The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, represented by the Portuguese Presidency, signed the regulation establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI-Global Europe). The regulation entered into force on 14 June 2021.
With a new financial instrument for neighbourhood, development and international cooperation (the so-called NDICI-Global Europe instrument), the EU has given itself the means to enhance its external action. It is now in the process of programming and implementing the new instrument, with a clear focus on new strategic priorities and new ways of working. The meaning, scope and implications of such changes are still difficult to grasp – yet, they are far-reaching.
NDICI-Global Europe is the main financial instrument for the EU’s external action, and is of ever greater importance in the light of the heavy economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.
With an overall allocation of €79.5 billion at current prices, for 2021-2027, representing an increase of over 10% compared to the previous budgetary cycle, the new instrument will cover cooperation with all third countries.
NDICI-Global Europe will be organised around three key pillars:
– Geographical: The geographical component will promote partnerships through cooperation with partner countries in the following regions: the European Neighbourhood, sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and the Americas and the Caribbean.
– Thematic: The thematic programmes – for which €6 358 million is allocated – will fund actions linked to the Sustainable Development Goals at global level, including support for civil society organisations. Thematic programmes will therefore focus on human rights and democracy, civil society, stability and peace, as well as on global challenges such as health, education and training, women and children, work, social protection, culture, migration and climate change.
– Rapid response: The rapid response component, amounting to €3 182 million, will be dedicated to financing the quick response capacity for crisis management, conflict prevention and peace building. Actions financed within this component aim to strengthen the resilience of crisis-affected countries, link humanitarian and development actions and address foreign policy needs and priorities.
The full regulation is here.
ECDPM developed a guide providing answers to some key questions you may have on NDICI-Global Europe. It summarises the main aspects of the EU’s approach to development and international cooperation, building on and referring to relevant ECDPM publications and analyses.
Explore the ECDPM guide
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