The European Union (EU) has concluded or currently is in the process of concluding Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with the group of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. Instead of the unilateral approach prevalent until the Lomé Agreements, the EPAs are bi-regional reciprocal agreements, which commit both parties. Unsurprisingly, the negotiations on the EPAs have thus proofed [...]

This report presents the results of an ÖFSE research project on the development orientation of soft loans (tied aid credits). It provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical evolution and institutional structure of tied aid as well as a comparative assessment of soft loan policies of four European Donor countries. Its conclusions are both relevant for the current discussion on Financing for [...]

Die. Post-2015 Agenda umfasst den komplexen Prozess die Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) mit den Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) zu einem neuen internationalen verbindlichen Referenzrahmen für die künftige globale Entwicklung zu formulieren. Die Ziele sollen jedoch universell sein und somit auch von den Industrieländern umgesetzt werden. Die Vorbereitung dieses Prozesses ist bereits in [...]

This policy note presents policy recommendations for a sustainable development strategy for the Tunisian olive oil sector in the context of the ongoing negotiations on the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) between Tunisia and the EU. Against the backdrop of increasing local value added and ecological constraints, a sector development strategy should primarily focus on exploiting [...]

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the apparel sector in several Sub-Saharan African countries has experienced significant growth in the context of preferential trade agreements. But expectations of FDI leading to spillovers to the local economy and the development of a locally-embedded apparel export industry have not materialized. A shift from FDI attraction through fiscal incentives to more [...]

This article contributes to the ongoing debate on the institutional preconditions for inclusive and sustainable development in the global periphery, countries that are in a subordinate position within global capitalism. The authors argue that deliberations pertaining to the effectiveness, inclusiveness, and sustainability of economic development must take into account the political-economic [...]