Is it a good idea to organise a European Year for Development in times of financial and economic crisis?
2015 is a unique year to launch the European Year for Development. Of course, particular sensitivity is required to communicate on that policy topic, especially in those Member States which are most affected by the on-going crisis and increasing rise of euro scepticism.
However, a unanimous adoption from the Council and European Parliament provides all with the challenge in being very clear on the fact that EU development cooperation is not about spending tax payers’ money in some far away partner countries with no repercussions on us in Europe. Development cooperation takes place in a globalised, interconnected world, having an impact on our daily life with climate change, trade, migration and security issues as strong examples.
Our challenge is to underline how through development cooperation we are collectively making a direct difference to people's lives not just in developing countries but in Europe.