Denmark's participation in the EU development cooperation
The development policy landscape has changed radically in recent years, and in the future Denmark’s influence in the world will increasingly manifest itself through a strong and united EU. Despite its size, Denmark is highly respected for its development cooperation and has good experience of exerting influence in the EU. Therefore, Denmark has a great interest in a strong and dynamic EU that can provide an even more effective voice for Danish values and key priorities globally.
Strategic prioritisation
Together for a better world focuses on three areas where Denmark can help make a significant difference in the development field through the EU:
- The EU as a global force for human rights
The EU must incorporate human rights in all its relations and policies with developing countries by means of a human rights-based approach to development. By viewing human rights as both a means and an end, action can be taken to address the fundamental causes of poverty. - The EU as a stable partner in fragile states
The EU must unfold its full potential in terms of preventing conflicts, creating security and building stable and legitimate states. Denmark already plays an important role in relation to fragile states. The EU’s involvement must be strengthened and the synergies between EU policies must be utilised to an even greater degree. - The EU as a driver of green growth and employment
The EU must prioritise green growth and employment as a key to prosperity and as a precondition for sustainable development. The EU must use its influence in international negotiations to ensure that development, environment and climate are addressed in a coherent way. The EU must also promote equitable exploitation and use of natural resources as well as access to food.
Influence and results
The results of EU development cooperation must be made more visible. Denmark will be aware of the EU’s comparative strengths and weaknesses. Stronger focus must be placed on identifying in which areas greater EU cooperation will benefit Denmark. Denmark will seek influence by contributing to policy formulation and implementation at both capital and country level, by strengthening alliances with relevant actors and by strategic placement of Danish staff in Brussels and at EU delegations around the world. In this way, Denmark can be ambitious in its approach to EU cooperation within the development field.
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The EU dressed for a new world order
For Denmark it is crucial that the EU remains a relevant and effective actor in global development cooperation. This requires that the EU continues to adapt to changing global conditions, moves away from the traditional role of development donor, and positions itself as a preferred cooperation partner that is capable of demonstrating flexibility and innovation.Read more -
Introduction
The EU is a key platform and partner for Denmark in the field of development cooperation. Denmark has a clear interest in strong European cooperation in a world where global competition is becoming sharper and is challenging us at both the economic and the political level.Read more -
A common agenda
In its cooperation with the EU, Denmark will focus on those areas where Denmark can act as an agent of change, where there are comparative advantages in working through the EU, and where there are clear common interests. Denmark will use approaches that promote Danish influence and strengthen the interaction between Danish and EU development cooperation.Read more -
Joint approaches and instruments
Denmark has a clear interest in including EU cooperation more strategically into our own development cooperation – both across sectors and in relation to our bilateral and multilateral interventions. This requires that Denmark is able to influence processes, procedures and implementation in the EU cooperation.Read more -
Common ground in the multilateral cooperation
Strong EU cooperation in multilateral fora like the UN offers Denmark the opportunity to promote Danish development policy priorities. In areas where the EU and its Member States find consensus, international agendas can be pursued with great influence. In this respect, the EU’s common position on the post-2015 agenda is a good example. Here, the EU has adopted an ambitious position – e.g. in relation to the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls - due to efforts by Denmark and a group of like-minded countries.Read more -
EU development cooperation and the Danish general public
The EU and EU development cooperation do not take up much space in the Danish public debate, but this can be strengthened by including EU perspectives in the general Danish communication activities regarding development cooperation. Similarly, Danish elected representatives, civil society organisations, academia and the Danish resource base can become more actively involved in the debate on EU development cooperation.Read more -
Implementation of the strategic framework
In the implementation of this strategic framework, Denmark will build on its experience of influencing EU cooperation through applying an adapted and flexible approach. The opportunity to influence agendas and policies is often determined by alliance building opportunities, personal relationships and at what stage input is provided.Read more -
Annex 1: Glossary
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Annex 2: If you would like to know more
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