The European Union launched, on 12 April, a new communication entitled ‘Towards a renewed EU-Pacific development partnership’ to focus on the adverse effects of climate change in the area. The document, signed by High Representative Catherine Ashton an Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, looks at ways to cooperate on addressing climate change and development “in a tailored manner”. According to Ashton, the document “highlights the added value we bring as a political and development partner to the Pacific region”. Piebalgs added that the EU was committed to providing the region with an additional €19 million “to help them better adapt to the challenges of global warming”.