European Union

447.3

Population 2022 (Millions)

0.91

HDI Score
2021 (Max. 1)

N/A

SDG Score
2023
(Max. 100)

N/A

Gender Inequality
Index Score
(Max. 1)

N/A

Internet Inclusivity
Index 2022
(100 countries)

Sources: 1. World Bank (2022), 2, UNDP (2021), 3. Sustainable Development Report (2023), 4. UNDP (2021), 5. Economist Impact (2022)

Overview

Composed of 27 European countries, the European Union is an international organization which governs the social, economic, and security affairs of its member states. Formed in 1993, the EU (as it is commonly known) has grown from only including Western European countries to now encompassing many in Central and Eastern Europe as well. A financial powerhouse, the EU economy is the third largest in the world, and contains many of the world’s richest countries, which use a common currency, the Euro. Despite its immense resources and levels of development, the EU still faces challenges. Famously, the block received millions of refugees following the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War, with many countries struggling to adequately integrate those fleeing violence. In addition, the departure of the UK from the EU has also had destabilizing effects. More recently, the outbreak of war in Ukraine, and subsequent sanctions imposed by the EU on Russia have threatened energy security in many of the member states.

Projects

Strategic Assessment of the European Commission’s Work in Digitalization in Sub-Saharan Africa
  • African Union, Central African Republic, Eswatini, European Union, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Togo
  • January - May 2020
  • Just Digital Transformations
  • Partner(s): ADE (Funder), EU DEVCO

This study, produced in collaboration with ADE, assessed the European Union’s external cooperation for development (DEVCO, now INTPA) in the cross-cutting field of digitalization in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with a view to issuing a series of lessons learned and recommendations to inform current and future cooperation work. In particular, this evaluation focuses on understanding and analyzing DEVCO’s investments and projects in the region, the extent to which these projects are strategically promoting the pillars, objectives and values of the EU frameworks, and to identify complementarities or lack thereof with other relevant national, regional, and international stakeholders.

Evaluation of the EU Cooperation with the United Nations in External Action
  • Europe, European Union
  • April 2021 - May 2022
  • Just Digital Transformations
  • Partner(s): ADE, DG INTPA (Funder), DG NEAR

This evaluation, led by our partner ADE, provided an independent assessment and evidence on the EU-UN cooperation in external action-building through the analysis of five thematic areas:

  • Green Deal;
  • Sustainable economic, social, and human development;
  • Governance, security, and governance;
  • Migration and forced displacement; and
  • Transition to a new digital era (led by DPA).

The evaluation assessed the EU’s influence and visibility in the UN system in relation to achieving EU priorities and supporting multilateralism. It examined the mechanisms for actual implementation and delivery of support, as well as their effectiveness and efficiency, including mechanisms for policy dialogue, programming, and cooperation. Additionally, the evaluation provided inputs on how to further improve cooperation between the EU and the UN.

The African Union-European Union (AU-EU) Data Economies
  • Europe, European Union, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
  • April - August 2021
  • Just Digital Transformations
  • Partner(s): African Union, European Union, GIZ (Funder)

In collaboration with the European Union and the African Union, and support from GIZ, DPA developed an overview of the Data Economy Framework between Europe and Africa in a concise report focused on the potential of the data economy in Africa, and its potential to boost the African-European data market exchange. The final report discussed the landscape of the African data economy and mapped the potential fields of common interest between the African and European Unions. The findings synthesized information from recent in-depth studies, as well as from indices on inclusive internet, affordability drivers and network readiness.

Evaluation of the EU Cooperation with the World Bank
  • Europe, European Union
  • April 2022 - June 2023
  • Just Digital Transformations
  • Partner(s): ADE, DG INTPA (Funder), DG NEAR (Funder)

This evaluation, led by our partner ADE, provided an overall independent assessment on the World Bank’s (WB) cooperation in external action building via an ex-post and prospective analysis of the partnership. Among other research objectives, the evaluation assessed the achievement of EU objectives and priorities in the field of international cooperation and development as a result of this partnership; the reinforcement of the role of the EU as an international actor; the promotion of multilateral dialogue, solutions, and cooperation; and the effective and efficient delivery of development support to countries and development partners. It also provided a roadmap to gauge the opportunities and constraints the EU faces in relation to its partnership with the WB.

Evaluation of the Contribution to the Implementation of SDGs by the EU External Action Between 2016-2021
  • Europe, European Union
  • December 2021 - April 2023
  • Just Digital Transformations
  • Partner(s): ADE, DG INTPA (Funder)

The main objective of this evaluation, led by our partner ADE, was to provide an independent, evidence-based assessment of the contribution of the EU’s external actions in support of the implementation of the SDGs – not only as a set of individual goals, but also in relation to their integration into the EU’s external policy framework. In line with EU policy, this evaluation sought to be a stock-taking, lesson-learning, and forward-looking exercise, as well as an accurate assessment of achieved results.

Technical Assistance Facility for Africa-EU Relations in the Field of Economic Development
  • Europe, European Union, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
  • January - March 2022
  • Just Digital Transformations
  • Partner(s): DG INTPA, OCA Global Consulting (Funder)

This series of three reports analyzed varying aspects of Africa-EU and provided technical policy insights to strengthen the European Commission Directorate General for International Partnerships’ (DG INTPA) capacity in “knowledge-based” policymaking. Each report was conducted through a study and analysis of policy briefings, taking into account EU political interests towards Africa, as well as relevant existing legally-binding agreements, political declarations and strategic documents. The topics of each report included:

(1) Transport and Infrastructures;
(2) Digital Technologies and Services;
(3) Sustainable Energy and Climate Change; and
(4) Private Sector and Trade.