Case: Policy coherence in general

10-11-2011 CONCORD launches its 2nd spotlight report on PCD

The European Unions still fails to meet its Lisbon Treaty obligation to take account of the objectives of development cooperation in the policies that it implements which are likely to affect developing countries (Art 208 Lisbon). The EU therefore seriously undermines human rights of people living in developing countries. This is one of the conclusions of the new report on Policy Coherence for Development (PCD) that was launched on 7 November by CONCORD, the confederation of European development NGOs. The report uncovers incoherencies between EU development objectives and other policies, coming at an important time as the EU currently reforms its agricultural, trade and development policies. Besides we are expecting the release of the 3rd biannual EU progress report on PCD, and the 2nd report of the European Parliament on PCD.

During the launch, MEP Birgit Schnieber-Jastram, standing rapporteur for PCD, made an opening address. She stressed the importance of PCD and the need for political will to correct incoherencies. On the other hand, she mentioned the complexity of PCD, as different interests have to be weighed off against each other. In turn, Laura Sullivan from ActionAid presented the Spotlight report in more detail. She clearly stated that above all, PCD is a human rights obligation: there can be no development without the realisation of human rights. Vincent Grimaud (DG Devco) reacted by saying that in order to make PCD work, the involvement of all actors is needed. Therefore, it is to a large extent also a question of raising awareness among corporations, consumers, politicians, policy-makers etc. Leonard Mizzi (DG Agri) referred to the G20 Action Plan in which a commitment to PCD was made. Hence, according to Mizzi, the EU cant live up to the commitment if other countries dont. MEP Franziska Keller responded by saying that the EU shouldnt wait for other countries to follow suit, but instead be a front runner of PCD and a model for other countries. Overall, the main points in the lively discussion were that more dialogue and transparency is needed, as well as political support for PCD and tools for implementation. Also, as was clearly illustrated by the discussion between Leonard Mizzi en Franziska Keller, the role of the EU needs to be crystallised.

Topics covered in the report concern the EU Institutional framework on PCD, food security, natural resources, human security and migration. Many of the case studies covered by Fair Politics are also reflected in the report. The chapter on natural resources, to which Fair Politics contributed, shows how the EU tries to meet increasing European demand for raw materials by forcing developing countries to stay net exporters of raw materials rather than to look for ways to add value to these raw materials themselves.

CONCORD calls on the EU and specifically on Barosso to walk the talk of the Lisbon Treaty and to demonstrate greater political will to make Policy Coherence for Development a reality. The key recommendation CONCORD makes is for the European Commission to assess the potential impact of its upcoming policies on development and put in place a complaint mechanism open to the affected communities outside Europe.

As a contributor to the report, Fair Politics would like to share the report with all who are interested. Moreover, we are looking forward to the 3rd biannual EU progress report on PCD and the 2nd parliamentary report on PCD this time written by the standing rapporteur for PCD Birgit Schnieber-Jastram.

Click here to read the full report