Case: Policy coherence in general

27-11-2008 The EU Coherence programme at the Development Days 2008

27 November 2008

From 15 untill 17 November, the third edition of the European Development Days were held in Strasbourg. During these three days many workshops and seminars were organized around the topic; Local authorities in development.  NGO’s, National and European Politicians and civil servants, and guests from the South were all represented. Some organized workshops and seminars, and others provided information at their stands. 

The EU Coherence team visited several workshops on Sunday and Monday in which topics such as the influence of the local level on aid effectiveness, the midpoint of the MDGs and citizens as partners were discussed. It was useful to listen to other stakeholders and to exchange views on several development related topics.

During the same week in Strasbourg, the Blue Card Proposal was discussed and voted on within the plenary seesion of the European Parliament. In order to  draw attention to this proposal just once more, the EU Coherence Programme team dressed up as border control officials and handed out fake blue cards to several MEPs, members of NGOs, visitors from developing countries, and EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel.  Various reactions were received, some were very much against the introduction of the Blue card, while others really welcomed the Blue Card and did not see our concerns.

The EU Coherence Programme is not totally against the introduction of the Blue Card, as it does provide opportunities for highly skilled workers from developing countries to gain experience. However circular migration should be encouraged to prevent further Brain drain from taking place.

During the debate on the Blue Card in the plenary session in Strasbourg on the 19th of November, many MEPs drew attention to the issue of Brain Drain, and mentioned that it should be taken into account. On Thursday the 20th the proposal was eventually supported by the MEPs during the plenary vote, its is expected that the Blue card proposal will be voted on within the European Council in early 2009.