Press Release: Incorporating the EDF into the EU-budget: Commission acts to boost efficiency and flexibility of EU development assistance to benefit the poor

The European Commission adopted a Communication on 8 October 2003 putting a strong case for the incorporation of aid to African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries (ACP) as well as Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) from the European Development Fund (EDF) into the EU budget. Such a move would increase public accountability of EU aid to the ACP and OCTs, increase transparency and efficiency, make the aid more flexible and adaptable to realities on the ground, cut red-tape and give a more prominent place to aid in EU external relations policy.