This chapter discusses the evolution of involvement in tropical forestry (DG VIII) with regard to development aid.

As the Directorate-General responsible for Development Co-operation with the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, DG VIII occupies an unusual position with regard to development aid.

Not only does it control `budgetary allocations' voted by the European Parliament to the respective development-related budget lines, but it also has access to the so-called `non-budgetary funds' in the form of the periodic pledges which are made directly by the Member States to the European Development Fund.