Development Policy and Practice

Re-balancing the European Union security and economic interests with its development policy objectives and its values of democracy, solidarity and respect for human rights is a major challenge for the coming years. The issue is not only about policy coherence for sustainable development but also about using EU financial resources and cooperation instruments for the right purpose and with the right impact in a political context dominated by an economic crisis agenda, global competition for natural resources and land, growing inequalities and shrinking space for civil society.

Building on evidence from its members, ACT Alliance EU aims at influencing EU policy making, legislation and practice which impact on human rights, equality and inclusiveness, particularly for women and girls and the implementation of the sustainable development goals so that all people can realise their full potential and enjoy their rights protected by international law, conventions and norms.

 

For the realisation of the SDGs it is of utmost importance to use scarce development financial and human resources for the right purpose and with the right impact and to make sure that all European actors involved in development cooperation abide by Human Rights and other international conventions and treaties as well as development effectiveness principles. This is particularly true for the private sector and development finance institutions which are called to play a growing role in EU development cooperation.

ACT Alliance EU advocates in favour of safeguarding ODA integrity and focus as a main source of public finance to fight poverty and inequalities and to enhance fair and inclusive public services, protect livelihoods and ensure resilience at community level. In particular, the EU and its Member States should adopt standards, criteria and procedures that improve the development impact, democratic ownership, transparency and accountability of their cooperation instruments and aid modalities including budget support, investment facilities, trust funds or grants for civil society.

Featured Resources

NGOs letter to Commissioner Urpilainen on private sector in Development

In their letter ACT Alliance EU and 10 other NGOs recommend a nuanced approach recognising the diversity of models and a... Read More

EFSD+: stronger safeguards are needed when using ODA to leverage investments

ACT Alliance EU is seriously concerned by the proposal put forward by the European Commission for the creation of a new... Read More

CONCORD AID WATCH REPORT 2018

In 2017, the EU and its 28 member states (EU28) remained the biggest development donor worldwide. However, the level of... Read More

Development budget and objectives at risk in future EU Multi-annual Financial Framework

ACT Alliance EU is closely monitoring the preparation of the EC proposal for the post 2020 EU multi-annual financial fra... Read More

NGO recommendations for an external investment plan fit for development

When using ODA to leverage private finance through blending and bank guarantees, it is essential to put the right safegu... Read More

ACT Alliance position on sustainable development finance

ACT Alliance calls on governments meeting at the UN Financing for Development conference in Addis Ababa to create a more... Read More

Resources

EU Funding delivery mechanisms

This CONCORD paper tries to answer to the multiple questions Civil Society organisations have on the EC funding modaliti... Read More

Destination Addis Ababa; the EU responsibilities at the third FFD

In this paper, CONCORD members set out their expectations on EU and its member states roles and commitments on a number... Read More

EU Budget 2014-2020 - Fit for the Fight against Global Poverty?

This CONCORD paper provides an overview and assessment of the whole MFF process and its outcome and looks at their impli... Read More

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