Mission Impossible: The European Union and Policy Coherence for Development

Carbone, M. (2008) Mission Impossible: The European Union and Policy Coherence for Development. Journal of European Integration, 30(3), pp. 323-342. (doi: 10.1080/07036330802144992)

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Abstract

The principle of policy coherence has been the object of a contentious debate in the European Union's external relations, though discussions have been limited mainly to its foreign policy and its ability to speak with one voice in the international arena. Despite being institutionalized in the Treaty of Maastricht, policy coherence for development (PCD), which implies taking into account the needs and interest of developing countries in non-aid policies, failed to make headway in the EU, remaining the unheeded concern of some NGOs and a small group of member states. A change in direction occurred in the early 2000s when the European Commission, taking advantage of a number of favourable conditions and using an astute strategy, managed to set an ambitious agenda for the EU. This article, nevertheless, shows that promoting PCD risks being a 'mission impossible' for whoever attempts it due to the interplay of various issues and interests, the different commitment to international development of the member states, and the EU's institutional framework.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Carbone, Professor Maurizio
Authors: Carbone, M.
Subjects:J Political Science > JZ International relations
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
Journal Name:Journal of European Integration
Publisher:Routledge
ISSN:0703-6337
ISSN (Online):1477-2280
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