The EU’s commitment to the Millennium Development Goals – Treading on thin ice

Ahead of the United Nations High-level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG Summit), taking place from September 20-22, in New York, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are calling upon the EU to step up its commitments towards the MDGs. In light of the recently published UN outcome document, titled "Keeping the Promise - United to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals", several European NGOs expressed their disappointment in regard to the commitments stated by the international community.

Emma Seery, a spokesperson for Oxfam International said: “This document lacks the adrenaline boost to accelerate the MDGs, and with only five years left, world leaders coming together in New York must commit to concrete actions that will ensure all people are lifted from poverty in our lifetime”.

Specifically the EU, being one of the major global actors and the largest donor of Development aid, should fulfil its responsibilities and finally take on its role as a world leader. The announcement of European Commission President Barroso to commit an extra € 1 billion to the MDGs campaign has been generally welcomed, but it has been emphasised that this money is not new as it draws on already existing development funds. It will also need agreement of EU member states, some of whom have been stalling such agreement over the past few months in the face of severe constraints in their public finances.

According to Simon Stocker, director of the European NGO network Eurostep, making further commitments alone will not change anything – “if the EU does not set out tangible actions that it will take to meet its commitments then it is only cherishing an illusion in being a global leader”.  As Michael Cashman MEP stated in the ‘The Parliament’, “donors are failing to live up to their promises, and EU countries are no exception ... Now is not the time for foolish indecisiveness. We need someone to step forward when no else will.”

So, what should the European Union do?

In a statement to the EU in advance of the Summit Eurostep emphasises the importance of transforming the global regulatory system so that it enables developing countries to pursue effective strategies for sustainable development that enable their citizen’s right not to live in poverty to be fulfilled.  “The system must be wholly consistent with the values and principles set out in the [Lisbon] treaty and based on the principles of equity, justice and sustainability”.  The ability to achieve all of the development goals depends on the establishment of such an international economic and financial regulatory system,.

“At the 2010 MDG review+10 summit next week, the EU must clearly state how it plans the practical implementation of its vision for the achievement of the MDGs. Rhetoric without action is not enough. And a vision without the political will to achieve it is just an illusion” Eurostep states.

Thus, the EU has to recognise the responsibilities of being the major global player it claims. If it fails to take on these responsibilities it will not contribute to a real change in the international community’s efforts in the realisation of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, and seriously undermine the likelihood of their achievement.