Policy Updates

On July 18, 2024, the European Parliament endorsed Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as President of the European Commission through a secret ballot, where she received 401 votes, 41 votes above the 361 votes needed for a qualified majority.

Von der Leyen received 289 votes against, 15 abstentions, and 7 votes were invalid. The secret ballot suggests von der Leyen managed to garner support from a coalition of pro-European, democratic groups across the center-left and right. Experts noted that this could indicate that a centrist coalition is possible, though future policy decisions will need to be built on a case-by-case basis amidst ongoing polarization.

During the debate that preceded the vote, von der Leyen outlined her political priorities for the next five years. The main proposals related to EU global engagement included appointing a Commissioner for Enlargement and one for the Mediterranean, developing a new economic foreign policy through the Global Gateway, and focusing on strategic partnerships, particularly with Africa ahead of the EU-Africa Summit in 2025.

Von der Leyen emphasized the need for the EU to remain a leader in international climate negotiations and proposed new initiatives, such as a European Climate Adaptation Plan and a Clean Industrial Deal. Her agenda included a focus on security and defense, with plans to create a European Defense Union, appoint a new Commissioner for Defense, as well as developing a new European Migration and Asylum strategy and a Pact for the Mediterranean. Von der Leyen's focus on health has decreased since the pandemic, with a focus mainly on a Critical Medicines Act, an action plan for hospital cybersecurity, and a strategy to support medical countermeasures through HERA.

The focus of the EU's new seven-year budget will be on simplicity, flexibility, speed, and strategic priorities. It will streamline funding allocation, moving away from a program-based budget to a policy-based one. External action financing is expected to further align with EU interests. Von der Leyen also highlighted support for the introduction of new EU resources.

Von der Leyen's proposals reflected the current geopolitical landscape and internal EU dynamics, focusing on strengthening the Union’s resilience and strategic interests. Her agenda also proposed a significant increase in research and innovation spending, the establishment of new roles, such as a Commissioner for Equality and a Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, the set-up of a new European Competitiveness Fund, and policies addressing housing, youth, and agriculture.

On July 16, 2024, Canadian Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen announced CAD41 million (US$30 million) in funding to Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, including CAD36 million (US$26 million) in development funding and more than CAD5 million (US$4 million) in humanitarian funding to support gender equality, economic empowerment, reproductive health, family planning, and health services.

The funding included:

• CAD11 million (US$8 million) to the Sabores de Honduras: Empowering Women and Youths in Coffee and Honey Value Chains project;
• CAD6 million (US$4 million) to the Tula Foundation’s Empowering Indigenous Adolescents and Women for Equitable SRHR in Guatemala project to reduce the rates of teenage pregnancy and maternal mortality among the Indigenous population;
• CAD5 million (US$4 million) for the Inclusive Economic Development project to increase the economic empowerment of women and youths in Guatemala;
• CAD5 million (US$4 million) for the Justice, Governance and Fight Against Impunity in Honduras project to increase access to justice for women and other vulnerable populations;
• CAD5 million (US$4 million) for the Improving Livestock Sustainability and Climate Adaptation project to empower members of cattle ranching families, particularly women, youths, and Indigenous Peoples;
• CAD4 million (US$3 million) for the Feminist Partnerships to Strengthen the Agenda for Gender Equality project to improve responses to threats against women’s rights and gender equality, particularly in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras; and
• CAD5 million (US$4 million) in humanitarian assistance to provide emergency food assistance, health, and protection services to the most vulnerable people in the region.

On July 16, 2024, Roberta Metsola was re-elected as the President of the European Parliament for a second two and half year mandate.

Metsola garnered 562 votes, well above the qualified majority threshold of 312 votes required. Metsola's opponent, Irene Montero from Spain, representing he Left, won 61 votes. Although her candidacy was largely symbolic, Montero highlighted critical issues such as social rights and combating the far-right's growing influence, advocating for progressive values and social justice.

Born in Malta in 1979, Roberta Metsola has been an MEP since 2013. She was elected First Vice-President in November 2020, and was Parliament’s acting President after President David Sassoli passed away in 2022.

Metsola pledged to maintain strong leadership. She addressed various issues, including enhancing border efforts and implementing humane migration policies. Metsola also stressed the need to boost Europe's industry by reducing bureaucratic red tape and underscored the importance of protecting civil liberties and women's rights across the bloc.

On July 10, 2024, Japan announced a contribution of US$45 million to UNDP's core resources for 2024.

Japan's flexible support is vital for UNDP to address global challenges and crises, as outlined in the UNDP Strategic Plan 2022–2025. The funding will contribute to crisis prevention, conflict resolution, peace sustainability, human rights protection, and addressing the root causes of fragility within the context of human security.

Core resources from Japan and other partners are essential for UNDP’s operations, enabling impactful initiatives and programs that promote poverty eradication, gender equality, and the SDGs. These contributions ensure that UNDP can deliver on its mission to create a more equitable and prosperous world, leaving no one behind.

On July 9, 2024, the Swedish government announced a three-year, SEK880 million (US$85 million), strategy to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria and its impact on neighboring countries.

The plan, to be implemented by Sida, aims to support Syrians both within their country and those who have sought refuge in Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey.

Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell emphasized the severity of the crisis under Syria's authoritarian regime and noted that more than half of Syria's civilian population has been displaced.

The strategy focuses on improving livelihood opportunities and access to basic public services for Syrians and refugees. It also emphasizes support for human rights, with particular attention to women's rights and religious freedom.

Sweden's approach includes efforts to hold the Assad regime accountable for its actions against Syrian civilians. Additionally, the plan addressed the crisis's broader implications for Europe, including irregular migration and the threat of violent extremism. The initiative aims to create more sustainable conditions for Syrian refugees and their host communities, while promoting voluntary return to Syria when conditions allow.

The international community continues to grapple with the long-term consequences of the Syrian conflict, now in its 13^th year. Sweden's strategy reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive, regional approaches to protracted crises and underscores the ongoing humanitarian challenges in the region as well as the complex interplay between assistance, migration, and security concerns.

On July 8, 2024, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a surprise move, appointed Anneliese Dodds FCDO Minister of State, with a brief to oversee International Development.

Dodds was also appointed Minister for Women and Equalities in the Department of Education. The shadow International Development Minister, Lisa Nandy, also in a surprise move, was appointed Minister for Culture, Media, and Sports. The former shadow Labour MP covering the Culture and Media post failed to win their seat in the national election.

On June 26, 2024, Canada announced CAD19 million (US$14 million) in total funding to support Haiti, including an additional CAD6 million (US$4 million) to the UN Trust Fund for the MSS mission in Haiti as well as nearly CAD13 million (US$9 million) to support three projects to strengthen the Haitian National Police and improve security conditions for civilians.

Canada’s support to the MSS is in addition to the nearly CAD81 million (US$59 million) announced for the Trust Fund in February 2024. Canada is also working to provide training to officers being deployed and to establish mechanisms to prevent human rights abuses, including SGBV.

The three projects that will help strengthen the Haitian National Police and improve security conditions for Haitian civilians were listed as:

• CAD5 million (US$4 million) through the Canadian Commercial Corporation to support the Specialized Tactical Training Program for the Haitian National Police;
• CAD4 million (US$3 million) for the Organization of American States for its Securing Marine and Land-Based Trade Program in Haiti; and
• CAD4 million (US$3 million) for the UN Office of Drugs and Crime for its Container Control Program in Haiti.

On June 25, 2024, the Dutch House of Representatives passed a motion by Sarah Dobbe ( SP) and co-sponsors to enhance support and protection for women human rights defenders.

The motion, supported by 144 out of 150 votes from multiple parties, including PVV, VVD, and BBB, highlighted gaps in the Netherlands’ current human rights policy.

Outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruins Slot has typically opposed motions aligning with existing policy, but supported the motion due to the worsening global situation for women.

From June 17 to 20, 2024, Canada hosted the 54^th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the CDB and announced more than CAD11 million (US$8 million) in funding for economic development in the Caribbean.

The funding included:

• CAD5 million (US$4 million) to the Inter-American Development Bank for the Compete Caribbean+ project to enhance private sector productivity and foster regional economic growth;
• CAD4 million (US$3 million) to the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica for the Jamaica Urban Solutions for the Environment project to increase climate resilience through gender-responsive and nature-based solutions for urban areas vulnerable to climate hazards; and
• CAD2 million (US$1 million) in top-ups to UNFPA for the program EQUAL SRHR to improve the protection of women and girls in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, including those who are Venezuelan migrants, by advancing SRHR and protection from GBV.

On June 20, 2024, the G7's Accountability Working Group released the G7 Apulia Progress Report 2024: Advancing Sustainable Development in Africa.

The annual Progress Report is an accountability tool that monitors the implementation of the development policies adopted by the richest countries in the G7 framework.

The report reviewed progress on G7 development commitments from 2015-2022, showing increased ODA flows to Africa despite regional and global crises. G7 cooperation supported key areas such as economic transformation, food security, climate resilience, and gender equality. Significant initiatives included the African Continental Free Trade Area, the Global Shield against Climate Risks, and the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa. The report emphasized the need for enhanced G7 cooperation with African partners, especially in addressing economic and climate challenges.

The Italian G7 Presidency selected Africa as the focus for the Report, recognizing the continent's significant potential for sustainable development and its crucial role as a partner in advancing progress towards achieving the SDGs, Agenda 2063, and the Paris Agreement.