CIAO DATE: 04/2013
March 2013
Danish Institute for International Studies
The EU has played a key role in the provision of global public goods, notably on climate policy and food security. However, challenges are numerous. This DIIS Report takes up the challenges and opportunities for EU institutions in collaboration with member states to adapt to a changing global landscape and to play a leading role in the management of global public goods. The current EU negotiations on a 2014-2020 multi-annual financial framework include a proposal of a new Development Cooperation Instrument having, for the first time, a thematic programme on global public goods. This new thematic programme, representing euro 6.3 billion out of a proposed budget of euro 20.597 billion, reflects the growing priorities for tackling global public goods. However, the geographical and thematic focus on poverty reduction of this “traditional” development instrument might turn out to be a restricting factor for engaging in strategic actions on global public goods. The framework for EU collaboration with middle income countries is increasingly developed within partnership agreements. The report underscores the need for further developing the EU partnership instrument to have a more complete toolbox to engage global public goods. In order to reduce the gap between expectations and capabilities, the report also highlights institutional issues and structural caveats. The EU can increase its influence on the global scene by improving its internal coherence and avoid or at least control the usual turf wars. Finally, in an emerging polycentric world, the report points to the need for a flexible approach to co-shaping changes with other influential actors and developing strategic alliances.
Resource link: The EU and Global Public Goods: Challenges and opportunities [PDF]