EU Development Ministers on the future of global development cooperation and humanitarian architecture
SLOVENIA, October 9 - In the debate on the future of development cooperation, State Secretary Dr Raščan emphasised that geopolitical shifts, growing competition for strategic raw materials, increasingly vulnerable supply chains, the technological revolution and new patterns of economic interdependence are significantly altering the conditions in which development cooperation takes place. The scale and complexity of global challenges require stronger partnerships, greater resilience and innovative forms of collaboration. Dr Raščan stated that the EU must move beyond the donor-recipient model and establish equal, long-term partnerships.
He explained that Slovenia is preparing a new strategy for development cooperation and humanitarian aid that is guided by the principle of partnership for shared prosperity. This strategy integrates development cooperation into broader efforts to strengthen national resilience by diversifying partnerships and reducing dependency whilst contributing to the sustainable development and self-sufficiency of partner countries. Slovenia is advocating a renewed understanding of partnership in which the donor's role is defined not only by what they give, but also by what they can contribute to and gain from lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.
State Secretary Dr Raščan went on to say that the aim is to transition from a model of fund transfers to a model of value co-creation, in which development cooperation must serve as a bridge. In this changing environment, Slovenia is seeking to strengthen its position by linking development with investment and economic partnerships through the EU’s Global Gateway initiative.
As examples of this policy in practice, Dr Raščan cited cooperation with Uzbekistan in the field of rare earths and an infrastructure project in West Africa under the Global Gateway initiative.
Turning to the second key topic, the so-called humanitarian reset, Dr Raščan reaffirmed Slovenia’s commitment to respecting international humanitarian law. Despite financial constraints, he stated that Slovenia has quadrupled its humanitarian funding since 2020.
The informal meeting was also attended by the Development Cooperation Ministers from Canada, Iceland, Norway and the United Kingdom, as well as representatives from the European Investment Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Guest speakers included David Miliband from the International Rescue Committee, Arancha González from the Future of Development Cooperation Coalition and Tom Fletcher from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
On the sidelines of the meeting, State Secretary Dr Raščan held bilateral talks with Sigitas Mitkus, Lithuania's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Marie Chatardová, the Czech Republic's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.
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