Strategic Axes
Relations between AFD and Europe under the second
Strategic Orientation Plan (2007-2011)
In 2007 AFD implemented its Second Strategic Orientation Plan (POS2) which defines its main directions for 2007-2011. This followed on from AFD’s newly adopted statutes and the signing of a framework agreement and objectives agreements with the State.
Europe is a core priority for the partnership policy set out in the Plan. AFD will consequently:
• consolidate its partnerships within existing consultation organizations such as EDFI (European Development Finance Institutions) which gathers 15 European operators specialized in private sector financing;
• lead the “Development Practitioners’ Network” which provides a forum for consultation between European donors;
• operationalize the “European Code of Conduct” into a tool for improving European Commission and Member States’ aid effectiveness in favour of developing countries;
• enhance financial instruments developed by the Commission and Member States which have the potential for creating a platform for Europe’s development financing tools by combining resources from bilateral donors and the Commission. AFD has invested in the EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund on this basis;
The aim of this strategy is for AFD to be instrumental in creating a European development aid system based on greater synergies between the various community and bilateral levels via cofinancing, basket funds and joint strategic research.
Relations with the Commission (AIDCO, DEG-DEV, DEG-EXREL), bilateral agencies (including a closer partnership with KfW ) and the EIB will consequently be a priority. A new innovative axis for AFD is its scaling up of relations with NGOs and civil society as well as the development of partnership actions for city-to-city cooperation and elected representatives.
AFD is fully aware of the emergence and increase in the number of new actors and has consequently changed paradigm. It has shifted from simply financing States and now works with non-State beneficiaries and strives to mediate and catalyze in order to foster initiatives made by a whole host of actors and beneficiaries. This necessarily required adapting its financial tools.
<Download the Roadmap (French version)>
Bigger teams in Paris and Brussels
AFD has teams specifically dedicated to European problematics. Its Brussels office works closely with European partners, particularly the European Commission and the European Parliament. It is managed by Jean-Marc Bellot who reports to the Strategy Department.