The Finnish government’s White Paper on development policy reflects the spirit of recent similar policy initiatives in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Sweden, which attempt to introduce a more coherent approach to the developing world.

DAC Chair’s role: watchdog over what can be counted as aid

The new Chair of the DAC at the OECD Richard Manning tells Development Today that he regards as one of his main jobs “to always watch very carefully over the credibility of the ODA definition".

Norway redefines military engagement in Iraq

In response to criticism from NGOs, the Norwegian government has stopped referring to the Norwegian soldiers’ task in Iraq last year as a “humanitarian mission". But the aid funds that financed the bulk of this mission have been reported to the OECD as humanitarian assistance.

Denmark commits more aid to fight ‘Al Qaeda terrorism’

The most surprisingly thing about the Danish government’s latest anti-terrorism aid plan is that it was launched with no fanfare.

Ministry steps up support as Danes win more Iraqi contracts

Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Møller has decided to step up the Danish Trade Council’s commercial support for Danish companies in Iraq. Two additional commercial officers will be posted in the region as soon as possible.

Is Danish environmental aid increasing?

The Danish government has announced that its new environmental aid strategy heralds an increase in allocations for green aid.

In Brief

SUPPORT TO ‘FORGOTTEN CRISES’: The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has allocated DKK 28.8 million to support refugees and internally-displaced people in conflict affected countries in Africa - the Sudan, Angola, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.