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.
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’ .
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?
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.
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?
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?
Recommendations for the 6 strategic priorities of the future EU-ACP Agreement
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.
EU Budget: development aid low-ranked in favour of EU’s own political interests
Today, the European Commission released its communication on the Multi-annual Financial framework (2021-2027). CONCORD welcomes the budget dedicated to external actions, but raises concern on the merge of external instruments allocated to development aid that will put aid objectives in jeopardy.
Future EU Budget: CONCORD’s reaction to the single External Instrument proposal
Ahead of the European Commission’s communication on the future EU budget, CONCORD reacts to the proposal of a single External Instrument. By merging 12 instruments into one in the next Multi-annual Financial Framework, the EU would not live up to its commitments on sustainable development.