Väyrynen proposes a global strategy for the EU

Press release 189/2010
14 June 2010

Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Paavo Väyrynen proposed a comprehensive global strategy for the EU in the EU Development Ministers meeting on 14 June in Luxembourg. Väyrynen expressed his concern for the efforts to reduce development policy as a part of a narrow definition of foreign and security policy.

“A global strategy for the EU would coherently implement development policy by linking it with trade policy, environmental and climate policies, financial system development, and foreign and security policy,” Väyrynen said.

Väyrynen emphasized that while enforcing the Lisbon treaty, attention should be paid to its specific focuses on development policy and sustainable development. Based on these points, development policy should be a central and essential part of the EU external actions.

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, who chaired the meeting, welcomed Minister Väyrynen's proposal and expressed her intention to discuss the topic in the informal meeting for the EU Development Ministers in October.

Further information: Päivi Nevala, Advisor to the Minister, tel. +358 40 753 4375