EU engagement with the private sector for development: Setting up a one-stop-shop?

The EC’s new Communication on engaging the private sector for development is broadly welcomed as ambitious and action oriented, bringing EU strategy up to date with other donor practices. However, although focused on the private sector, the proposed actions remain somewhat donor-centric with the private sector and partner countries seen as following a donor-led agenda. The value-added of an EU approach is not clear to many, given the growing range of existing Member States activities with the private sector. The Communication will be judged on its ability to facilitate local and EU business and jobs, requiring specific capacities and approaches, and coordination among governments, EU delegations, firms and Member States. Read Briefing Note 69 ECDPM Briefing Notes ECDPM Briefing Notes present policy findings and advice, prepared and disseminated by Centre staff in response to specific requests by its partners. The aim is to stimulate broader reflection and debate on key policy questions relating to EU external action, with a focus on relations with countries in the South. In addition to structural support by ECDPM’s institutional partners The Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, and Austria, this publication also benefits from funding from the Department of International Development (DFID), United Kingdom.