Financing of civil society is essential for democracy

Staff

The EU institution should promote a positive image of civil society organisations, preserve their independence and ensure they are properly funded, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) says.

How to achieve better results for the most marginalised

Staff

The decrease of public funding for NGOs and the increase of development and humanitarian challenges at the same time means complex challenges for civil society lie ahead. As part of a recent Awareness raising event in Brussels, CONCORD director Seamus Jefferson shared some recommendations on how to tackle the situation.

Civil Society on Greece: NGOs and Athens are working together

Staff

Following the publication of their new strategy for 2016-2022, CONCORD Europe Director Seamus Jeffreson went to Athens to meet with their member, the Greek NGDO platform. One of his main takeaways from the trip was that “it was notable to see Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) very visible in providing essential social services to vulnerable communities in Athens.”

Inequality, the environment, and protecting future generations

Kimberley Evans

The African, Carribean and Pacific group of states (ACP) and the EU’s trade and development cooperation treaty, the Cotonou Agreement, is up for renegotiation by June of this year. Civil society organisations are calling for an agreement that tackles inequality, and includes the commitments made at COP21.

#womensvoices: female refugees need more rights

Staff

As the refugee crisis continues, the European Women's Lobby and the Women Refugee Commission have joined forces and created the #womensvoices project to draw attention to the hardships faced by women fleeing from conflict, poverty, and climate change.

Laura Frigenti: facing the challenges ahead at the new Italian Agency for Development Cooperation

Joshua Massarenti

Laura Frigenti is the Director of the new Italian Development Cooperation Agency, officially established by the Italian parliament with the approval of a new bill on development cooperation which came into force on January 1st, 2015. The bill was provided for the establishment of a new development agency as well as the creation of a development financial institution. In this esclusive interview, Laura Frigenti discusses the many challenges she faces in her new role.

To be or not to be: EU incoherence on migration and development

Kimberley Evans

This Wednesday in Brussels, CONCORD Europe held a conference to present its policy paper entitled “Coherence for migration and security - and what about development?” The paper addresses key issues surrounding EU migration policies and Policy Coherence for Development.

Olivier De Schutter: “The commitments made in Paris are insufficient to protect the most vulnerable peoples”

Joshua Massarenti

Despite the diplomatic euphoria, most civil society organizations do not hide their skepticism towards the agreement reached in Paris. In this interview to Vita International, Olivier De Schutter, co-chair of the the former UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food and co-chair of the International Panel of Experts on sustainable food systems, explains why.

Climate negotiations: where we stand after one week

Staff

The CIDSE delegation at COP 21 has been following the development of the climate negotiations from inside Le Bourget conference centre, advocating for a fair and just deal, convinced that addressing climate change is essential to tackle poverty and inequality.

COP21 Paris: Africa pessimistically hopeful of negotiation outcomes

Kofi Adu Domfeh

At the end of week one, negotiators representing nearly 200 nations at the UN Climate Change Talks have turned over a draft text for ministers to clean up for an expected deal to be signed by governments. But groups representing the African interest at COP21 in Paris are not enthused with the pace of negotiations. They have expressed pessimistic hope in the outcomes of the expected agreement. Report from our correspondent in Paris, Kofi Adu Domfeh.