CONCORD Europe, together with some of our members were present at the just ended European Development Days 2019, themed “Addressing inequalities: building a world that leaves no one behind” which took place on the 18th-19th of June in Brussels.
Gina Wharton, Advocacy Advisor at the European Network of the International Planned Parenthood Federation sits down with us to discuss the future of EU-Africa relations, the importance of human development and why the EU needs partnerships based on fairness and equality.
Romania, Finland and Croatia recently published the Trio Programme for their upcoming EU Council Presidencies. The Trio Programme sets the joint political priorities for the presidencies and does not suggest radical changes, but puts emphasis on jobs and growth meaning business as in EU politics. European NGOs would like to see human rights based policies aiming at well-being within planetary boundaries.
Brussels, 28 September 2018 – Today, the European Commission officially launched the negotiations with the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP) on a new partnership agreement which will succeed the Cotonou Agreement. CONCORD, the European Confederation of Development NGOs, welcomes the renewal of the agreement as it represents a great opportunity to build a people-centered cooperation among equal partners but is concerned about the narrative of Africa being increasingly portrayed only as Europe’s trade and economic partner.
Press Reaction – The AU EU Summit should have been a great opportunity for young people from Africa and the EU to exchange and listen to each other’s views. Scheduled to speak, and with speeches prepared, as part of the peace, security, and governance section of the Summit today, instead their contribution was ruled out on the grounds of “rules of procedure” after the objections of a number of delegations. Civil Society reacted to the situation.
Ahead of the official EU-CELAC Summit planned for 2017, CONCORD and its partner Mesa de Articulación will organise the 8th edition of EU-CELAC Civil Society Forum on 7-8 of September. For 2 days, civil society from both regions will discuss recommendations to ensure that solidarity, democracy and justice will shape future bi-regional policies. [English – Espanol]