The Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU organized the first informal meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in the development format (FAC DEV) with the participation of the Commissioner for International Partnerships J. Síkela. The primary objective of the meeting was to discuss issues related to the EU’s current development and humanitarian policies, as well as strategic challenges for the future. Additionally, the financial contribution to Ukraine was discussed, along with funding priorities in view of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), which will take place in June in Seville. Furthermore, ways to implement the Global Gateway strategy were assessed, including methods to enhance private sector engagement.
In his intervention on the topic of Greek participation in the Global Gateway strategy and the creation of Team Greece, Mr. Skalkos emphasized the need for aligning strategic priorities and methods of participation and mobilization of private companies, public sector organizations, and financial institutions to develop flagship projects with broad impact. Mr. Skalkos underlined the importance of timely information on processes and tools for the private sector and supported the creation of a common European network of Export Credit Agencies (ECA) as an active partner in supporting EU businesses in risk mitigation for Global Gateway projects.
The Secretary-General emphasized the value of multifaceted cooperation (EU, local institutions, business community, financial sector, academic world, civil society), highlighting the importance that Greece places on the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), as well as robust risk mitigation mechanisms at the EU level.
Speaking about the financing of development assistance, Mr. Skalkos outlined the present situation, with a potential progressive disengagement of the USA from the field of development cooperation and under broader geopolitical uncertainties, as an environment that necessitates a coherent strategic response from the EU. The Global Gateway strategy enables the promotion of investments, the strengthening of cooperations with recipient countries, and the bridging of financial gaps, provided there are sufficient incentives for the private sector, alignment of financing with sustainable development goals, and development of financing from a broader range of sources. Finally, he mentioned that a coherent EU financing architecture is required, incorporating Official Development Assistance (ODA), lending, technical assistance, and guarantee mechanisms for external aid focused on results.
On the sidelines of the Council, the Secretary-General met with his Polish counterpart, Mr. Jakub Wiśniewski, with whom he exchanged views on strengthening bilateral trade and investments and promoting common trade and humanitarian initiatives.