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 know-how, particularly in Malta, Slovenia, Latvia and Hungary where they are now being 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 some cases the PF recipients have extended their contacts to NG(D)Os in near neighbourhood countries and in the South. Likewise, most recipients have established contacts with ‘old’ Member States national NG(D)O platforms and with NG(D)O networks such as Concord, taking part in Concord working groups, and Eurostep, where some of the NG(D)O platforms/networks participated in the General Assembly meetings.

The knowledge on EU development policies, in the beginning often non-existent, has hugely increased within the recipient organisations, 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 of the recipients have indicated that their advocacy skills have been greatly enhanced thanks to the PF’s support and they will use these skills for the promotion of development cooperation whether at national or European level.

It is clear that the three donors have been supporting an important, albeit small, initiative. The results that the PF 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, although the capacity increased, it will be crucial that it is maintained in the long run.

With the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty the whole institutional structure at EU level will be changed and development cooperation might find itself under serious pressure. The financial crisis already has its impact on the EU Member States’ willingness to honour their commitments in support of development aid. In the face of these challenges it will therefore be crucial to continue the PF initiative, build on the results achieved and extend its activities to ensure a maximum impact to make certain that, with the help of new Member States the EU will remain the biggest donor of development aid and speaks with one voice in support of developing countries.