Switching from an off-budget EDF to a unique EU instrument (NDICI-Global Europe) has some technical implications for the EU and for partner countries, which in turn may bring some political consequences to the relationships between them. The NDICI-Global Europe brings in simplicity, flexibility, agility, and reactivity - all crucial to making the EU a more geopolitical player. To understand how the changes land in reality, ex-EU ambassador to the Republic of Cameroon, Philippe van Damme, describes what limitations and potential of the EU’s new approach have been revealed in practice and how the EU has learned, or not learned, from previous approaches.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The definition of mutual interests is a good occasion to ask how development objectives are integrated in the Global gateway strategy and the NDICI-Global Europe. Moreover, the programming phase of the NDICI-Global Europe allowed the EU not only to define its cooperation activities, but primarily to set its interests and priorities for each partner country, and then seek where and how these could match with the partner country’s priorities. As Botswana’s ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and permanent representative to the EU, H.E. Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba reveals how Botswana has negotiated its mutual interests with the EU, how this affects its partnership and the asymmetry of this relationship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Broadening the partnerships has been one of the significant shifts of the EU development cooperation’s recent evolution. On paper, the EU aims at engaging in a more meaningful manner with civil society, and at supporting them in a more effective way. But in reality, how has the relationship between the EU and civil society in partner countries changed with the EU’s new approach to development? Moses Isooba is the executive director of the Uganda National NGO Platform (UNNGOP), an organisation uniting national and international NGOs in the country, and stresses the importance of engaging with civil society to enhance the participation, legitimacy and influence of its projects. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast series, Amandine Sabourin interviews key partners in EU development policy to understand how the EU’s increasingly transactional approach is experienced by partner countries. From EU ambassador to the Republic of Cameroon Philippe van Damme to ambassador Masire-Mwamba of Botswana to the Kingdom of Belgium and Uganda civil society leader Moses Isooba, the series explores how rulings designed in Brussels are actually playing out on the ground, their effect on the EU’s relationship with its partners, and vital lessons for the EU if it wants to achieve its development ambitions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Critical raw materials are vital for the EU's green transition and offer African countries a path to green industrialisation. Both however face policy dilemmas: Africa must efficiently use resources within, and share them between, countries, while the EU seeks to derisk from China and maintain industrial leadership. In this podcast, Poorva and Géraud discuss how these different moving parts fit together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the fifth episode of ECDPM’s podcast series 'Minding the gap: conversations on gender', Hanne Knaepen talks to Giulia Maci, gender specialist and manager of the Euro-Mediterrean region at Cities Alliance (UNOPS). They talk about gender-sensitive climate action in cities and learn how women empowerment, climate action, and urban development are interlinked.

In the fourth episode of ECDPM’s podcast series ‘Minding the gap: conversations on gender’, Sara Gianesello talks to Houda Zekri, Moroccan gender expert, and Stephanie Willman Bordat, a founding partner at MRA - Mobilising for Rights Associates, based in Rabat. They delve into the Moroccan justice system to shed light on the challenges and obstacles that women face when seeking justice.

Almost two-thirds of African women are employed in agrifood systems as food producers, agro-dealers, processors, distributors and traders. They are also often responsible for sourcing and cooking food for their families. Yet, multiple sources of inequality constrain women’s participation, well-being and empowerment. How can we ensure women have more access to resources such as land or finance? Can food security goals and gender equality be achieved simultaneously? And what steps are already being taken to ensure women are actively engaged in food systems?

Gender (in)equality is often treated as a women's and girls’ issue, but boys and men are also part of the equation. Power imbalances create patriarchal structures and both women and men uphold these structures (often involuntarily). What does it mean to engage boys and men in the fight for gender equality? Why is it difficult to get them to support gender equality? And why do we need to talk about masculinities in the plural?

In recent years, the field of international cooperation has seen the growing presence of a new professional figure: the gender expert. Gender experts support and advise policymakers and practitioners to make sure their work has a gender perspective and supports gender equality. But why is gender expertise important? Who gets to decide who these experts are? And can gender expertise stray away from feminism or become exclusionary when it doesn’t recognise multiple forms of oppression?

In recent years, policymakers in Europe and Africa have been giving more attention to the climate crisis. However, dealing with the climate crisis is not an isolated action. Its impact on all aspects of human life means countries cannot take isolation action, having instead to prioritise coordination with other countries and regions. This 2-part podcast series zooms in on EU-Africa climate diplomacy and how the EU and Africa can overcome diplomatic tensions in the realm of climate and energy.

ECDPM Talks on: COP27 | Episode 2 by European Centre for Development Policy Management

In recent years, policymakers in Europe and Africa have been giving more attention to the climate crisis. However, dealing with the climate crisis is not an isolated action. Its impact on all aspects of human life means countries cannot take isolation action, having instead to prioritise coordination with other countries and regions. This 2-part podcast series zooms in on EU-Africa climate diplomacy and how the EU and Africa can overcome diplomatic tensions in the realm of climate and energy.

In this twitter space, we share some reflections on the EU-AU partnership. Almost one year has passed since the sixth EU-AU summit took place in Brussels – a year in which we witnessed multiple crises and geopolitical shifts. What has become of the commitments African and European leaders made at the summit? And how have last year’s geopolitics and crises impacted the relationship? We discuss this with: Lidet Tadesse, associate director of ECDPM's peaceful societies and accountable governance cluster Philomena Apiko, head of ECDPM's AU-EU relations team Mariella Di Ciommo, associate director of ECDPM's Europe and Africa in the world cluster

ECDPM Talks on COP27: Episode 5 by European Centre for Development Policy Management

ECDPM Talks on: COP27 Episode 4 by European Centre for Development Policy Management

In this podcast series, we’re zooming in on COP27. In this first episode, we want to give you a more panoramic view of COP27 and some of the political nuances involved in what is arguably the most visible global climate event of the year.

On 23 September 2022, ECDPM hosted a twitter space with Alexei Jones, Head of EU foreign and development policy at ECDPM, Katja Sergejeff, junior policy officer in the EU foreign and development policy and Inclusive governance & accountability teams and Vince Chadwick to take stock of Team Europe and its initiatives.

In the week preceding the highly anticipated and long-delayed EU-AU summit in Brussels, our Head of Outreach and Impact, Virginia Mucchi sat down with Philomena Apiko, who leads our work on AU-EU relations, to understand what the summit might mean for the partnership between the two continents. What are the main topics on the table? Where do Africa and Europe see eye to eye? And where can real progress be made? Philomena shares her views Music credit: Music by Joystock - https://www.joystock.org

Great Insights Interview with H.E. Dr. Abou Zeid | African Union Commission by European Centre for Development Policy Management

Great Insights Interview with Saliem Fakir | Africa Climate Foundation by European Centre for Development Policy Management

Great Insights Interview with Hans Bruyninckx | European Environment Agency by European Centre for Development Policy Management

In this podcast series, which features episodes in English and French, we want to explore the strategies that different countries are using to adapt to an increasingly volatile climate. In each episode – up until the run-up to the first-ever Climate Adaptation Summit in 2021 – one of our experts will talk to a guest about their projects and ideas to maximise the potential of climate adaptation. In our fifth and final episode of the series, Hanne Knaepen, who is coordinating ECDPM’s work on climate, talks to Kitty van der Heijden, Director General of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and former Director for Africa-Europe relations at the World Resources Institute. The two discuss the Dutch government’s priorities in the field of climate adaptation and reflect on some of the topics discussed throughout the podcast series.

In this podcast series, which features episodes in English and French, we want to explore the strategies that different countries are using to adapt to an increasingly volatile climate. In each episode – up until the run-up to the first-ever Climate Adaptation Summit in 2021 – one of our experts will talk to a guest about their projects and ideas to maximise the potential of climate adaptation. In our fourth episode, San Bilal, ECDPM’s head of Programme on Trade, Investment and Finance, talks to Cinzia Losenno, Senior Climate Change Specialist at the European Investment Bank (EIB). They discuss the EIB’s ambition of becoming the EU climate bank, its brand new Climate Bank Roadmap 2021-2025 and the role finance can play in climate adaptation efforts.

In this podcast series, which features episodes in English and French, we want to explore the strategies that different countries are using to adapt to an increasingly volatile climate. In each episode – up until the run-up to the first-ever Climate Adaptation Summit in 2021 – one of our experts will talk to a guest about their projects and ideas to maximise the potential of climate adaptation. In our third episode, Paulina Bizzotto Molina, policy officer in ECDPM’s Sustainable food systems team, talks to Caroline Mwongera, Global Leader for Policies and Institutions for Climate Action at the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, and a farming systems and climate change expert. The two discuss adaptation in food systems and how digital solutions can bridge the gap between science and farmers and the most vulnerable communities.

Dans cette série de podcasts, qui présente des épisodes en anglais et en français, nous voulons en savoir plus sur les stratégies que les différents pays utilisent pour s’adapter au changement climatique. Dans chaque épisode – jusqu’au tout premier sommet sur l’adaptation au climat en 2021 – un de nos experts parlera avec un invité de ses projets et idées pour maximiser le potentiel de l’adaptation au climat. Dans le deuxième épisode de notre nouvelle série de podcasts sur l’adaptation au climat, Sophie Desmidt est rejointe par Ibrahima Fofana, responsable de programme à Wetlands International, basé à Mopti, au Mali. Il nous parle de son travail pour renforcer la résilience au changement climatique dans un contexte d'insécurité.

In this podcast series, which features episodes in English and French, we want to explore the strategies that different countries are using to adapt to an increasingly volatile climate. In each episode – up until the run-up to the first-ever Climate Adaptation Summit in 2021 – one of our experts will talk to a guest about their projects and ideas to maximise the potential of climate adaptation. In our first episode, Hanne Knaepen, who is coordinating ECDPM’s climate work, talks to Professor Saleemul Huq, Director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development in Bangladesh, and a leading global expert on climate change and sustainable development, particularly from the perspective of developing countries. The two discuss South-South learning to understand what vulnerable African countries can learn from Bangladesh from a policy, financing and practical point of view.

Francesco Rampa, head of the Food Security programme at ECDPM, interviews Geoffrey Kirenga, CEO of the SAGCOT Centre in Tanzania. Together, they discuss public-private partnerships and their role for development in the margins of Grow Africa's investment forum that took place in early June 2015. The Regional Economic Communities and partnerships that work to increase private sector investment in agriculture (like Grow Africa), they conclude in this interview, provide an opportunity for strengthening intra-African trade.

Businesses, including multinational enterprises, increasingly see the need to have a positive social and environmental impact. Usually this takes the form of what’s known as “Corporate Social Responsibility,” or CSR. But what are the costs that relate to demanding responsible behaviour?, we ask Bruce Byiers, Senior Policy Officer at the Economic Transformation and Trade programme at ECDPM. Despite not having an easy answer, policy-makers, especially those trying to engage the private-sector in development, need to consider not only the potential costs, but a range of other issues if they want to succeed at promoting CSR, he says. In this podcast, he explains the subsequent challenge of finding the right balance between mandatory and voluntary reporting in the different arenas where business operate and shares the findings of his latest paper.

Francesco Rampa, head of the Food Security programme at ECDPM, had the opportunity to speak with Nana Osei-Bonsu, CEO Private Enterprise Federation in Ghana, on the margins of the last day of the 11th CAADP Partnership Platform in Johannesburg (South Africa) on 25 - 26 March, 2015. Asked about the value of the 11th CAADP meeting, Osei-Bonsu admitted that he wanted "to see more, we have done a lot of talking...let's now start the implementation process". In his opinion, "each of the partners at the Platform needs to take their responsibility seriously and in two years, when we meet again, we will have to report on what he have implemented. It's a rude awaking but we have to take the bulls by the horns". See Francesco Rampa's blog for more info: Audio song Dimmy by Podington Bear: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear/Driving/Dimmy

Dr. Len Ishmael, Ambassador for the Eastern Caribbean States (ECS), spoke with ECDPM's Geert Laporte on the challenges and opportunities facing Small Island Developing States. The Eastern Caribbean States (ECS) Mission to the Kingdom of Belgium and the EU hosted a seminar 'Building on the Samoa Pathway', on 7 October 2014.

Bruce Byiers s'entretient avec Etienne Giros du Conseil français des investisseurs en Afrique (CIAN) au sujet de la communication de la Commission Européenne « Un rôle plus important pour le secteur privé en vue de parvenir à une croissance inclusive et durable dans les pays en développement ». Mr. Giros estime que la communication marque un changement de discours positif et porteur de partenariat entre les acteurs publiques et privés. Soulignant que le développement et la création de richesses ne peuvent venir que du privé, il suggère que l'infrastructure, les compétences professionnelles et la promotion de l'état de droit sont des domaines d'intervention pertinents pour les acteurs publiques soucieux de promouvoir le développement du secteur privé en Afrique. Les bailleurs peuvent aussi apporter une expertise précieuse lorsqu'il s'agit d'orienter les projets privés vers une croissance inclusive. Bien que les bailleurs doivent s'efforcer à répondre aux besoins du secteur privé, la question du financement n'est, selon lui, pas primordiale: « si un projet est bien défini, il y aura toujours des moyens de financement ». Cet entretien a été réalisé en marge du dernier dialogue informel inter-bailleurs, un forum organisé par l'ECDPM. Pic: https://www.cian-afrique.org/ Interview with Etienne Giros On the margins of ECDPM's regular Informal Donor Dialogue on engaging the private sector for development, Bruce Byiers talks to invitee Etienne Giros of French business association CIAN, about the implications of the EC's recent Communication on the Private Sector and Development. Giros regards the communication as a welcome change in discourse, and an opportunity for partnership between governments and the private sector. Underlining that wealth can only be created by the private sector, he suggests that governments and donors need to provide infrastructure and skills, and orient projects to be inclusive while helping to strengthen the rule of law. They need to listen to the private sector needs, while financing firms should not necessarily be the focus: "if a project is good, it can always find finance". www.ecdpm.org/subscribe

Florian Krätke from ECDPM speaks to Humza Yousaf, MSP, Scottish Government Minister for External Affairs and International Development. - Scotland's role in the post-2015 development discussion - To what extent can the post-2015 debate inform discussion of universal development and support policies internally? - How can Scotland's institutions learn and change where others have failed to do so? - Private sector for sustainable development outcomes - what is Scotland's conversation on this? - Should Scotland gain independence, what can Scottish aid and assistance do differently or make its mark on global development cooperation? See more at: http://www.ecdpm.org/scotland www.ecdpm.org/subscribe Flag photo by zheem Music by Podington Bear

Welcome to this month’s GREAT Insights podcast – In this programme we have two in depth interviews focussing on Chinese investments in Africa. Emerging economies have been playing an increasing role in the global arena, and have thus justifiably attracted an increasing level of attention. Moving beyond stereotypes and pre-conceived perceptions has however proved quite challenging. China, as the dominant new actor in Africa, has been the focus of much of the talks. Later, Anna Rosengren from the Economic Transformation team here at ECDPM asks China-Africa researcher Solange Guo Chatelard about the integration of Chinese farmers and farming practices in Zambia. But firstly I am joined by Professor Tang from Tsinghua University in Beijing who explains if Chinese Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have been successful or not in several African countries. Visit: http://www.ecdpm.org/GREAT for more information www.ecdpm.org/subscribe Music: Beats Tornado

This is a GREAT insights podcast. The Magazine this month looked at New Diplomacy and Development, and as Editor San Bilal says, contrary to its traditional image, international diplomacy is a dynamic field. We feature many interesting articles ranging from: How economic diplomacy can play a role on trade and investment of developing countries; to Ghana’s challenges in a new diplomatic environment by a former Ghanian Ambassador to the EU. In this podcast Clem Silverman is joined by his colleague Dr Bruce Byiers and and our guest Dr Huub Ruel, to talk about his article on how African countries need to get on with the business of diplomacy. Thanks for listening. Our new website http://www.ECDPM.org is launching on the 1st of April, be sure to find all the GREAT insights issues there, and subscribe to ECDPM’s updates. Music: 4a @ Electric http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Gilo/4a__electric/01_gilo_-

Hundreds of millions of people do not have jobs today and several hundred millions more will seek jobs by 2020. Most of these unemployed are under the age of 25 and live in developing countries. Whether these young people find jobs affects global security and well-being The latest issue of GREAT insights focussed on Fostering More and Better Jobs. I’m Clem Silverman and this month I’m joined by Roland Michelitsch, Global Head of the Let’s Work partnership at the International Finance Corporartion (IFC) and he is the author of the article describing jobs as the ‘defining issue of our time’. http://www.ecdpm.org/great_3_2 Music: 4a @ Electric http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Gilo/4a__electric/01_gilo_-_beats_tornado

Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) was one of the key speakers at the JAES lunch-time seminar on the future of Africa-EU relations organised by the European Commission. The aim of the the seminar was to discuss how Africa and Europe could collaborate more and better in multilateral forums. Other speakers included Connie Hedegaard, EU Commissioner for Climate Action, Mxolisi Nkosi, the South African Ambassador to the EU, Alex Vines, Research Director Chatham House and Jose Manuel de Morais Briosa e Gala, special Advisor to President Barroso on Africa. The debate was moderated by Geert Laporte of ECDPM. Find out more: http://www.ecdpm.org

Policy Officer ECDPM Dr Damien Helly estime que les suites des élections au Parlement européen en 2014 seront l'un des principaux défis pour les politiques européennes et internationales. Musique - Radiohem by Podington Bear ----- Dans votre blog vous dites que l'un des principaux défis pour les politiques internationales européennes sera les élections au Parlement européen. Pourquoi dites-vous cela, quand on sait que historiquement, le Parlement européen a été un acteur secondaire sur les questions de politique étrangère ? Dans la dernière décennie les pouvoirs du Parlement ont augmenté . Avec les derniers traités , le Parlement est devenu une institution plus influente . Il a des pouvoirs législatifs sur des politiques telles que la gouvernance économique, l'immigration , l'environnement , l'énergie . Dans les affaires étrangères, les pouvoirs du Parlement ont souvent compté lorsqu’il s’agissait des questions de développement. Des personnalités ont réussi à maintenir les questions de développement à un niveau élevé de l’agenda de l’UE, comme ce fut le cas avec le consensus européen pour le développement. Ce qui est nouveau, c'est le rôle croissant du parlement européen sur les affaires étrangères en général. Sur le dialogue politique, l'observation des élections, le rôle des représentants spéciaux de l'UE , l’action du SEAE, la participation aux sommets du Gymnich (réunion informelle des ministres des Affaires étrangères des États membres) , le suivi et le contrôle des missions de sécurité et de défense . Le Parlement a acquis des connaissances et de l'expertise sur les affaires étrangères qu'il peut ensuite utiliser dans les négociations sur le budget de l'UE et même la programmation des fonds dans ses discussions avec le Conseil et la Commission . Cette fois-ci, en 2014 , ce sera la première fois que le Parlement européen pourra tenter d'influencer directement le choix du président de la Commission par les États membres . C'est un grand changement. Avoir un impact sur la nomination du président de la Commission c’est aussi avoir un impact sur le choix des Commissaires , les autres membres de la Commission , avant leur nomination , y compris le prochain Haut représentant pour la politique étrangère et de sécurité / Vice président de la Commission . Pourquoi dites-vous que l'UE sera à la croisée des chemins en 2014 ? La mise en place du Service européen d’action extérieure (SEAE), après l'adoption du traité de Lisbonne, a pris deux ans. Mme Ashton , laVHaute représentante / vice-président est venue pour lancer le processus , pour construire des choses à partir de rien. Un examen du SEAE a été publié dans lequel elle a identifié les défis et les opportunités futurs pour le service . Elle a déclaré qu'elle ne voudrait pas pour rester à ce poste. A moins qu'elle ne change d'avis ou qu’elle ne soit priée de rester, quelqu'un d'autre prendra le relais. En tout cas les premières années du SEAE sous la direction de Mme Ashton seront considérés comme une transition, une phase de démarrage . Le véritable décollage pour les politiques extérieures de l'UE , va commencer après 2014 avec la nomination d' une nouvelle équipe : Il y aura probablement un nouveau haut représentant avec un nouveau patron ( le président de la Commission ) , et de nouveaux coéquipiers ( commissaires pour le commerce , développement, des affaires humanitaires , économiques et de la finance , l'environnement , etc ) Il s'agit d'une occasion historique pour l'UE en tant qu'acteur international . C’est un test et un message au monde entier pour répondre à la question que j'ai entendu partout dans les deux dernières années lorsque j’ai voyagé en dehors de l'Europe : Que veut l’Union européenne ? Si nous nous retrouvons avec un leadership fort avec des personnalitéa en mesure d'indiquer clairement ce que l'UE veut dans ce monde, pour elle-même et avec les autres, l' ensemble de l'image de l'UE va changer, et le monde nous prendra encore plus au sérieux. Vous identifiez deux principaux scénarios pour l'avenir des politiques internationales de l'UE : la Renaissance, ou la dépression . Pouvez-vous expliquer ? Oui. L'Europe est en crise économique et financière . Le monde extérieur le remarque bien . Si les Européens en 2014 se retrouvent avec des dirigeants qui sont capables, courageux et prêts à énoncer clairement ce que l'Europe , comme un bloc , veut , alors nous pourrions bien avoir une véritable renaissance de l'idée de l'Europe : un nouvel espoir , une nouvelle motivation , une nouvelle confiance . Cela aurait des conséquences immenses sur la manière dont l'UE s’occupe du développement et des affaires internationales . L'autre option est de voir les États membres de l'UE oublier les avantages d'une Europe plus forte : la paix , la stabilité , des standards élevés , l’état de droit, les droits fondamentaux . Ils peuvent oublier les intérêts, les ambitions et les besoins collectifs européens, car ils seront pris dans leurs guerres intestines habituelles sur l'influence nationale dans les milieux européens . Ils vont essayer de défendre un modèle sur l'autre , en pensant que l'un est meilleur . Ils seront d'accord sur le plus petit dénominateur commun : des dirigeants de l'UE sans charisme , ni vision ni courage . Certes, de bons gestionnaires , mais pas un nouveau souffle pour les citoyens européens et pas le courage de donner des réponses claires sur ce que l'Europe veut . Cela entraînerait l'ensemble du bloc de l'UE vers une sorte d’insignifiance internationale dans de nombreux domaines . Ce serait une dépression pour les sociétés européennes . Pourquoi une telle position radicale , n’y a-t-il pas là une voie médiane ? Bien sûr, il est une voie médiane , mais s'il n'y a pas de changement qualitatif , l'option de la voie médiane conduira à la dépression de toute façon, avec une nouvelle équipe de l'UE comprenant certes certains leaders ambitieux pour l'Europe mais d'autres plus désireux de protéger les intérêts nationaux des États membres. Le monde extérieur l'Europe n'est pas particulièrement sympathique et nous avons besoin de réaliser nous devons être plus clairs sur le rôle que nous voulons jouer en tant que civilisation . Parfois, en Europe , nous avons tendance à prendre tout ce que nous avons pour acquis alors qu'il est le résultat de longs efforts . Il est nécessaire de penser l'impensable, le meilleur et le pire , cela peut stimuler, réveiller et encourager à regarder les choses différemment.

The future role of Europe in the world, including Africa/ACP-Europe relations, will be seriously affected by the outcomes of next year’s European elections and related appointments at the top of EU institutions because they will shape EU’s foreign affairs for the rest of the decade. Damien Helly talks about his new blog and questions whether this will lead to the great European renaissance or depression? http://www.ecdpm-talkingpoints.org/institutional-changes-who-will-lead-the-eu-from-2014/ Music: Radiohem by Podington Bear

Trade talks set to disrupt Africa-Europe relations. Talks towards free trade between the European Union (EU) and Sub-Saharan African countries could seriously sour the political relations between the two continents and potentially jeopardise their Summit next April. After over ten years of negotiations, the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) are due to be completed over the next few months. Failure to do so by October 2014 - a deadline unilaterally set by the EU - will mean that some African countries will lose their preferential access to the European market. Based on a new ECDPM paper, San Bilal writes in ‘This is Africa’ on the ongoing process, saying the challenge is that negotiations on EPAs, meant to be concluded on a regional basis, are still bogged down by some remaining technical issues that negotiators seem unable to overcome. It is time to take more explicit account of the political nature and interests behind this EPA process, so as to encourage more strategic diplomacy. ECDPM also released a paper asking what would it take to make an EPA economically and politically feasible for Europe and Africa? http://ecdpm.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=f3098f0aa17cc73cc4c42bc9b&id=0b457364f2&e=540025a8c8 Don’t miss the monthly EPAs update Keep up to date with the monthly ACP-EU Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) update from ECDPM. Each month in our GREAT Insights magazine we provide a unique service with the latest news on the trade talks between the EU and ACP countries. Last month we covered the The 97th ACP Ministerial Trade Committee and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) meeting that led to the new West African customs union. The update covers West Africa, the Eastern African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC). http://ecdpm.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f3098f0aa17cc73cc4c42bc9b&id=464f3aac56&e=540025a8c8

Declared the UN Year of Family Farming and the AU Year of Food Security, 2014 will be particularly interesting. With key challenges in terms of policy directions, international processes, and Europe-Africa relations, conflicts can certainly arise; but next year we could also see some break-through in all these three dimensions. Expert in the CAADP process and head of ECDPM's Food Security programme, Francesco Rampa answers questions about the challenges for food security in 2014 Music is Radiohem by Podington Bear

Africa-EU Relations, when space is tight, focus on the essentials. Africa-EU relations are complex and prioritising the issues that must be discussed is one of the challenges in the next year, says Faten Aggad. There is a mix of different people with different vested interests, making it difficult to find common ground in order to make progress in various discourses. The European Think Tanks group gave recommendations to the Joint Africa-EU Task Force, but this blog and podcast outlines how there may be other important issues from emerging players and the shadow of the EPAs that might come in from the sidelines. Find the full blog here: http://www.ecdpm-talkingpoints.org/challenges-2014-africa-eu-relations-when-space-is-tight-focus-on-the-essentials/ Music is Radiohem by Podington Bear

In this extended challenges series podcast, Rhys Williams talks to Volker Hauck and Camilla Rocca from ECDPM's Conflict, Security and Resilience programme. Despite improved performance in peace and security matters over recent years, one of the major challenges in 2014 will be to further broaden the dialogue in peace and security beyond the more narrow security dimensions, ensuring the highest-level African-EU political engagement to conflict prevent, conflict management and post-conflict reconstruction. To read the full blog visit: http://www.ecdpm-talkingpoints.org/challenges-2014-peace-and-security/ Music: Radiohem by Podington Bear

Human security, sustainable economic growth, food security and job creation are all key for better Africa-Europe relations, says Obadiah Mailafia, Chief of Staff at the ACP, economist and finance expert.

2014: year of implementation? In this Challenges 2014 series podcast we take a look at economic transformation with Dr Bruce Byiers. While it would therefore be tempting to say that 2014 will be a ‘crucial’ year for economic transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa, it is hard to ignore the continuing challenges that are faced every year: working through political systems to put policy reforms effectively into practice and ensure developmental benefits. Intro music: Radiohem by Podington Bear

The European Union’s Agenda for Change is a case of evolution over revolution. The EU’s new development policy sketches an aid-centric reform strategy that introduces significant changes for the European aid and development cooperation landscape in 2014-2020. With Europe in crisis and aid under pressure, the EU wants to increase the effectiveness of its development assistance. What are the biggest implementation challenges, and how fit is the EU to do so? Florian Krätke explains. http://www.ecdpm-talkingpoints.org/challenges-in-2014-EU-modernisation Intro music: Music: Radiohem by Podington Bear

The negotiations on the next post-2015 international development framework will not be easy. This time around there is a lot of interest and many different voices need to be heard. An inclusive process that promotes ownership are seen as key to success. A major challenge is therefore to get as much preparatory work done as possible before the negotiations start in earnest. In this first podcast, James Mackie from ECDPM discusses the challenges in 2014 http://www.ecdpm-talkingpoints.org/challenges-in-2014-the-post-2015-agenda/ Music: Radiohem by Podington Bear

Will 2014 be a turning point in Africa-EU relations? Over the next seven weeks ECDPM will share its thoughts on the major challenges ahead in 2014 for Africa - EU relations. With a specific thematic approach each week, our programmes will analyse and evaluate the progress that can be made in the coming year, and what obstacles may lay ahead for policy makers as they work towards effective international development cooperation. The next few years will be crucial in shaping EU-Africa relations. What will be on the minds of the leaders from across Africa, the EU institutions and its member states as they converge on Brussels in April 2014 for the Africa-EU summit? What are the challenges for Africa and the EU in 2014 as they work toward sustainable growth and development in an era of economic transformation and instability? ECDPM’s annual Challenges Paper seeks to identify important debates that can be expected in the coming year and beyond and to sketch the backdrop against which these will unfold. The aim is not to predict outcomes, but to situate debates that concern Africa-EU relations so as to facilitate as wide a stakeholder engagement as possible. http://www.ecdpm-talkingpoints.org/challenges-in-2014-will-it-be-a-turning-point-in-africa-eu-relations/ Music: Radiohem by Podington Bear

Même si il ya maintenant un nouveau président au Mali suite à un processus electoral organisé en hâte, le développement , la gouvernance et la sécurité dans la région de l'Afrique du Nord -Ouest , une région également appelée le Sahel ( nous parlons de personnes qui vivent au Mali , Mauritanie , Algérie, Niger , Burkina Faso , Libye , le Tchad , mais aussi des pays voisins ) est toujours un sujet de préoccupation pour les décideurs politiques africains et européens.

There is now a new president in Mali following a hastily organized election process; but development, governance and security in the region of North-West Africa is still a matter of concern for African and European policy makers. This region is also called the Sahel (we are talking of people in Mali, Mauritania, Algeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Libya, Chad but also neighbouring countries) Question 1:Why does Sahel matter for Africa-Europe relations? Question 2: What are the implications of the crises in Mali for Africa Europe relations? Question 3: What is ECDPM doing in the region? Damien Helly is a ECDPM Policy Officer on EU External Action. Follow Damien on Twitter: @DamienHelly See the transcript here: http://africaeu2014.blogspot.be/2013/09/why-does-sahel-matter-for-africa-europe.html

A short podcast from ECDPM with views from our experts on cooperation between Europe and Africa. With Dr. James Mackie, Isabelle Ramdoo, Andrew Sherriff and Faten Aggard. Visit http://www.ecdpm-talkingpoints.org

ECDPM's Head of Strategy Jean Bossuyt explains why he is “surprised and not surprised” that the EC’s management has decided to rethink the whole approach to Political Economy Analysis.

Jean Bossuyt explains why the EC’s decision to discontinue Political Economy Analysis is also not a surprise. This is part two in a four part series.

Jean Bossuyt explains what’s next for political economy analysis in the EC?

Jean Bossuyt explains what other forms of analysis could replace political economy analysis? This is part four of a four part series.

Jean Bossuyt explains why the EC’s decision to discontinue Political Economy Analysis is a surprise in part one of a four part series.

Susan Bingi is Trade and Regional Advisor at Global Mechanism, a specialized body of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. In this interview with ECDPM’s Francesco Rampa, head of the Food Security programme, she speaks on a number of these themes, including: - Working with ECDPM on regional integration - The implementation of activities and the framework of CAADP as an opportunity to strengthen links between trade and agriculture - Regional integration process to help small holder farmers - Private sector investment - How the process is likely to bring concrete progress; feasibility of the value chain approach to integrate the private sector. - The involvement of donors and assistance – financial and co-assistance - The role of emerging economies - Is Uganda benefitting from being in the Eastern African regional community?

Paul Engel, Director of ECDPM gives his thoughts on the relationship between Europe and the world, during an interview describing what the Centre does. For more information watch the video here: http://www.youtu.be/fBs91p4gkDU