The European Commission published a Communication that outlines how future EU aid should work to help putting in place social protection policies and systems. In particular, it explains how EU development cooperation can support the strengthening these policies and systems.

The Communication “Social Protection in European Union Development Cooperation” published by the European Commission shows how future EU aid should work to help putting in place social protection policies and systems. For doing this, it explains the role of social protection in underpinning inclusive and sustainable development and the role of EU development cooperation in supporting the strengthening of social protection policies and systems. According to the Commission, the lack of social protection represents a strong obstacle to the long-term and sustainable development of middle and low income countries. In 2011, according to the EuropeAid Annual Report 2012, the largest economic envelope during this period was devoted to projects in the field of social infrastructures, education, water, government and other development activities with civil society.

The Communication includes proposals such as supporting nationally-owned policies, introducing measures to support job creation and employment, bringing in the civil society and the private sector, and tackling the underlying causes of vulnerability – particularly those that affect women – to readdress the balance, but also sharing EU experience in the matter.

The Commission stressed in the Communication that coherence among policies is essential. The external dimension of EU policies may impact on social protection in partner countries. The EU should ensure consistency between policies for supporting social protection in development cooperation and all other relevant EU policies. In addition, it also highlights that the EU is committed to promoting openness to trade and integration into world markets as a basis for inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development.