At the European Development Days high-level panel, MEPs debated on the ways to ensure that the post-2015 Millennium Development Goals drives inclusive growth. They stressed that the EU must make policies that affect developing countries more consistent, focus on the neediest, and set timetables for achieving measurable sustainable development goals.

On 17 October MEPs participated in a European Development Days high-level panel and a press conference in Brussels. The panel sought ways to ensure that the post-2015 Millennium Development Goals drives inclusive growth. Most of MEPs agreed that the EU must make policies that affect developing countries more consistent, focus on the neediest, and set timetables for achieving measurable sustainable development goals. In March 2012, the Commission published that European action had helped more than 32 million people to gain access to drinking water until the date.

In the debate, Michael Cashman, MEP, insisted that the post-2015 set of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) should be practical, measurable and time-limited. Mr Cashman also pointed out that "shamefully", most EU member states have not met the target of dedicating 0.7% of their GNI to development.

Isabella Lõvin MEP, who moderated the panel, regretted that the "green economy" concept had been watered down in Rio20+, especially by the G77 countries. She cited "legitimate worries" in the developing world, and stressed the need to merge development and environmental aims within a single development agenda. At the press conference which followed the panel, Development Committee Chair Eva Joly stressed the need to ensure that the EU's trade, agriculture, fisheries, energy, migration, and security policies are in line with international development goals.