The 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness commits development partners to strengthened aid effectiveness through the promotion of five key principles: ownership, alignment, harmonisation, results and mutual accountability.

In keeping with these commitments, the focus of development assistance at the EC has shifted from projects to an increased emphasis on programmes, including budget support (Good Governance and Development Contracts) and sector-wide approaches (Sector Reform Contracts). This has implications for the role EC staff plays in development assistance. Roles and responsibilities are shifting for EC staff, from project management to policy dialogue; donor coordination; supporting capacity building of government partners for improved accountability; as well as monitoring and evaluating national government performance.