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ODA under scrutiny: AidWatch 2023 launch event
On Wednesday 18th October, CONCORD launched its 2023 AidWatch report, ‘Bursting the ODA inflation bubble.’ The report analyses both the quantity and the quality of EU ODA, finding that although reported figures are at a record high, 22% of reported ODA did not meet the most basic criteria to qualify as such.
Bursting the ODA inflation bubble: AidWatch 2023 Report Unveils the Gap Between Rhetoric and Reality
While Official Development Aid (ODA) figures are reportedly at record highs, the AidWatch 2023 report shows how the EU and its Member States have managed once again to claim billions as aid that did not meet the most basic criteria to qualify as ODA.
Navigating the Waters of Systems Change: Building a Just and Inclusive Future Together
Rilli Lappalainen, recently re-elected President of CONCORD, dedicates this month’s blog to explaining the processes of Systemic Change and how it can be integrated into the working structure of our Confederation.
Celebrating 20 years of CONCORD: 2023 General Assembly
Our 20th General Assembly was a very special one. Not only because it was the first in-person one after four years, but also because it was the occasion to celebrate CONCORD’s 20th anniversary.
Beyond growth beyond Europe: What policies and partnerships?
CONCORD recently partnered with the European Parliament in the organisation of their 3-day Beyond Growth conference. The event apparently drew 2000 people to join physically, while 2000 more were online. That is an enormous success.
Equality: Turning words into actions to leave no one behind
CONCORD hosted our first ever Equality Day this month, at which many practitioners, EU officials and CONCORD members came together see what more we could do.
What will the new world order look like… and when will we know?
The one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was marked by numerous articles in all
sorts of scholarly (and less so) journals, and pretty much the same question was on everyone’s lips:
what will it take to stop the war?
“I am because we are”
If there is any lesson the global pandemic has taught us, it is that no one sector has all the answers to issues of development and that more than ever before collaboration within and across sectors is unavoidable.
AidWatch 2022 | 1 euro in every 6 not going towards those left furthest behind
2021 should have been the year to double down on ODA to counter compounding global challenges. Instead, 1 euro in every 6 from EU and Member States’ ODA budgets did not even go towards those left furthest behind.
What will the OECD DAC stoop to next?
It’s that time of year again: CONCORD is busy preparing its annual AidWatch report. It is a key monitoring and accountability tool, looking into how much Official Development Assistance, or ODA, the EU (really) gives to partner countries, how effective it is and whether the EU and its Member States are serious about trying to leave no one behind, the hallowed principle of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
EDD 2022: Lacking inspiration and answers
The European Development Days, or EDD, is a development fair that is particularly useful to meet and to network, but also to exchange ideas and – hopefully – to learn. I’ll come back to exchange of ideas, but on the learning front, this year’s EDD was certainly a missed opportunity to demystify the Global Gateway – or rather, to go beyond the slogans.
Shaping our stories: General Assembly 2022
On the occasion of our 19th General Assembly, our Confederation came together virtually once again. As our 2016-2022 Strategy comes to a close, these two days presented an opportune moment to celebrate everything that CONCORD has achieved over the years as well as our way forward, together.
Annual Report 2021: Contributing to innovative and meaningful partnerships
Another year has come and gone. Our 2021 Annual Report looks back on a year of “Contributing to innovative and meaningful partnerships”. 2021 was the year of planning the future, thinking out of the box and consolidating CONCORD’s role in achieving equal, just and inclusive societies in a sustainable world.
Declaration of Digital Rights and Principles: A reality check
The European Commission’s proposal for a European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade – an important milestone towards a foundation for our shared digital world – reflects a predictable unease.
When the rubber hits the road … who are you going to call? Civil society’s fundamental role in times of crises
I am struck, again and again, by how governments of all colours and persuasions – but clearly some more than others – can question the role of civil society. And not just question our role, but actively undermine it.
EU ODA at a standstill: It’s time for action to counter the shockwaves of global crises
In an increasingly unpredictable world that is still countering the shockwaves of the global pandemic and compounding crises, EU ODA donors are still falling short on their collective and decades-old commitments to leave no one behind.
Nine trends shaping the year 2022
Inequality is growing, democracy is eroding, and acute distress is increasing, but at the same time people’s awareness and inclusion are increasing. What is needed now is dialogue, critical thinking and cooperation.
Is it time for a feminist approach to EU foreign policy?
As International Women’s Day comes around again, and the European Union is facing a historic situation with war at its borders, I’ve been mulling over, and talking with colleagues about, the merits of feminist foreign policy and wondering whether the EU should adopt one.
Statement: CONCORD stands with the people of Ukraine
CONCORD deplores Russia’s recent declaration of war on Ukraine and its unjustified attacks on Ukraine’s territory. CONCORD calls on Russia to withdraw its military forces from Ukraine and resort to peaceful dialogue to resolve any issues it may have.
Joint African-European civil society statement to all Heads of States and government dignitaries attending the 6th EU-AU Summit
200+ CSOs from Africa and Europe, representing citizens and people, have signed a Joint Declaration urging governments and institutions to rectify the lack of inclusivity and transparency of the sixth European Union-African Union Summit.
Is civil society losing out in institutional behind-the-scenes power play?
The EU-AU Summit is a mere three weeks away, but civil society has been shut out from having any real influence over the shape or likely outcomes of the Summit. Our Director reflects on EU institutional behind-the-scenes power play and how it can affect civil society involvement.
In memory of David Sassoli, European Parliament President
We are saddened by the sudden departure of a generous leader who fought hard for the European Union and was a true friend to civil society. May he rest in peace.
Op-Ed: Aligning the Social Economy Action Plan with the EU’s international partnerships
Europe’s new Social Economy Action Plan cannot be an ‘add-on’ to the mainstream economy that cleans up the mess that profit-maximising businesses leave behind after they’ve made their money, but become the new mainstream as part of the necessary transition to sustainable production and consumption patterns.
Will another chance for the EU to deliver on its promises go to waste?
The fifth UN Conference to support Least Developed Countries (LDC5, as it’s known) is around the corner. This is another moment – following hot on the heels of the disappointing COP26 – when the EU must step up. Given the extremely difficult situation that LDCs are facing, the EU must not only meet previous pledges but go further. Unrealistic? Maybe. Necessary? Definitely.