2022 annual report on the implementation of the European Union’s external action instruments in 2021

This report outlines key aspects of the EU’s financial support in 2021 for international cooperation and development, European neighbourhood policy, humanitarian aid and civil protection, EU enlargement policy, peace, security and defence, crisis response and preparedness, human rights and democracy, gender equality and support to EU foreign policy objectives.

Prior to the pandemic, the EU already championed a long-term agenda aligned on the sustainable development goals (SDGs), guided by a vision of sustainability and partnership. COVID-19 did not deflect the EU from this objective; indeed, it showed the agenda to be prescient and more urgent than ever.

In this report, you will find many positive examples of EU-funded interventions in Europe and across the globe in 2021 that illustrate our continuing efforts to deliver results and lead the global fightback against COVID-19. Through a ‘Team Europe’ approach, the EU and its Member States will continue to harness all the power of our international partnerships to fight inequalities, support a global recovery and build a more sustainable and inclusive world for all.