This article examines how far European development ministers have agreed to European Commission proposals on supporting developing countries to cope with the global financial crisis. It argues that the process reflects the complex interplay of forces and interests between the Commission and 27 Member States. There has been progress on some items, not on others. The litmus test will be whether aid pledges are met, whether significant front-loading takes place, whether new codes of conduct are developed and whether the EU plays straight with developing countries on climate change.