OECD Development Co‑operation Peer Reviews: European Union 2025

The OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC) conducts peer reviews of individual members once every five to six years. Reviews seek to improve the quality and effectiveness of members’ development co-operation, highlighting good practices and recommending improvements. The peer review of the European Union (EU), led by Norway and Switzerland, explores how the EU’s evolving development paradigm—centred on mutual benefits and quality infrastructure—can reduce poverty and inequality. Through the Global Gateway strategy and a diversified financing toolbox, the European Union seeks to leverage official development assistance as a catalyst for structural reforms and infrastructure investments. Yet, critical questions remain: how to maintain engagement in least developed countries and in contexts facing high and extreme fragility, uphold leadership in supporting institutional strengthening and human development, effectively mobilise private sector expertise and resources, and balance strategic interests with development objectives? The EU’s Team Europe approach and strong country presence offer valuable co-ordination and policy dialogue tools. The EU can also build on its strong track record on supporting peace, resilience, crisis response.

OECD (2025), OECD Development Co‑operation Peer Reviews: European Union 2025, OECD Development Co-operation Peer Reviews, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/7adcf387-en