Vienna, 27 March 2008 - "In many ways, the new 2007-2009 three-year programme constitutes a new basis for the Government’s efforts in the fight against poverty. The creation of clusters in the four most important areas - energy, education, health, technology for small and medium enterprises - and the establishment of the Austrian Development Bank represent new, innovative trends. I also believe that the increase in effectiveness and political coherence in development cooperation are essential. Only an efficient utilization of the means available by the donors, and a reduction of the burden on the partner countries caused by the large number of donors and their different procedures can contribute toward reducing poverty. Therefore, our objective must be a better distribution of labour between the EU donors in the developing countries, and an increase in the effectiveness of the services provided," said State Secretary Hans Winkler in the Parliament’s development policy subcommittee.

From a geographical perspective, the Austrian development cooperation will continue to focus on the priority regions of East Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa, Himalaya-Hindu Kusch, Central America, South East Europe, Palestine, and Moldova. "Cooperation in the Southern Caucasus region will be increased," stressed Winkler.

The thematic focus will be on the areas of water and settlement hygiene, rural development, energy, private sector development, education, the rule of law, human rights, and peacekeeping. "An essential focus also aims at supporting local peace initiatives by women, protection against sexual violence, and at strengthening women in peace negotiations."

"The first step toward increased financial means for development cooperation was successfully achieved by exceeding the envisaged 0.33% of the Austrian GNI. According to the preliminary data reported to the OECD, ODA in 2007 was 0.49 % of GNI. The next step, i.e. to reach 0.51% of GNI by 2010 was included in the Government programme. The actual determination of the Austrian EZA contributions by 2010 will be defined as part of the budget negotiations for the years 2009 and 2010, also in the light of efforts by other states, above all in the EU," stressed Winkler. Among others, the task of the ODA path working group of State Secretaries Christoph Matznetter and Hans Winkler is to examine which contributions by regional or local authorities are attributable to ODA and which international models are suitable to achieve the objectives, and to basically reflect on how to make a better quantitative and qualitative use of increased financial contributions in the future.

Contact:

Federal Ministry for
European and International Affairs
Katharina Swoboda  
Office of the State Secretary
Tel.: ++43 (0) 50 1150-3469
katharina.swoboda(at)bmeia.gv.at