The purpose of this study is to assess the extent to which the EC's DPS has been put into effect and to identify bottlenecks which may have hindered its implementation. How far has the policy 'trickled down' in the EC services that deal with developing countries? Much has changed since the declaration, both in the EU and beyond in the wider world of international affairs to which the DPS is part of the EU response. How much did the changes of the international context impact, e.g. the Millennium Development Goals, Monterrey, 9/11, etc.?