Ashton supports Finnish initiative for renewing the EU Sustainable Development Strategy

Press release 358/2010
9 December 2010

Development Ministers discussed the future of the EU development policy in an External Relations Council meeting on 9 December. In the meeting, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen proposed that updating of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS), originally adopted in 2006, should be started in the coming year. The proposal had been submitted to High Representative Catherine Ashton and other Development Ministers prior to the meeting.

”The proposed update should be made urgently in order to keep the Sustainable Development Strategy in line with the Europe 2020 growth strategy and institutional renewals in the Lisbon treaty. The brief section on external policies in the SDS should be elaborated onto a comprehensive EU global strategy,” Minister Väyrynen proposed.

On the background, there is a need for a more strategic approach to the EU external relations to achieve better results. A global strategy would encompass all policy sectors and ensure consistent activities.

”The global strategy should be based on our common values and interests. Coherent development policy could be achieved by linking the global strategy with trade policy, environmental and climate policies, financial system development, and foreign and defence policies,” Väyrynen said.

High Representative Ashton declared she would table the proposal at the preparations for the December European Council as requested by Väyrynen.

Finland delivered introduction to May UN Conference discussions

On request by High Representative Ashton, Finland delivered introduction to discussion on the EU objectives for the United Nations Conference on the least developed countries. Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen underlined the vulnerability of the 40 least developed countries in his introductory speech at supper.

”The EU can express support to the poorest countries in the world. In addition to increasing development aid, the EU should focus on supporting the private sector, increasing agricultural investment, supporting international trade, promoting good governance and mitigating climate change,” Väyrynen said.

The fourth UN Conference on the least developed countries convenes in Istanbul in May. Finland chairs the preparation committee for the conference.

Further information: Petri Neittaanmäki, Senior Political Adviser to Minister Väyrynen, tel. +358 40 553 8245