9 June 2021,
The European Parliament voted today on the Global Europe Instrument, formerly known as the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). With 79,5 billion euro, it will be the main European fund to finance the European external policies and development cooperation.
Vice-Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the European Parliament, Željana Zovko said this fund will reassure the EU’s role as a global actor. „By merging ten existing regulations, the new instrument will streamline the financial allocations and render our external actions faster and more efficient,“ Zovko stated.
The Instrument will contain geographic programmes, focussing on good governance, democracy, rule of law and human rights, stability and peace, etc. in specific geographic areas. A separate part of the instrument is planned for specific thematic programmes, covering worldwide challenges, such as health, education, culture, migration, environment and climate change. A rapid response component will enable the EU to react to urgencies and emergency crisis and invest in conflict prevention and post-crisis situations.
An important part of the Global Europe Instrument is the improved democratic accountability and involvement of the European Parliament. “Just as in the recent deal on IPA III, the Parliament will play a role in the programming of the instrument via a delegated act. Parliament will also be consulted on the implementation of the fund via a renewed geopolitical dialogue with the Commission.” Zovko said.
“The European Union was already the leading donor of development assistance and with this new instrument we show our commitment to our international partners and our readiness to defend the European interests worldwide” Zovko concluded.