The Annual report on the implementation of the EU’s External Action Instruments in 2021 is out!

It outlines EU’s actions in 2021 in the fields of international cooperation and development, European Neighbourhood Policy, humanitarian aid and civil protection, EU enlargement policy, peace, security and defence, crisis response and preparedness, human rights and democracy, gender equality and support to EU foreign policy objectives.

The EU has become a key player in major global crises and initiatives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the global response towards it. 2021 was another year with major steps taken towards strengthening international partnerships around the world, with the EU setting up an innovative financing instrument for the 2021-2027 financial cycle to support our cooperation with an initial budget of EUR 79.5 billion: the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation-Global Europe instrument (NDICI-Global Europe). NDICI-Global Europe is now the EU’s main financing tool to underpin EU values and objectives by promoting sustainable development, prosperity and stability around the world.

Prior to the pandemic, the EU already championed a long-term agenda aligned on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), guided by a vision of sustainability and partnership. The COVID-19 pandemic did not deflect the EU from this objective but showed that it is more relevant than ever. This report highlights many positive examples of EU-funded interventions in Europe and across the globe in 2021 that illustrate EU’s continuing efforts to deliver results and lead the global fightback against COVID-19. Through a ‘Team Europe’ approach, the EU and its Member State will continue to harness all the power of our international partnerships to fight inequalities, support a global recovery and build a more sustainable and inclusive world for all.

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Read the full report