A conversation around the next Multiannual Financial Framework: options for EU development cooperation.

The new MFF 2021-2027 will be a critical juncture for European development cooperation since it is expected to assess both the effectiveness of existing external action instruments, and the potential for the EU budget to contribute to new areas, including defence and security. However the current MFF doesn’t seem to be fit for purpose to respond to the current global challenges. In such circumstances, it is essential for the EU to rethink its place in international cooperation and equip itself with policies and funding instruments to enable it to play a leadership role.
L’Institut du développement durable et des relations internationales (IDDRI) in collaboration with the European Think Tanks Group (ETTG) organized in Paris the first of series of debates around the next EU MFF at Member States level. Invitees discussed about opportunities, challenges and risks of options for future financing instrument, and questioned the extent to which development cooperation is prioritised amongst other external policies.