On 4 April the European Commission adopted three Communications relating to EU policies and programmes in the field of external cooperation, more specifically in terms of increased public aid for development, support for trade and the effectiveness of aid for development projects. “The documents show the clear political determination of Europe, which is succeeding in maintaining its own ambitious commitments”, said Louis Michel, Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, according to whom the “dual challenge” consists today, on the one hand, “in honouring our pledges by furnishing our partners with increased and foreseeable aid”, and on the other in distributing our efforts more fairly between member states. In 2006 the EU and member states – that consolidated their position as leaders among world donors – contributed to the development of the “poor” countries to the tune of roughly 48 billion euros, equivalent to 100 euros per year for each citizen (in comparison with 69 euros for the Japanese and 53 for the Americans). The percentage of gross national product thus reached, 0.42%, is higher that the fixed objective of 0.39%. The priorities of the EU for the next three years confirm the intention to increase the level of public aid (positive measure of cooperation to development and the fight against poverty), while decreasing the percentage of non-growth-creating debt alleviation; to promote the exports of beneficiary countries by facilitating their access to international markets; and to conclude economic partnership accords (APE) in the framework of relations between the EU and the ACP countries (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific).
