister of Cooperation and Humanitarian Action, Romain Schneider, was in Amsterdam to attend the informal meeting of Development Ministers organised by the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The informal meeting began with an exchange of views on the Eu global strategy of foreign policy and security in the presence of the High Representation of the Union and Vice-President of the Commission, Federica Mogherini.
At a subsequent dinner, the ministers discussed relations between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) within the context of the expiry of the Cotonou Agreement in 2020. Those present reviewed possible options for the future framework , based on the preliminary results obtained through a recent public consultation.
The following day allowed for in-depth discussions on global strategy and the role of development therein. The focus was on the need for an inclusive, multidimensional and effective approach, bringing together all available stakeholders from both a geographical and thematic point of view and providing a response to the crises and conflicts faced by the EU. The development sector could provide a reservoir of good ideas, tools and best practices to contribute towards this strategy and benefit existing development partnerships.
The ministers also discussed ways of improving the situation for Syrian refugees as well as their host communities. The EU will be working with Lebanon and Jordan to help refugees obtain work, education, care and water. The need for substantial financial emergency aid for both medium- and long-term development was highlighted ahead of the Supporting Syria and its Regions conference taking place in London on Thursday. The importance of the first World Humanitarian Summit being held next May in Istanbul was equally highlighted in this respect.
"Safety, food and a roof above their head is not enough," remarked Lilianne Ploumen, Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. "These refugees need work, education for their children, and a place in society. This is a huge challenge for countries like Lebanon and Jordan, which they cannot meet alone."
The ministerial meeting ended with a joint lunch between Development Ministers and Trade Ministers to focus on the link between these two areas and a sustainable global value chain. The debate centered around the mutual strengthening of trade and development policies to stimulate the responsible behaviour of economic actors.
Minister Schneider also used the opportunity of his presence in Amsterdam to hold several bilateral meetings with EU Ministers in charge of Development.
Photo by Dutch Government
