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Our policy areas

The EU addresses global challenges through international partnerships that uphold and promote European values and interests, and contribute to peace and prosperity in the world.

Countries and regions

The EU defines specific policy areas and objectives with each partner country and each region.

Programming

The EU defines its medium and long-term international cooperation priorities through the programming process.

Funding opportunities

The EU provides funding in the form of grants to support projects and organisations in achieving their development objectives.

Funding instruments

The EU is the largest development cooperation donor in the world. We provide funding in many different fields and through different methods depending on the needs and objectives of our partner countries.

Latest news

Press release
4 October 2022

European Year of Youth 2022: EU adopts the first Youth Action Plan in EU External Action to strengthen engagement with young people worldwide

Today, the Commission and the High Representative adopted the Youth Action Plan in the European Union external action for 2022-2027, the first-ever policy framework for a strategic partnership with young people around the world to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.

Press release
29 September 2022

Human rights: EU increases support to the protection of human rights defenders worldwide

Reconfirming the European Union's strong support to human rights, fundamental freedoms and democracy, and their defenders worldwide, Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen today signed €30 million, a substantial increase, for the new phase of the EU Human Rights Defenders Mechanism.

Press release
28 September 2022

Global Gateway: European Commission and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development deepen their partnership to boost private sector investment

Today, Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, and Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), signed a new Financial Framework Partnership Agreement (FFPA) between the European Commission and the EBRD to boost investment in su

More news

Featured

Stand with Ukraine

The EU stands united in its solidarity with Ukraine and will continue to support Ukraine and its people together with its international partners, including through additional political, financial and humanitarian support.

Africa-EU Partnership

The EU’s relationship with Africa is a key priority for the European Commission. Our vision of the future Africa-EU partnership is to work together on global trends.

EU global response to COVID-19

The European Union and its Member States, acting together as ‘Team Europe’, are taking comprehensive and decisive action to tackle the destructive impact of COVID-19.