This year, our Learning and Exchange Forum 2021 went digital! How could we have imagined that it would bring us even closer? With broad participation from influential civil society actors, our discussions were centred on how to co-create transformational and innovative partnerships.
The outbreak of COVID-19 will have important implications for the future of EU development cooperation, including the future EU-Africa. We take a look at the lessons learned so far and suggest future approaches for the EU’s dialogue with and support to partner countries.
Yesterday the European Commission (EC) and the European External Action Service (EEAS) released the joint communication ‘Towards a Comprehensive Strategy with Africa’ .
Next week, Jutta Urpilainen will be facing the European Parliament for a hearing during which she will be tested on her suitability for the role of International Partnerships Commissioner. CONCORD came up with interview questions that MEPs could ask during the vetting process as well as the ideal answers that the Commissioner designate could use to prepare for the interview.
Gina Wharton, Advocacy Advisor at the European Network of the International Planned Parenthood Federation discusses the future of EU-Africa relations, the importance of human development and why the EU needs partnerships based on fairness and equality.
Anne Pakoa, a vocal figure in Vanuatu’s civil society, exchanges views with CONCORD on the Pacific’s most pressing issues for future EU-ACP relations.
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. European NGOs would like to see human rights based policies aiming at well-being within planetary boundaries.
The Cotonou Partnership Agreement is coming to an end in 2020. To ensure a fair ground leading to a “partnership of equals”, CONCORD has developed a list of recommendations, serving as a contribution from civil society to the ongoing EU-ACP negotiations to ensure mutually beneficial priorities.
The European Commission has officially launched negotiations with the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP) on a new partnership agreement to succeed the Cotonou Agreement. This represents an opportunity to build people-centered cooperation as equal partners but, there is concern about the narrative of Africa being portrayed only as Europe’s trade and economic partner.
Following Juncker’s speech “State of the Union 2018”, CONCORD reacts to the new ‘Africa – Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs’.