Government reaches broad agreement on new development policy strategy

The government has reached a broad political agreement on a new development policy strategy in collaboration with Socialistisk Folkeparti, Det Konservative Folkeparti, Enhedslisten, Radikale Venstre og Alternativet 

The new strategy sets the course for Denmark’s development policy engagement in the coming years and builds on six decades of experience in effective development cooperation. The agreement emphasizes strengthening and expanding the existing partnerships that Denmark has built internationally.

A central element of the strategy is a closer integration of development policy with Denmark’s foreign, security, and trade policy. At the same time, it is proposed that Danish companies have better opportunities to engage in developing countries, including easier access and increased incentives, with the aim of promoting positive global development.

Development assistance should be used more strategically with a focus on Danish interests – especially in light of the current geopolitical situation. The strategy highlights the EU as the preferred partner for developing countries.

Humanitarian efforts, as well as areas such as migration, climate, democracy, multilateralism, education, and health, will continue to be priorities in Danish development policy. Furthermore, the focus on job creation and mobilization of private investments should be reinforced.

“Danish development assistance is an important tool to strengthen our influence in a turbulent world. We need to be open and honest about that. I am pleased that a broad majority in the Parliament support the agreement. I hope that many different actors in society – from trade unions and businesses to civil society and Danish youth – will help implement it,” says Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

The strategy is based on the UN’s goal to allocate 0.7 percent of gross national income to development assistance and will take effect on July 1st.