SDG 14 on 'life below water' focuses on the sustainability of the oceans, recognising their essential role in life on our planet. Oceans contain 80 % of all life forms, produce more than 50 % of the Earth's oxygen and play a central role in regulating the climate. In addition, the 'blue economy' provides 4.5 million direct jobs in the EU. To manage maritime activities sustainably and cope with different environmental pressures, the EU has implemented a wide range of policies, such as the common fisheries policy, the marine strategy framework directive and the maritime spatial planning directive, as well as specific legislation related to marine litter. Other new initiatives under the European Green Deal also play an important role in relation to ocean governance and sustainable blue growth, such as the 2030 biodiversity strategy, the offshore renewable energy strategy, the 'Fit for 55' package and the new guidelines on aquaculture.

EPRS podcast - Policy: EU action on ocean governance and achieving SDG 14

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to be attained by 2030. The SDGs and the broader 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, of which they form the core, are based on findings that human activities have triggered dramatic changes in the conditions on Earth (climate change and biodiversity loss), which in turn have contributed to the deterioration of human wellbeing. To reverse the trend, there is an urgent need to simultaneously address the multiple causes and consequences of environmental depletion and social inequalities, by developing synergies and managing trade-offs between the SDGs. The European Union has been a leader in drafting the SDGs; it is also a frontrunner in mainstreaming the SDGs in all its policies.

EPRS podcast - Policy: Understanding SDGs: The UN's Sustainable Development Goals

At least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN will be missed in 2030 – SDG 2 – 'zero hunger'. Hunger and malnutrition are rising dramatically across the world, a trend aggravated by the pandemic. In 2020, 811 million people in the world were facing hunger, the highest level since 2014. In the EU itself, considered one of the most food-secure regions in the world, nearly 7 million people were already experiencing severe food insecurity before the pandemic, and malnutrition is on the rise. SDG 2 aims not only at achieving food security but also at improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture. These objectives have been mainstreamed in the recently reformed common agricultural policy and the 'farm to fork' and biodiversity strategies.

EPRS podcast - Policy: SDG 2 – zero hunger and EU action against hunger and malnutrition

The EU has contributed to creating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established in 2015, as part of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and takes action to implement them through its internal and external policies, as outlined in the 'Towards a Sustainable Europe by 2030' reflection paper, the European Green Deal, the European Commission's political priorities and its work programme. The Sustainable Development Goals also have a regional dimension, sometimes called 'localisation'. Achieving around 65 % of the targets is estimated to require local and regional authority participation. Numerous regions and cities, including in the EU, have expressed support for the SDGs and many have integrated them in their policy frameworks.

EPRS podcast - Policy: Sustainable Development Goals in EU regions

EP Plenary session - Global approach to research and innovation: Europe’s strategy for international cooperation in a changing world - O.Q.

AFET/DEVE Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) - Trilogue V

Press conference - Electricity interconnection European project in the Gulf of Biscay, Basque Country

Antonio TAJANI - EP President meets with Meeting with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, meets with Bill GATES

The European Union and NATO have a joint history of security and defence cooperation. Their strategic partnership is based on shared interests and values, like democracy, human rights and attachment to a rules-based international order. In 2016 and 2018, the EU and NATO signed two joint declarations. A third joint declaration is currently in preparation. Their aim is to strengthen cooperation in key areas of mutual interest to both organisations like hybrid threats, cyber-security, operational cooperation, defence capabilities, capacity-building, research and industry and training. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Working together to tackle common threats : The EU - NATO relationship

This stockshot shows illustration footage of the first arrival of vaccines in Côte d'Ivoire, and the first people being vaccinated against coronavirus, on 1 March 2021. The stockshot ends with a series of statements by representatives of the Côte d’Ivoire, the EU, the UN and UNICEF, recorded on 26 February 2021.

Infoclip: Coronavirus - First vaccinations in Côte d’Ivoire

Members of the Committee on Development (DEVE) participate in the exchange of views with Jutta URPILAINEN, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, on the access to COVID-19 vaccines for developing countries. Statement from Tomas TOBÉ, chair of the Committee on Development (DEVE).

Access to COVID-19 vaccines for developing countries: extracts from the exchange of views with Jutta URPILAINEN, European Commissioner for International Partnerships in DEVE Committee

This video stockshot offers illustration footage and EU-funded projects in Ghana, Kenya and Eritrea. Views of African market in Ghana; views of signs about sustainable fisheries and EU funding for the project being explained; a project providing demand-driven training to job-seeking youth, apprentices and workers, owners of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises; a project improves management of e-waste towards sustainable consumption and production by promoting sustainable growth; views of Lake Turkana wind farm; and views of two solar hybrid power systems.

Infoclip: Africa - EU-funded projects

Promoting access to green power in Senegal's rural areas is key to strengthen the country's economy! The EIB, KfW & UE au Sénégal are proud to support Senelec in connecting 150.000 households in Sipane, a major milestone for better lives across Africa. Source: European Investment Bank (EIB), 2020

Infoclip: Providing access to green power in Senegal’s rural areas (b-roll)

250,000 residents in Mwanza, Tanzania, will benefit from improved water and sanitation and a cleaner environment as part of the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Programme. The project is part of a three country initiative to improve water in towns around the lake in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. This includes new water infrastructure, as well as public health education and awareness-raising hygiene campaigns. This will also strengthen resilience to the coronavirus pandemic in informal settlements and vulnerable communities. Source: European Investment Bank (EIB)

Infoclip: Clean water at key for public health around Lake Victoria

This stockshot illustrates the EU’s first flight, from Lyon to the Central African Republic, with 13 tons of humanitarian cargo and aid workers on board.

Infoclip: Coronavirus - First Flight of the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge

Antonio TAJANI, EP President, gives a speech during the European Development Days (EDD2019) organised by the European Commission at Tour et Taxis, in Brussels. In his speech, Antonio TAJANI calls for solving the migration issue by supporting Africa notably in the sector of education and economy.

European Development Days: extracts from the opening speech by Antonio TAJANI, EP President - Ambiance shots

Statements by David BEASLEY, Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP) on investing in Food Security for a Future Free of Hunger, during the meeting of the Committee on Development (DEVE) in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Investing in Food Security for a Future Free of Hunger: extracts from the debate with David BEASLEY, Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP) and statement

Visit of Bill GATES, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda GATES Foundation, to the European Parliament in Brussels. Arrival, welcome by Antonio TAJANI, EP President, and roundtable.

Antonio TAJANI, EP President, meets with Bill GATES, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda GATES Foundation: arrival and roundtable

Development Committee (DEVE) and the European Think Tanks Group (bringing together five think tanks) are organising a public debate on the future of development and innovation in Europe, in the European Parliament in Brussels. Federica MOGHERINI, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the EC, and Bill GATES, Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation co-chair, join one of the panels.

The future of EU International cooperation: extracts from the debate with Bill GATES, Co-Chair of BMG Foundation on Europe’s role in International Development

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on the presentattion by Michael CASHMAN (S&D, UK) of his mid-term review on progress towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), in preparation of the UN high-level meeting in September 2010 in New York.

Progress towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal: extracts from the debate

The committee on development of the EP exchange views with Kristalina Georgieva, Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis respons, with the Jean-Yves Jason, Mayor of Port-au-Prince and Myrta Kaulard, the Haiti Country Director for the World Food Programme.

UN donor conference "Towards a new future for Haïti": extracts from the exchange of views - DEVE Committee

Debate on fifth Lome convention, the community's main way of helping 68 African, Caribbean and Pacific developing countries which will provide 12 billion Ecu. Under the single European Act, Parliament's approval is not necessary. Statements by Leo TINDEMANS, rapporteur, Eugenio MELANDRI, Michael McGOWAN and Manuel MARIN, EC Member followed by the final vote on the report.

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