Brussels, 10 March 2015/ EC/ ACP: The European Commission has announced the full entry into force of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). The EDF is a cornerstone of the EU's international cooperation and development policy that concretely implements the long-standing partnership with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries under the ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement.

The EDF also covers cooperation with the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) as laid down in the Overseas Association Decision.

In a statement on 2 March, the European Commission's High Representative and Vice-President Ms. Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Mr. Neven Mimica said that a total of €30.5 billion, the 11th EDF will finance EU development cooperation projects until 2020 to assist partner countries' own efforts in poverty eradication.
These funds come from EU Member States and will be managed by the European Commission to target the people most in need and to finance different sectors such as health and education, infrastructure, environment, energy, food and nutrition. The promotion of good governance, democracy and the rule of law are also other key areas that are supported as is sustainable development, including sustainable agriculture and rural development.
"These are ways how the EU and its Member States are clearly signalling support to the future post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) so that we continue focussing all our efforts in countries where our EU aid can have the most impact. This is in line with our vision set out in the 2011 Agenda for Change," the statement continued.
EDF long-term development programmes are agreed in close partnership with each of the countries or regions, to ensure the cooperation is aligned to the respective national or regional priorities of partner countries, who are able to exercise their ownership of the development process.
– ACP Press