Panel discussion
The future of EU development cooperation: Navigating trade-offs in a contested world
On 23 September 2026, from 09:15 to 12:45 CEST, ECDPM and Oxfam will co-host a high-level discussion on the future direction of EU development cooperation as part of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union’s Associated Presidency Events.
Taking place between the meeting of EU Development Directors and the informal Foreign Affairs Council (Development), this timely event contributes to the Irish Presidency’s reflections by exploring how the EU can translate its growing emphasis on mutually beneficial partnerships into practice through the proposed Global Europe Instrument as negotiations move forward and preparations begin for the next programming cycle.
Registration link forthcoming.
Background
The EU has long positioned itself as a global leader in development cooperation, underpinned by commitments to poverty reduction, sustainable development, multilateralism and international partnerships. Today, however, development cooperation operates in a rapidly changing environment characterised by fiscal pressure, geopolitical competition and growing expectations that it should also contribute to Europe's economic, security and foreign policy objectives.
This evolution is reflected in the proposed Global Europe Instrument, which places increasing emphasis on mutually beneficial partnerships and aligning development cooperation with broader European strategic interests. While this approach creates new opportunities for cooperation, it also raises important questions about implementation, priority-setting and the trade-offs that emerge in practice.
Bringing together senior representatives from EU institutions, Member States, partner countries, civil society, the private sector and the research community, the event will focus on two central questions:
- How can the Global Europe Instrument balance development, economic and geopolitical objectives in practice?
- How can the EU ensure that longstanding development priorities—including engagement in fragile and conflict-affected contexts and gender equality—are not crowded out as development cooperation increasingly responds to broader strategic objectives?
