Eurostep decided to get involved in the MTR making a toolkit called “Influencing the discussions on Country Strategy Papers during the Mid-Term Review of the 10th EDF”. The aim of this kit is to encourage the participation of NGOs from ACP countries to the MTR. It provides information about what is at stake with the MTR of the 10th EDF, why it is important to get involved in this process and how to be involved. There is also a questionnaire for ACP feedback on the MTR in order to assess the process and evaluate whether the participation of non state actors has increased as well as the democratic accountability.
As far as the European Commission and the DG Development are concerned, we had some talks with them, especially about the guidelines and the participation of civil society organisations. But, nothing really raised of these as the MTR is much in the hands of EC delegations in ACP countries. This situation restrains our capacity to act in Brussels, to the Commission and the DG Dev.
That’s why we decided to put our efforts working with our partners and colleagues in ACP countries. The toolkit has been sent to more than 100 NGOs in ACP countries, NGOs which were supposed to have been consulted during the programming of the 10th EDF. Furthermore, we encourage all organisations to share information, experiences and points of view about the MTR on this blog.
We are looking forward to read your experiences !
Virginie Martin for Eurostep