Samenvatting

The objective of this thesis was to research how development cooperation among donors and recipients could be improved so as to increase the effectiveness of aid and to advance the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. To this end, the author chose to make inquires as to which challenges impede development cooperation and which key principles are essential for an improved cooperation. Moreover, the performance of donors in development cooperation was investigated.
On the basis of the research questions, the author decided to follow a qualitative approach. Next to a detailed review of relevant secondary data, the findings were based on primary data gathered
through four semi-structured interviews with experts and case studies of three European donors: Germany, France and the United Kingdom.
The research showed, that a number of challenges constitute obstacles to improve development cooperation. These include the economic crisis, which resulted in the decrease of Official Development Assistance (ODA); the broader development agenda and the nexus between
development and security as well as the broader donor landscape. The biggest hurdle however remains the national interests by which development cooperation still seems to be influenced for a big part. As for the key principles ownership and division of labour emerged as the most important ones, confirming the principles agreed upon on the Global and European level. Adding value to the thesis the decision was made to extend the research and assess three European donors on their performance in a selected number of points important for improving development cooperation. The result was mixed. While all donors seem to have made first steps in the right direction much
remains to be done. Especially Germany and France need to improve their performance in key areas such as ODA disbursement as percentage of GNI and geographic concentration, whereas the United Kingdom should continue on its proactive approach but focus more on a better partnership with recipient countries.
All in all, it can be said that in the past years many initiatives have been launched with a good approach to improve development cooperation. Hence, it is not a question of formulating new
declarations or code of conducts. Against the backdrop of the many challenges, it is instead important that was has been agreed upon is implemented and action follow words. As a conclusion to the thesis the author gives a set of recommendations as to how development cooperation can be improved.