By Gemma Lougheed - 5th July 2005
MEPs have given strong support to the global call to action against poverty during a debate in Strasbourg.
The European Parliament's show of support comes after the EU declared that it aims to double its aid to Africa by 2010 to €20 billion.
Development and aid is at the top of the UK EU presidency agenda and this debate has coincided with the G8 meeting in Gleneagles, Scotland.
UK foreign minister Jack Straw indicated that having such a debate was of obvious and profound importance for the EU to increase world focus.
In his speech, Straw told MEPs that the EU is in a unique position to really make a difference – because of its intrinsic power and influence, strength of its global connections and the force of the EU's values.
“I want the UK's presidency – and the years ahead – to be a time in which we build on those achievements, and further strengthen the EU's influence and power as a force for good in the world. Nowhere is that more important than in Africa.”
“What should be remembered today is not the divisions over the budget but the fact that we have great debate in the European Parliament and that the EU has decided to double its aid to Africa,” said Straw.
“Under our presidency the UK will work to deliver a European strategy to support Africa's successful development. This strategy needs to be comprehensive and ambitious. It will need to go beyond financial support and show how Africa will invest in people, in good governance, in growth, and in peace and security."
As, the G8 begin discussions, the African Union (AU) has called on leaders to cut farm subsidies and cancel African debt.
The AU has also asked for a clear timetable on freeing up trade in agricultural goods.
Climate change will also be discussed by the G8 countries and Russia although remains a controversial issue as the US has refused to sign up to Kyoto treaty to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 2012.
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