Evaluating the EU as a Global Leader in International Development

ESAANZ ESSAY PRIZE WINNERAs the second-largest economy in the world and as the largest provider of development assistance, the EU is a major actor and agenda-setter in international development. This paper seeks to examine the tools used by the EU in providing assistance and the ways in which its approach to development are different to those adopted by other major actors. The EU's use of ODA and market access are distinguished as two major tools employed by the Union to promote its vision for development. Major challenges to the EU's pre-eminence in the field are also outlined, particularly focusing on challenge arising from the emergence of the Chinese model of development assistance. Drawing on reports produced by the European Commission and academic studies, therefore, this paper finds that while there are inherent shortfalls in its approach, with strong normative underpinnings and a long-term oriented approach, the EU remains a successful and prominent actor in international development