The article starts with an overview of the EU ODA, the author succinctly presenting the EU policy towards the ACP countries, Northern Africa, Asia and Latin America. This introductory section is followed by an analysis on the EU ODA policy as such which is considered to be still perfectible terms of consistency and coordination.
The article continues with an analysis of the EU ODA from the 'soft power' theory perspective. The author emphasizes that development assistance is linked to the notion of 'power' to the extent that it generates prestige, influence and persuasion in among international actors. This leads to the idea of ODA as a foreign policy instrument. As for the way the EU is using its ODA for achieving its foreign policy agenda, the author underlines the use of the economic and political 'the conditionality' as 'the hard edge of soft power.' On the same logic the author presents the more recent EU strategy of linking development to security, thus 'smartening' its 'soft power.'
In the second part of the article, the author reviews the possible relevance of EU ODA policy experience for Asia. The author stresses that despite major differences, the EU can provide enough 'prêt a porte' elements for other regions. Thus, based on the EU experience, a political will of individual regional actors, a basic institutional framework, an integrated ODA vision and a financial instrument to support it, are the ingredients to start a common regional ODA policy. At the very least, even the simple initiation of a form of cooperation and coordination of national ODA policies between the major regional donors in Asia will be a welcome step forward. In this context, the 'European Consensus on Development' strategy could inspire a similar 'Asian Consensus on Development.' The author also advocates the idea of an independent 'Asian Agency for Development.'
The article concludes with a pledge for a strengthened EU-Asia cooperation on development based on '3C formula': cooperation, coordination, concreteness.

I. An Overview of the EU ODA

II. The EU Classical ODA Subjects – the ACP Countries

III. Northern Africa – the Mediterranean Policy

IV. Relations with Asia and Latin America (ALA countries)

V. EU ODA – A Perfect..ible Model

VI. EU ODA and the Soft Power Concept

VII. The Universal Relevance of the EU Experience

VIII. Towards a Strengthened EU – Asia Cooperation on Development

IX. Conclusion

References