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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.
The ideal interview of Josep Borrell
Next week, Josep Borrell will be facing the European Parliament for a hearing during which he will be tested on his suitability for the role of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. CONCORD proposes interview questions that MEPs could ask during the vetting process, as well as the ideal answers that the HRVP designate could use to prepare for the interview.
The ideal interview of Jutta Urpilainen
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.
Time to do more than pay lip service to gender equality
In the coming months and years, key gender-related milestones will frame our agenda and the EU will have multiple opportunities to reiterate its pledges on gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights. Following the EP elections and the recent designation of the European Commissioners, where do we stand?
The new EU Commission – is it actually good news for sustainable development?
On Tuesday, the President of the European Commission announced the different portfolios and Commissioners-designate for the future College of Commissioners. CONCORD Europe recognises that the new architecture is based on strong political intentions but has concerns about how sustainable development will be realised throughout the different portfolios.
Will transformation and true sustainability, at last, be part of the European vision?
Accelerating change on the wrong path is a recipe for disaster. So, will transformation and true sustainability at last be part of the European vision?
Reporting back from the High-level Political Forum
From local to global, the HLPF is the global stage where participants learn, exchange and network. CONCORD joined this global event, as one of the different voices of the European civil society. This crossed interview of Tanya Cox and Lonne Poissonnier will provide complementary insights on this major milestone for the global sustainable development community.
New EU leaders appointed: what is the new game plan for a sustainable Europe?
17 July 2019 – Yesterday, the European Parliament approved the nomination of Ursula von der Leyen as the new President of the European Commission. Tanya Cox, CONCORD Director, reacts and shares our hopes for the future.
EU leaders’ nominations: what are the hopes for sustainable development?
After the nominations of the top EU leaders’ positions, our director, Tanya Cox, shares her first thoughts on what it would mean for the future of Europe and beyond.
EU Delegations unwrapped: A practical guide for Civil Society Organisations
Engaging with EU Delegations is crucial for Civil Society Organisations. CONCORD’s handbook helps CSOs foster effective cooperation with EU Delegations!
Economic growth will not cure inequalities
Will we reduce inequalities if we “foster inclusive growth”? A panel discussion I joined recently suggested so. Time to disagree.
Open letter to EU leaders: Our sustainable future must start now
CONCORD co-signed an open Letter addressed to EU leaders from 150+ civil society organisations demanding sustainable development be honed as EU’s top priority for the next five years.
Reporting back from CONCORD General Assembly 2019
Our 16th General Assembly gathered our members in Brussels for 2 days on June 12th and 13th. In a challenging global context where inequalities are constantly increasing, our members jointly exchanged on political priorities and decided on the fair way forward for our confederation.
European Parliament elections: progress, populism and missing pieces
As the dust is settling after May’s European Parliament elections, signs for change are becoming visible. But despite these reassuring signs of progress, we are still missing essential pieces to the puzzle.