This paper outlines ACT Alliance EU’s advocacy strategy for the timeframe 2019 – 2022.
Outline
The paper introduces ACT Alliance EU, then outlines the political context in which the organisation is working, and strategic considerations when communicating with the European Parliament, Commission and Council.
The second part of the paper examines in detail the different policy areas covered by ACT Alliance EU, and the organisation’s objectives in these areas for the coming years.
Core Programmes:
- Development policy & practice
- Humanitarian policy & practice
Special Projects:
- Climate justice
- Migration & Displacement
- Food security
- Middle East
Finally, the annexe outlines potential synergies across thematic areas.
Political Context
The EU maintains a prominent global presence with significant development and humanitarian influence, boasting the largest aid budget globally. It champions human rights and democracy, aligning its policies with poverty eradication. However, the EU faces internal and external uncertainties fueled by Euroscepticism, nationalism, and crises, impacting its foreign policy agenda. There’s growing pressure on civil society, raising concerns about funding integrity and efficacy. Brexit complicates matters, affecting global South dynamics and humanitarian budgets. Despite challenges, there’s a shift towards openness to faith-based organisations. ACT Alliance EU aims to leverage its position for advocacy amidst evolving landscapes and uncertainties.
Strategic Considerations
Considerations around advocacy strategy for ACT Alliance EU encompass navigating changes in European Parliament and Commission, potentially impacting well-established contacts and civil society space amidst volatile political climates in some EU countries. National elections and mainstreaming radical opinions, particularly on migration, may alter Member States’ politics.
The reassertion of the European Council’s role vis-à-vis the Commission and Parliament underscores the need for advocacy at both national and Brussels levels. The Commission’s commitment to Human Rights clauses in trade agreements is notable, while the focus on demonstrating added value and expertise in EU development policy-making demands strengthened connections between programming and advocacy efforts. Maintaining partnerships with platforms like VOICE and CONCORD remains pivotal, aligned with the global ACT Alliance strategy from 2019 to 2026.