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To be connected … or not to be? Is there any choice these days?
With around half of the world’s population still not connected, those who remain in the analog world risk being left far behind. Our investments today reflect society’s commitment to the future, so let’s ensure that we bridge the digital divide for lasting prosperity and equality.
Joint letter from NGO networks to European Council on Heading VI in the next MFF and Recovery Fund
On 8 June, CONCORD co-signed a letter sent to EU Head of States ahead of the European Council to present recommendations on the next EU budget and the recovery fund ‘Next Generation EU’.
Who is championing the least developed countries in the EU?
Achieving the pledge of the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind also requires focusing on least developed countries (LDCs). Our new policy paper assesses which EU actors are championing the LDCs by meeting their international commitments and supporting sustainable development in LDCs.
Liberty after COVID-19: What do we want to live for?
The decisions that leaders make today will impact our lives longer than the outbreak itself. What will happen to our democracies and civil liberties when the immediate threat from the pandemic subsides?
EU’s path to a strategy with Africa in uncertain times
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.
Responding to COVID-19: Forging a path to an equitable future
As the new coronavirus rages across the globe, it should no longer be possible to ignore and maintain the structural inequalities. Tackling inequalities and building an inclusive and sustainable economy should be on top of the EU and Member States’ priority list.
If we can save banks to the tune of trillions of dollars, how much are human lives and livelihoods worth?
As governments prepare their economic recovery plans, they not only face a formidable challenge, but also an unprecedented opportunity.
CONCORD’s analysis of Commission’s proposed global pandemic response
The Communication on the Global EU response to Covid-19 sets out how the EU will address the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the immediate health and socio-economic needs of the most vulnerable countries and people globally.
It’s not the end, it’s just the beginning: With COVID-19, now is the time to boost aid
Early figures released yesterday by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) show an increase of 1,4% in global development aid spending in 2019.
Support resources during the COVID-19 outbreak
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on civil society organisations and the people they support. We are supporting our members and partners to stay informed, adapt their programmes and stay safe.
CONCORD analysis of EU’s Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025
In our latest analysis, we evaluate the Gender Equality Strategy with a focus on the external dimensions of the EU’s work on gender equality ahead of the Gender Action Plan III, which is expected in October 2020.
Is COVID-19 the wake-up call we need to invest in our social systems again?
As the coronavirus spreads across our globalised world a clear picture emerges: quality healthcare and social rights may not stop a pandemic, but they are key to addressing one and can prevent the poor and marginalised from being hit the hardest.
How COVID-19 is influencing EU institutions’ international partnership work
Coronavirus is dominating the headlines. Not only is the economy slowing down, but so are most of the policy activities in Brussels. Starting from mid-March, the majority of meetings and events have been either cancelled or moved online.
Joint statement by civil society groups on the EU’s new Comprehensive Strategy for Africa
Yesterday the European Commission (EC) and the European External Action Service (EEAS) released the joint communication ‘Towards a Comprehensive Strategy with Africa’ .
Every Word Matters
Whether we are communicating with the public or with policy-makers, if we are doomsayers, focusing on how badly the world is doing, people won’t feel inspired to join us or to stand behind our causes. The language we use matters…
Ring out the old, ring in the new
Welcome back! A new year … a new decade… And of course New Year’s resolutions – because, unlike many of my (perhaps more realistic) colleagues, I did make a couple this year.
Making our values true requires understanding one’s reality
Director’s blog – Tanya Cox retrospects on her one year in CONCORD’s secretariat and calls for a better understanding of members’ realities, and hopes for a better working context to make our values a reality.
Talking Development Podcast, Ep. 7: The future EU budget concerns us all
As the current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is coming to an end, this episode of our “Talking Development Podcast” reveals the important elements that should be considered in the new MFF, which will last for seven years (2021-2027).
Talking Development Podcast Ep. 6: The world is interconnected, so are EU policies
The interconnection of EU policies seems is a complex issue. To provide an understanding of this complexity, this episode guides you through the concept of EU policy-making and its impact on the ground.
Talking Development Podcast, Ep. 5: Innovative Development Financing Tools
In this podcast, Jeroen Kwakkenbos from Oxfam International EU Office, guides us through the new trends in aid and the more recent mechanisms put in place to finance development objectives in innovative ways.
AidWatch 2019: Total shift required to Leave No One Behind
Despite the well-received 25% reduction in inflated aid, EU aid is still decreasing after discounting these components. This means that, at the current rate of growth, the EU will only meet the 0.7% ODA/GNI target in 2061, as revealed by the CONCORD AidWatch 2019 Report.
An inclusive strategy in ensuring no one is left behind
Inequalities between people and countries have reached staggering heights. The social contract is under unprecedented pressure, as witnessed by the multiplication of protests, marches and social unrest against austerity, inequalities and injustice all over the world. So, what is it about the principle of “Leaving No One Behind” that our leaders have not understood?
Inequalities Unwrapped: An urgent call for systemic change
protests around the world show the urgency of addressing inequalities. How can we tackle this multidimensional problem to ensure no one is left behind? Our new report calls for a systemic approach and puts forward concrete solutions, which could guide EU leaders to reduce different forms and drivers of economic, social, environmental, and political inequalities.
Is European aid effective?
Aid is not only about quantity, it is about quality too! It needs to reach the people who need it the most. Our new paper “Who owns Development Effectiveness? A European Reality Check” analyses how EU aid is actually used for. This paper puts forward a series of recommendation based on some selected indicators which sets the scene for achieving a more effective and inclusive aid.