EU Lobby Network
Just as it does at national level, Partos also works closely with its members at EU level. The EU Lobby Network meets monthly to coordinate joint action and positions. The priority here is the Netherlands’ role in the European debate on development cooperation and the implementation of EU development policy. A key issue at present is the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which is the eight-year budget set to come into effect from 2027. The development budget is a crucial part of these negotiations. Other topics include the EU Civil Society Strategy, Global Gateway, and the involvement of civil society organisations in Team Europe.
CONCORD
In Brussels, Partos is represented by CONCORD, our European umbrella organisation of national platforms and international networks. This enables us to maintain contact with sectoral associations from Member States across the Union. Through CONCORD, Partos receives valuable and relevant information to optimise the Netherlands’ contribution to the European debate on development cooperation. In addition, we work together with our colleagues in Brussels to liaise with the European Parliament and other relevant stakeholders.
As part of CONCORD, Partos also contributes to the annual publication of AidWatch. This is a report that has been monitoring the ODA expenditure of the EU and its Member States since 2005. It examines whether Member States are meeting their 0.7 per cent commitment, and also whether that money is being spent effectively.
CONCORD working groups
Various Partos members are active within CONCORD, either from their offices in the Netherlands or in close collaboration with the Brussels branch of their organisation. Within CONCORD’s various working groups, they contribute their insights on a range of topics, such as the financing of development cooperation and a strong civil society.
Want to find out more?
Would you like to contribute ideas to our European lobbying work, or would you like to know more about the opportunities within CONCORD? Then please get in touch with us!