Working Better Together in a Team Europe Approach

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The overall objective of this Section is to provide the reader with a better understanding of joint programming. It focuses on joint programming as a concept, its scope and tools, and how it can be used in different contexts (by showcasing country case study examples). It is also intended to provide the reader with a better understanding of the linkages between joint programming, joint implementation and Team Europe Initiatives. In addition, this section also provides specific updated clarifications, e.g. in relation to development partner mappings and programming cycles.

Annex 2 provides more detailed guidance on how joint programming documents can be designed and monitored, and on how TEIs can be integrated into joint programming documents⁴⁹. More specifically, Annex 2 provides step-by step information on:

1. deciding to start a joint programming process;
2. conducting a joint analysis;
3. preparing a joint response and finalising the joint programming document (JPD);
4. EU approval procedures for joint programming documents;
5. monitoring the implementation of joint programming.

Throughout, it also provides joint programming country examples and document templates.

This Section and the following two sections are not meant to be read consecutively, but as separate yet interlinked sections, with overlaps, synergies and complementarities – like the processes themselves (joint programming, Team Europe Initiatives and joint implementation). It is encouraged to combine the three methods (as in the annexes), but it is possible to prioritise the use of one over the other as appropriate and feasible in a given context – while also noting the aim of increasing the use of joint programming as the preferred approach, where feasible.

In a nutshell: How joint programming helps advance the development effectiveness principles?50
Image	Joint programming objectives are to be aligned with the national development plan (NDP). If no NDP exists, or the NDP is not of sufficient quality, the SDG framework and other national policy documents (e.g. relevant sector policies) can be used as references. The AAAA integrated national financing frameworks (INFF) and their development finance assessments (DFAs) can also be used, as they link to Agenda 2030 and the Paris Climate Agreement.
Image	A core part of a joint programming document is the joint results framework (JRF), which provides the basis for regular JP monitoring, reporting and follow-up. (see Annex 2).
Image	All relevant stakeholders – partner country governments in particular, but also private sector and civil society representatives, local authorities and other development partners should be consulted throughout the joint programming process, as partnerships and collaboration are at the heart of the Team Europe approach (see Section 3).
Image	Joint programming documents are generally published online and available to the general public. Engaging with the various stakeholders is also about being transparent, sharing information and knowledge. An informed target group can hold decision- makers accountable. Joint programming encourages mutual transparency on European official development aid (ODA) and non-ODA funding contributing to the JP objectives (development partner financial table included in the JP document).

49 An overview of the countries with Joint Programming Documents can also be found at the Team Europe Initiative and Joint Programming Tracker at https://capacity4dev.europa.eu/resources/team-europe-tracker_en
50 https://effectivecooperation.org/landing-page/effectiveness-principles