The Presidency Fund was a timely initiative supported by the Irish, Dutch and German Presidencies. Even though the Fund only had a short implementation period of three years it achieved most of its objectives.

NG(D)Os and NG(D)O platforms and networks in new Member States have increased their capacity and ability to become part of the national and European dialogue on development policy. In many countries they are recognised as important partners by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cooperation between NG(D)Os and NG(D)O platforms and networks has improved in the new Member States and in many cases the organisations that were supported by the Presidency Fund extended their contacts to NG(D)Os in near neighbourhood countries and in the South. Likewise, most established contacts with ‘old’ Member States national NG(D)O platforms and with NG(D)O networks such as Concord and Eurostep, taking part in their work.

The knowledge on EU development policies, which in the beginning was often nearly non-existent, has hugely increased within the organisations involved, although it remains to be seen in how far they will continue to include and update this knowledge in their work with national governments as for many their main focus remains on national development policies. However, most o have indicated that their advocacy skills have been greatly enhanced thanks to the support of the Presidency Fund and they will use these skills for the promotion of development cooperation at national and European levels.

It is clear that the three donors have been supporting an important, albeit small, initiative. The results that the Presidency Fund can show have contributed to a stronger NG(D)O community in the new Member States, aware of each other and of the possible synergies and also aware of the importance EU development cooperation has for their own national development policies. Their increased advocacy skills will help them to ensure that their national governments will contribute positively to development cooperation both at national and European level. However it will be crucial that it is maintained in the long run.

With the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty there have been significant changes to the institutional structures of the EU particularly in the management of the Union's  external relations.  This will impact on the Union's development cooperation.  If these external policies are implemented in accordance with the Union's Treaty obligations this ought to be positive as foreign policy instruments would seek to achieve development policy objectives first and foremost. However there is always the risk that other policy interests will take priority, and civil society across the Union has an important role to play in engaging in this crucial debate.

These changes have taken place as the global financial crisis has iimpacted on the economies of  EU Member States with the tendency to weaken their willingness to honour their commitments in support of development aid. In the face of these challenges many of the stakeholders of the  Presidency Fund from the 10 newest countries of the Union have been  calling for a follow on initiative to build on the results achieved and to enable civil society capacity to be further enhanced thus enabling a continued effective engagement with the EU's future dialogue on how  its cooperation will promote development strategies that address poverty, diminish inequality and result in greater social, economic and political inclusion of all.

See reports on the implementation of the Presidency Fund