McMahon, Joseph A. --- "Implementing the European Consensus on Development: Trade and agriculture" [2015] ELECD 1368; in McMahon, A. Joseph; Cardwell, N. Michael (eds), "Research Handbook on EU Agriculture Law" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2015) 505

Book Title: Research Handbook on EU Agriculture Law

Editor(s): McMahon, A. Joseph; Cardwell, N. Michael

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781781954614

Section: Chapter 23

Section Title: Implementing the European Consensus on Development: Trade and agriculture

Author(s): McMahon, Joseph A.

Number of pages: 24

Abstract/Description:

Never before have poverty eradication and sustainable development been more important. The context within which poverty eradication is pursued is an increasingly globalised and interdependent world; this situation has created new opportunities but also new challenges. Combating global poverty is not only a moral obligation; it will also help to build a more stable, peaceful, prosperous and equitable world, reflecting the interdependency of its richer and poorer countries. This is the opening paragraph of the European Consensus on Development which was issued by the European Council and the representatives of the governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission in December 2005. The document recognized that although the primary responsibility for development rested with each developing country, the EU, as the largest aid provider and the most important trade partner for developing countries, was committed to meeting its responsibilities in this area. It also recognized that Development Cooperation was an area of shared competence between the EU and the Member States and that the ‘primary and overarching objective of EU’s policy in this area is the eradication of poverty in the context of sustainable development, including pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)’.