EU development ministers to discuss future of external action and Global Gateway strategy

The EU Foreign Affairs Council will meet in its development configuration in Brussels on 18 May. Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will represent Finland at the meeting.

The Foreign Affairs Council will discuss the future of the EU’s external action in a shifting geopolitical context and the role of the Global Gateway strategy in this regard. The strategy links development cooperation with economic interests. Ministers will also address the global consequences of the Iran conflict with the aim to explore EU instruments and coordination with other supporters.

“External action must support both sustainable development in partner countries and the EU’s own competitiveness. Changes in the geopolitical situation require a more strategic approach to development policy to ensure that development, investment and trade are mutually supportive. Finland has made this shift in its approach to development cooperation, and a similar shift is needed at the EU level. Implementing the Global Gateway strategy is central to the EU’s efforts to link trade and development,” Minister Ville Tavio says.