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The proof of the pudding is in the eating
To what extent has nearly a year of teleworking hampered our work? It has been harder to stay informed. It has been harder to get a sense of the bigger picture. It has been harder to influence. And, what was that about shrinking civil society space?
Mind Our Business: Amplify the transformative power of sustainable and inclusive business models through EU external action
Sustainable and inclusive business models can help the EU advance on its various objectives, whether creating decent work opportunities for all or contributing to the ecological transition. It’s time to amplify their power through EU external action.
Denying aid on the basis of EU migration objectives is wrong
After a surprise move by the Chair of the Development Committee, Tomas Tobé, the European Parliament voted in favour of making EU aid to developing countries conditional on their compliance with EU migration control objectives.
The will is there, but can the Gender Action Plan III pave the way to a gender-equal world?
2020 should have been a celebratory year for accelerating gender equality globally. But, instead of celebrations, COVID-19 is dramatically reversing the progress made over recent decades.
Reporting back: CONCORD’s General Assembly 2020
Our 17th General Assembly was the first of its kind as our Confederation came together virtually from all corners of Europe. In the shift towards international partnerships, our Members jointly exchanged on the future development cooperation in a geopolitical world.
In memory of Andreas Vogt
CONCORD is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Andreas Vogt, our much loved and respected former colleague and leading member of Caritas in Luxembourg. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time.
How bad does a crisis need to be? Aid budget increases in MFF deal are simply not enough
In what has been termed by some as a “historic” moment, EU leaders from the European Parliament and Council finally struck a deal on Tuesday on the EU’s next seven-year budget.
What will it take to Leave No One Behind?
CONCORD has just released its annual AidWatch report and the picture is pretty gloomy. Not only is aid, as a proportion of GNI, falling, but genuine aid is only at 0.4% of GNI.
AidWatch 2020: Knock-on effects, an urgent call to Leave No One Behind
2020 marks the first year since 1998 that the global rate of poverty has increased. The COVID-19 pandemic has much to do with that, but it doesn’t help that the EU and its Member States are further off-track than ever in meeting their aid targets.
How does CONCORD fit into a “New Power” world?
We want to build a new narrative, one based on equality, hope and justice. What better than to introduce new power techniques to support us in this?
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’ .