Spotlight on two major instruments: the DCI and the PI

Cooperation programs between the EU and third countries have experienced some changes as a result of the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020.

This affects in particular the Instrument for Development Cooperation (DCI) and Partnership Instrument (PI).

Being both part of the “Global Europe” component with a budget of 19 661 million euro and 954 million euro, the DCI and PI remain pillars of European policy on aid and cooperation vis–vis developing countries.

Created in 2007, the DCI replaces a wide range of geographical and thematic created over time, in this instrument, it improves the efficiency of EU policy for development.
It has two main logics

– The DCI thematic and regional programs to which are eligible fragile states, least developed countries (LDCs), low-income countries (LICs) and upper middle income countries (UMICs)
 
– The DCI bilateral programs from which are excluded UMIC’s such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Uruguay and Venezuela. However, there are exceptions, and Cuba, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru remain eligible for bilateral programs of the DCI.

Moreover, the new MFF has brought other changes in the management of CDI, as such, the G-20 countries are no longer eligible for the DCI in the framework of bilateral cooperation, including in particular China, a key emerging power and key partner for the EU.

Among the many topics addressed in the context of the DCI, can be cited

– The eradication of poverty in the context of the Millennium Development Goals

– Social cohesion and employment

– Governance, Democracy and Human Rights,
 
– Trade and regional integration
 
Created as part of the new 2014-2020 programming, the PI is the first EU instrument specifically designed for promoting the strategic interests of the Union in the world by strengthening its external strategies, policies and actions.
It has four main objectives:
 
– Providing policy support and respond to global challenges

– Projecting the international dimension of the Europe 2020 strategy

– Improving market access and boost trade, investment and business opportunities for European companies
 
– Promoting public diplomacy and academic cooperation
 
It can support activities in any country outside the EU, focusing mainly on countries of strategic interest for the EU.
 
Moreover, the countries excluded from the bilateral cooperation ICD are eligible to specific agreements as part of PI including

– Strategic partnership agreements with Mexico and Brazil
 
– Association agreements with Chile, Mexico, and Central America

– A multi-trade agreement with Colombia

– A proposed free trade agreement with MERCOSUR