European Commission

European Commission

The European Commission, a priority partner

An AFD representation office was opened in Brussels in order to establish a priority partnership with European institutions, particularly the European Commission. Cooperation between AFD and the Commission has consequently been reinforced by conducting joint studies, and organizing seminars and joint operations in the field. AFD also recently underwent an audit of operational procedures – as have other agencies (German technical cooperation (GTZ), the German development bank (KfW), the Austrian development agency (ADA), etc.) – in order to be able to manage Community funds. Since May 2008, AFD can consequently implement projects/programs on behalf of the Commission using its own procedures. 

Find out more about financing agreements

New EU financial instruments

The EU rationalized its development aid financing instruments in January 2007. They were reduced from twenty thematic and geographical instruments to six. Three others are oriented towards crisis situations (stability instrument, humanitarian aid and macro-financial assistance instrument). The Development Cooperation Instrument and the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument finance geographical and thematic programs linked to AFD’s activities. 

EU financial instruments