Today in Berlin, German Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul presented the development policy program of the German EU Presidency. Addressing representatives of the diplomatic corps of the EU member states, of the ACP (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) countries and of countries engaged in bilateral development cooperation with Germany, she underlined the importance and responsibility of Europe, the most important donor worldwide: "The European Community accounts for far over half of all official development assistance worldwide. It is the most important trading partner for many developing countries and it has considerable influence over achieving greater justice in the world trade order. The EU must live up to that important role."
Wieczorek-Zeul pointed out that in 2007, Germany has a twofold opportunity to work for that: "We want to make use of the unique opportunity provided to us by our simultaneous presidency of the EU and the G8, which will enable us to make headway on many issues for the benefit of the people in our partner countries."
Africa will be a focus of both presidencies. The Minister emphasized that Africa is not a continent of disasters, crises and wars. Rather, she noted, our neighboring continent is demonstrating great reform momentum and stable growth and is using its own ideas and potential to take its development into its own hands. "Africa is the place that will determine whether or not the global fight against poverty succeeds and the Millennium Development Goals adopted by the international community are achieved. The fate of Africa and of the African people has a direct bearing on Europe. Europe needs a strong Africa," said the Minister.
The German Development Minister stated that one central issue for the German EU Presidency would be the improvement of links between trade and development, citing the example of the Economic Partnership Agreements to be concluded by the end of 2007 between the EU and the 78 ACP countries. Another focal topic is the sustainable development of energy resources in Africa, especially the promotion of energy efficiency and the use of domestic renewable energies, so as to reduce dependence on oil. Strong support for the fight against the global scourge of AIDS is also high on the agenda. Africa, and particularly African women, is affected dramatically by AIDS and by its economic and social consequences. The Minister stated that Germany would also be making every effort to further the sustained implementation of gender equality in European development cooperation so as to strengthen women's important role for development. Another important goal is support for the EU's reform efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its aid.
For the first time in Europe, there will be a team presidency with the countries to assume the Presidency after Germany, that is, Portugal and Slovenia. The elaboration of a joint work program for 18 months (January 2007 – June 2008) enhances the continuity of European policymaking and fosters closer relations between the countries of Europe. The State Secretaries for development cooperation from Portugal and Slovenia, Professor João Cravinho and Andrej Šter, presented the development policy program paper with the longer-term issues which the team plans to advance in close cooperation.
