Today, following years of debate, the Council of the EU finally adopted its common position on the Global Gateway strategy, launched in 2021.

In response, María José Romero, Policy and Advocacy Manager at the European Network on Debt and Development (Eurodad), said: 

“The long-awaited Council Conclusions on the EU’s Global Gateway strategy solidify its status as the main EU offer for development cooperation. However, the  Council’s claim that the Global Gateway is a “positive and comprehensive offer” is a dangerous contradiction. By attempting to merge partner-country priorities with the EU’s geostrategic interests - like securing raw materials and competitiveness for European industry - is simply rebranding EU corporate self-interest as development cooperation. 

“The emphasis on transparency, country ownership and civil society engagement is welcome, as is the call from the Council to get more enhanced monitoring of results and impact. This reflects longstanding civil society concerns and recent calls from the European Parliament that must dictate how this strategy is implemented going forward. 

“Yet, with the Global Gateway poised to become the definitive blueprint for EU development, its strong reliance on private investment and mutual benefit remains deeply alarming. True alignment with partner-country priorities means supporting local value addition and public services - not corporate bottom lines.” 

ENDS 

Media contact: Julia Ravenscroft, Communications Manager: [email protected]/ +44 7958184695