Brexit, the third sector will not leave its commitments

Martino Pillitteri

Civil society organizations voice out their concerns on the UK’s decision to leave Europe. While the country is about to abandon the Union, the third sector players pledge to remain united to fulfill their social engagements.

UK and EU must maintain strong reputation as leaders in international development

Staff

Diane Sheard, interim Europe Executive Director at The ONE Campaign calls on all UK political leaders to confirm their commitment to that cause, which is at the heart of British values.

Overwhelming love for Jo Cox

Staff

The signs of affection for Jo Cox displayed by million of people around the world is moving and mounting. The silent majority of men and women who share her values and commitments is voicing its love for her.

The energy days promote the transition to Europe’s sustainable energy future

Staff

Citizens and stakeholders are organising European Union Energy Days throughout the month of June to activate the transition to secure, clean and efficient energy. Held as part of EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), presentations, workshops, conferences, tours, displays and other activities will spread the word about energy-efficiency and renewables. The events, which will take place in Europe and beyond, are expected to attract thousands of visitors. Over 30 Energy Days are planned for Brussels alone around the EUSEW Policy Conference and Sustainable Energy Awards.

Dear EU, we need to do more against conflict minerals

Staff

"We need to find an agreement that will effectively tackle the conflict and human rights risks in the mineral supply chains". 126 NGOs, including Global Witness and Amnesty International have signed an open letter calling for tighter regulation of conflict minerals, addressed to the Dutch Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the 28 EU Member States.

European Commission must do more for Investment in Community Based Services

Staff

The European Expert Group on the Transition from Institutional to Community-Based Care (EEG) welcomes several recommendations promoting quality care and support and access to employment and inclusive education for disadvantaged groups. Nonetheless, the overall focus on austerity will be detrimental to the transition to community-based services in Europe, if no safeguards are made available for public investment in this area.

How urban planning can tackle inequality

Kimberley Evans

“Cities are not only facing increasing heterogeneity, but also growing economic inequality and spatial segregation.” Explaining the crucial role of urban planners in fostering social cohesion and advancing sustainable urban development is Franziska Schreiber, expert on urbanisation at adelphi, the leading independent think tank and public policy consultancy on climate, environment and development.

The refugees crisis is at the top of the agenda as the EFC kicks off its annual conference

Monica Straniero

The ongoing refugees crisis is a challenge to our common humanity. How can governments, the private sector, civil society organisations and philanthropy response?

Kenya: using the lives of refugees to blackmail Europe

Kimberley Evans

The proposed decision of the Kenyan government to shut down two of the world’s largest refugee camps is surprising, for a country that hosts over 600,104 refugees stemming mainly from conflict-ridden Somalia and South Sudan, and who have nowhere else to go. The government insists that its actions are based on security concerns, but according to The Economist, “money is probably the real reason for the sudden announcement.”

Will the new migration plan compact Europe?

Kimberley Evans

Italian Prime Minister Renzi’s ‘Migration Compact’ is set to be integrated into a new European Commission plan that will be unveiled in June, but without the original proposal of euro bonds as a guarantee to attract private investment enough to reach the €60 billion target aimed towards addressing the root causes of migration in the regions of the Middle East, North Africa, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa.