Brussels, 22 April 2024 – The recent leak of the draft Briefing Book from the Department for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) for the next Commission sparked anger among CONCORD and its members.

DG INTPA, entrusted with supporting its partner countries on their path to sustainable development, reducing poverty, and promoting human rights, has taken a shocking turn toward prioritising competition and EU-centric interests, particularly in securing critical raw materials.

“We’re truly shocked that DG INTPA’s vision of international partnerships for the next five years is basically a trade and investment strategy for the EU based on its geopolitical interests. Those interests are defined by competition and the EU’s economic security. Nowhere do we see a concern for the priorities of partner countries, let alone an interest in ensuring that people’s lives are improved. “People” are totally missing from the Briefing Book. This proposal is selling out international cooperation, quite literally!”
Rilli Lappalainen, President , CONCORD

While we understand that new approaches should be tried and we acknowledge the potential of the Global Gateway if it had a people-centred focus aimed at reducing inequalities, we have concerns about the current direction. The Briefing Book raises serious issues and undermines international cooperation, potentially reversing years of progress. It’s important to note that the Global Gateway, while significant for the EU’s economic security strategy, is not a comprehensive answer from the EU to the multifaceted challenges faced by partner countries.

The brief is silent on the impact of inequality, power relations and undemocratic trends on current world events and insecurity. Investment projects alone don’t hold the key to addressing the multiple crises that partner countries are confronting. The so-called “traditional and narrow development and foreign policy approaches” have a real role to play in the EU’s partnerships to bring peace, security, equality, and well-being to the world. The world urgently requires cooperation, not a race to exploit other countries’ natural resources.

“Investment projects alone don’t hold the key to addressing the multiple crises that partner countries are confronting. Investments in transport in return for cobalt will not solve the world’s crises. The so-called “traditional and narrow development and foreign policy approaches” have a real role to play in the EU’s partnerships to bring peace, security, equality, and well-being to the world. The world urgently requires cooperation, not a race to exploit other countries’ natural resources.”
Naima Charkaoui, Advocacy Director, 11.11.11 (Belgian umbrella for international solidarity)

Civil society organisations are calling for immediate commitments from the European Commission to realign its international cooperation efforts with sustainable development goals (SDGs). The EU’s credibility and reputation as a reliable partner hinge on its ability to reaffirm commitments to global welfare and human rights.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Celia Cranfield, Head of Advocacy, at celia.cranfield@concordeurope.org

Camilla Falsetti, Communication and Media Adviser at camilla.falsetti@concordeurope.org