A coherent EU development policy: Is it really possible?

The European Union has enshrined development policy coherence in the Lisbon Treaty. But given the nature of its politics, is it realistic for the regional bloc to indeed achieve a comprehensive strategy for aid?

The European Union has “to have that ambition” of a coherent global development framework, Isabella Lovin, a member of the European Parliament from Sweden told Devex Editor Rolf Rosenkranz on the margins of the 2012 European Development Days in Brussels. There remains, however, a lot of resistance on how to tie development with agriculture, fisheries and trade, she noted.

In this conversation, Lovin also addressed questions on how emerging economies are changing development cooperation, and whether the European Union, particularly with its fisheries agreements, is practicing the type of aid-for-access-to-natural resources deals that China has been criticized for.

An official media partner of EDD12, Devex was in Brussels to talk with the movers and shakers in international development. We video-taped conversations with more than 50 decision makers and thought leaders from the private, nonprofit and public sectors on hot-button issues in humanitarian relief, global health, social responsibility and international development.

Check out our complete coverage of European Development Days 2012.