Bridging the knowledge gap between old MS, NMS & NGOs from the South about ACP-JPA

Total Budget: 46 325 euros  

Presidency Fund support: 29 245 euros

The European Union (EU) is the biggest donor in the world and plays a key role in promoting the effectiveness of aid delivery to developing countries. The entry of New Member States (NMS) in the EU associates them with the overall role of the EU and its leadership in development cooperation. Slovenia held the Presidency of the EU during the first semester of 2008, and consequently hosted the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) in Ljubljana in 15-20 March 2008. The project  sought to forge stronger linkages and annels to share knowledge on development issues between ACP, NMS and old MS civil societies. This aim will be achieved by the realisation of a one - day conference and a forum where special attention will be given to representatives of the 12 NMS and 10 ACP (8 African, 2 Caribbean/Pacific NGDO Platforms). The conference and forum was organised right before the 15th ACP-EU JPA that was held in Slovenia on 15-20th of March, 2008. The conference would facilitate both CSO representatives from NMS and ACP countries to exchange their position on ACP-EU issues, share strategies on engaging and lobbying with parliamentarians and governments. There will also be a discussion on the Cotonou Agreement, 10th EDF, EPAs and EU-Africa relations. All invited participants would also be invited to participate at open ACP JPU events.

The objective of the project was to forge stronger linkages and create channels to share knowledge on development issues between ACP, NMS and old MS civil societies. This was to be achieved by the realisation of a one - day conference and a forum giving special attention to representatives of the 12 NMS and 10 ACP (8 African, 2 Caribbean/Pacific NGDO Platforms). The conference and forum were organised just prior to and during the 15th ACP-EU JPA. . The conference and forum sought to allow CSO representatives from both NMS and ACP countries to exchange information, views and analysis on ACP-EU issues, and to share strategies on engaging and lobbying with parliamentarians and governments. There was  also  a discussion on the Cotonou Agreement, 10th EDF, Economi Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and EU-Africa relations. All invited participants were  able  to participate at various open ACP JPA events and engage with the official delegates.