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The European Union (EU) and its Member States are the world's largest aid donor. Together, they provide almost 60% of global development assistance. More than half of this money goes to African, Caribbean and Pacifi c (ACP) countries. The ACP-EU Partnership Agreement, also known as the Cotonou Agreement, is the cornerstone of cooperation with African, Caribbean and Pacifi c countries. Its objectives are poverty reduction through supporting sustainable economic, social and environmental development in the ACP regions and their integration into the world economy. At the same time, it promotes the consolidation of democracy, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Putting equity at the centre of its action, the EU gives priority to defending the interests of the most disadvantaged countries and the poorest sections of their populations.

In recent years, the European Commission has continuously developed the tool of cost-benefit analysis to better inform decision-makers in the process of settling on new directives and regulations concerning the environment. However, according to the Terms of Reference of this assignment "most studies in the field of waste have been restricted to an analysis of costs and, at best, a relatively superficial description of benefits".