Over the last few decades, the European financial architecture for development has changed significantly. Development finance is currently a central piece in the EU's development policy toolbox but with scarce resources available, a serious assessment is needed.

Le prochain budget de l'UE (2021-2027) est en cours de négociation. En avril, le Parlement européen a confirmé sa position sur Instrument de voisinage (NDICI), de coopération au développement et de coopération internationale, qui déterminera la coopération au développement de l'UE sur cette période.

The next EU budget (2021-2027) is under negotiation. In April the European Parliament confirmed its stand on the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI), which will determine EU development cooperation during this period. The Parliament’s position includes crucial provisions to ensure that the instrument is up to the task of eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities and supporting sustainable development.

Over the years the World Bank has developed a number of “guidance tools” on public-private partnerships (PPPs) aimed to support public authorities to implement PPP projects. 

The United Nations convened in New York last week for the Financing for Development Forum. While the outcome document has been negotiated in advance, the Forum itself offered lots of opportunities to discuss what change we need to finance the sustainable development goals. 

The World Bank exerts enormous influence over the economies of developing countries through loan conditions, advisory services, technical assistance and policy blueprints. 

While the IMF cautions against the fiscal risks of public-private partnerships (PPPs), the institution is simultaneously backing them at a country programme level and advocates austerity measures that push governments towards expanding PPPs through constrained budgets.

In its recent annual report, the French Court of Auditors pinpoints cases of failed public-private partnerships (PPPs) once again.