EU Development policy and humanitarian development policy

The EU is the world's largest donor of aid within development cooperation and humanitarian action. The Lisbon Treaty strengthened the EU's international capacity by creating the position of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European External Action Service (EEAS).

On a day-to-day basis, the EU's development and humanitarian work is carried out by the Commission's Directorate-General for Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO) and Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), as well as by the European External Action Service.

The EU's foreign policy toolbox covers development, humanitarian aid, crisis management, diplomacy, as well as trade. It provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the fight against global poverty, ensure stable and sustainable development, and provide assistance, aid, and protection to populations in third countries, as well as meet the humanitarian needs that arise in various situations.

Together, the EU and its member states are the world's largest development policy actor. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs works to ensure that EU cooperation in the field of development is an integral part of Danish development cooperation and that the EU is used as a platform to promote Danish development policy and humanitarian priorities and values.

Denmark also works to strengthen the EU's role and capacity as a development and humanitarian actor. This is to be achieved through increased coordination between Member States and with EU institutions, and by ensuring that EU policies, instruments, and efforts are aligned.