The European Development Fund (EDF) is the main instrument for Community assistance in the cooperation and development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States and the overseas countries and territories (OCT).
The 1957 Treaty of Rome foresaw its creation for granting technical and financial aid, initially to the African countries that were colonies at the time, with which certain European States had historical ties.
The Fund is financed by the Member States of the European Union. It is subject to its own financial rules and is managed by a specific committee.
Support for the ACP States and OCTs continues to be financed through the EDF during the period 2014-2020.
Each EDF programme covers a period of about five years and the EDF cycles generally coincide with those of the partnership agreements/convention:
