The role of the European Union in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals MDGs

Parliament adopted an own-initiative report by 539 votes in favour, 52 against with 19 abstentions, on the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The report was drafted by Glenys KINNOCK (PES, UK). (Please see the summary of 16/03/05). Parliament also stressed that the target of 20 % for basic education and health should be included in the budget of the EU and the European Development Fund, expanding on the existing target of 35 % for basic social services.

It also expressed its conviction that the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) and Country Strategy Papers (CSPs) could be important tools for achieving the MDGs but felt that they need to be revised to better support the MDGs. Parliament called for the ‘quick wins’ to be enshrined in PRSPs and CSPs to make them part of a sustainable and structural approach.

Parliament went on to call for an increased EU contribution to the Global Health Fund, since money so far pledged for 2005 is only 1/4 of the amount needed. The EU and others must work to avoid duplication of effort and promote national ownership of HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria policies.