CONCORD Policy Forum

14 and 15th March the CONCORD confederation organised its Policy Forum, where current development policy challenges were discussed by a representative number of members . The topics discussed included CONCORD’s response to the European Commission Green Paper on development, the Policy Coherence for Development (PCD) Task Force focussing on the CAP reform and food security, engagement on future Multi-annual Financial Framework, the upcoming Polish presidency and CONCORD’s priorities in the next period.

The new “EU Engagement strategy” which was developed by the Institutional Task Force on how to engage with European Commission, Parliament and External Action Service within the new EU architecture was presented through interactive exercises – all CONCORD members are encouraged to consult the strategy (to be found on the extranet).

Furthermore at the end of Policy Forum members had the occasion to meet the European Commissioner for Development, Andris Pielbags, who reacted on CONCORD’s submission to the Green Paper Consultation. On bahalf of CONCORD responded Laura Sullivan (ActionAid) highlighting the continued need for social sector investments and responding to other issues Piebalgs had raised. These speeches and the minutes of the Policy Forum are soon available on CONCORD’s extranet.

Information provided by Monika Matus and Ulrike Bey, TRIALOG