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Contributions from
the Column
Facts and trends
Werner-Schuster-Haus
Land policy: quick privatisation with disastrous consequences
Out of work
Cooperation with Jordan
Water is not like oil: there is no substitute for it
'Communities in the One World' Service Agency one year on
A change of course
"We must show that supporting independent NGO work is worthwhile"
US government: new money for fighting AIDS
Change to a more just agricultural trade not in the offing
Germany supports peace process in Sri Lanka
03/2003
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New umbrella organisation of European NGOs
"We must show that supporting independent NGO work is worthwhile"
More than 1,000 NGOs in 18 European countries that are engaged in development policy work founded a new umbrella organisation end-January called the Confederation for Coordination of Relief and Development NGOs (CONCORD). At the same time, the previous NGO representation in Brussels, the Liaison Committee of Development Policy NGOs (CLONG), was dissolved. In 2001 there was a vehement dispute between the European Commission and CLONG over financial issues which occasionally brought CLONG's work to a standstill. We asked Elke Rusteberg, who works for Kindernothilfe (Help for Children in Need) and in future will represent the German NGOs on the CONCORD management board, about the new organisation.
Ms Rusteberg, the row between the European Commission and CLONG seemed to have been settled. So why the foundation of a new umbrella organisation?
The main objective is to reinforce the position of the European NGOs as a legitimate partner of the Commission. The Liaison Committee was established and financed completely by the Commission. In contrast, CONCORD was founded by the national NGO associations and networks themselves. Therefore the members will identify with their umbrella organisation more strongly and be able to represent their interests more effectively.
CLONG's big problem was its financial dependence upon the Commission. Where does CONCORD get its money?
CONCORD also will not be able to work totally independently of Commission grants. But compared to CLONG, CONCORD will have much smaller annual budgets. The Commission is to contribute 75 per cent of the 2003 budget, and in the next five to six years this share is to be reduced to 50 per cent. The remainder must come from membership dues.
What are the most pressing tasks for CONCORD?
Lobbying to bring the subject of development cooperation back to the top of the European agenda, and securing Commission financing of NGO projects.
The relationship between the European Commission and NGOs has worsened steadily in recent years. What prospects do you see?
Basically, the Commission has nothing against NGOs; it is only over their tasks that views differ. Poul Nielson, the Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, is not so enamoured of organisations that perceive their right of initiative as their own projects or even make political demands. He much prefers NGOs that fit in with the Commission's policy and work with the EU more like implementing organisations.
How is CONCORD to deal with that?
We must show the Commission that independent NGOs and their partners in the South can make good projects, and that it is worthwhile supporting this work in the interest of the common goal of poverty reduction.
Tillmann Elliesen asked the questions.
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