Concord Press Release on Agenda for Change
On October 13th 2011, Concord published a press release on the "Agenda for Change" communication.
European Parliament to host high level meeting on “Promoting social and economic justice in South Asia”
Brussels, 8 June 2011
The South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication (SAAPE), Eurostep and MEP Richard Howitt will hold the meeting “Promoting social and economic justice in South Asia: EU Cooperation with the Region”. The event will provide key insights on recent developments in the region, as well as provide perspectives from both the North and South. The meeting will be held in the European Parliament, from 12h00 to 14h00 on 14 June 2011 in room ASP A3H-1.
South Asia is home to almost 23% of the world's 6.6 billion people and contains a wide diversity of cultures, languages and religions. It also exhibits high levels of poverty coupled with conflict, gender discrimination, frequent disasters and the increasing threat of climate change. Despite substantial economic growth, millions remain in poverty in the region, evidence of deeply embedded inequalities that continue to serve as a poverty trap to the masses. It is clear that more needs to be done to combat these inequalities, and a re-evaluation of current EU cooperation policy is needed - this meeting provides a space to do just that.
DG DEVCO Organization chart reveals few appointments of women
Following the merger of DG for Development (DG DEV) and DG for Aid and Cooperation – Europeaid (DG AIDCO) the official organization chart of DG DEVCO was released last week. Eurostep calculations have revealed concern regarding the number of women in leading positions, with almost five men to every woman in a high-ranking role.
The creation of a single DG within the Commission, responsible for Development Policy and implementation, is one of the institutional changes brought about by the Lisbon Treaty. DG DEVCO sees itself as a central player in coordinating with the EEAS in ensuring coherence of other policies with development.
Read the entire article in the Eurostep Weekly.
Statement by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton on the ongoing violence and necessity for credible reform in Syria
6 June 2011 - Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:
"I condemn the continued brutality and violence in Syria. I deplore the increasing loss of life caused by the Syrian authorities' policy of repression rather than dialogue. I am gravely concerned about reports of torture and other violence being used against family members, including children, as a means to silence activists. I urge the Syrian leadership to fulfil its commitments and responsibilities to halt violence and intimidation against the Syrian people. I note the announcement of a presidential amnesty for political prisoners. I reiterate that the EU will assess the sincerity of the measures taken by the Syrian authorities by the extent of their implementation which is the only way to make announced reforms credible. I emphasise that all those detained in connection with the protests must be released without delay. I again call on the Syrian authorities to meet all their human rights obligations and to engage in genuine and inclusive dialogue and fundamental reforms in response to the demands of the Syrian people."
Source: Council Press Release
MFF: SURE Committee urges the EU to meet international development commitments
On 25 May, the European Parliament (EP) Special Committee on the policy challenges and budgetary resources for a sustainable European Union after 2013 (SURE) adopted its draft proposal for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). MEPs advised the EU against freezing future budgets at the 2013 level, as this would seriously impact on the achievement of its policy aims that were outlined in the EU 2020 strategy, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
In order for the Member States and the EP to meet their commitments, there should be an increase in funding of at least 5%, MEPs stressed, pointing out that such an increase would however only constitute a small contribution to achieving the aims agreed upon. It is generally feared that a budget freeze could endanger the already-agreed boost for research and innovation (from 1.9% of GDP to 3%), as well as investments in infrastructure, foreign policy priorities, enlargement and the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism.
Read the entire article in the Eurostep Weekly
Can the European Union learn from Dutch development aid successes? High-level conference in the Parliament looked at new ways of development cooperation
THE HAGUE – A high-l evel conference in the Dutch P arliament under the title “Organising Inclusive Ownership – The EU's Structured Dialogue to strengthen cooperation with Non State Actors in the Sout h” explored new and promising development cooperation approaches, such as South-South cooperation. The conference brought together Costa Rican Foreign Minister René Castro, Members of the Dutch Parliament and senior representatives from Non Governmental Organizations and the Dutch Foreign Ministry.
Read the entire Press Release from EEPA
Today in the European Institutions – 25 May 2011
Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Commission Vice-President and Štefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, today launched a new and ambitious European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) -- confirming the EU’s determined and reinforced engagement with its neighbours.
AidWatch: Aid allocation increasingly driven by EU ‘self-interest’
The EU’s aid commitments are becoming increasingly determined by domestic political agendas as well as security, immigration and commercial interests, says a new report, launched on 19 May. According to this year’s AidWatch report, entitled “Challenging self-interests: Getting EU aid fit for the fight against poverty”, EU member states inflated official aid spending by more than €5 billion and only nine countries met their committed EU aid targets.
Read the entire article from the Eurostep Weekly
Other titles this week:
Commitment to the Aid effectiveness agenda reaffirmed at the Joint Parliamentary Assembly
WHO report: Old and emerging threats to health in developing countries
EU “far from being able to claim the title of LGBT and equality champions”, shows ILGA Europe report
A credible, fair and effective EU migration policy: the way forward
The Commission is proposing a package of measures aimed at a better management of migration flows from the Southern Mediterranean region, as well as amendments to the Visa Regulation to ensure that visa free travel does not lead to abuse. Solidarity with the Member States most exposed to migratory pressures and stronger cooperation with third countries remain absolutely crucial.
Read the entire press release from the European Commission
Foreign Affairs Ministers discuss the Southern Mediterranean at the 23 May Foreign Affairs Council
Meeting in the morning of 23 May, the Foreign Ministers in the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) configuration discussed, among other issues, the Southern neighbourhood region, the Middle East peace process and the EU’s external action arm, the EEAS. The Council drew conclusions on Syria, Libya, Yemen and Bahrain, as well as on the “First Annual Report to the European Council on EU Development Aid Targets”. Moreover, the Foreign Ministers agreed on €200 million in aid for South Sudan who is expected to declare its independence on 9 July 2011.
21 May: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
Pursuant to UNESCO’s Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity of November 2001, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 21 May as World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (Resolution 57/249). This day therefore observes and tries to further the understanding of Cultural Diversity values in an attempt to teach people to “live together” better.
More Articles...
- ECOFIN misses the opportunity to address the Financial Transaction Tax, says CAN Europe
- One in six people have no access to clean water
- Bangladesh Prime Minister and Bill Gates speak at the 64th World Health Assembly
- 17 May 2011 – International Day against Homophobia: Europe is far from being able to claim the title of LGBT human rights and equality champions, says Co-Chair of ILGA Europe
- EU looks to reduce the number of developing countries that receive trade preferences
- ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) - Louis Michel favours budget aid for development, opposes discrimination of homosexuals
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