Climate, river, land, oil, insecurity

It is sometimes difficult to give a vivid and convincing sense of the link between climate and the problems of insecurity. The linkage is indirect and can seem intangible. And there is a lack of hard evidence with which to … Continue reading →

EAS: officially launched but the tussle continues

The EU’s new External Action Service was officially launched on 1 December as High Representative Catherine Ashton addressed a meeting of EU ambassadors. But the tussle over whether it will include key peacebuilding staff from the Commission continues (see my post … Continue reading →

Time to rescue the EU’s External Action Service from the European Commission

The air in Brussels is thick with a storm over the European External Action Service, basically caused by the European Commission trying to break its word. If unchecked, the course the Commission is taking would seriously damage the EAS’s potential … Continue reading →

From the UK gov’t, a good message on development and peace

UK International development Secretary Andrew Mitchell set out a welcome new approach to development, conflict and security on 16 September in an important but little noticed speech. Continue reading →

So what’s wrong with the MDGs?

The MDGs will get renewed global blessing this week. But even the resolution the world leaders will vote through implicitly acknowledges that the MDGs are limited. And that is only one reason for thinking beyond them. Continue reading →

DFID leaks about aid and security

"What is needed - and soon, for preference - is a speech by UK Secretary for Development Andrew Mitchell setting out his priorities in the area in which development and security overlap and indicating which of these two broad paths his department will now take." Continue reading →

The EAS: what it takes to succeed

For the EU's External Action Service to succeed, High Rep Cathy Ashton needs a good crisis, two big policies and a centre of excellence. Continue reading →

The big beasts of development… – and peace

Under new leadership, the UK Department for International Development is emphasising results and accountability. And as part of that, the big multilateral beasts of development – to which the UK gives £3 billion a year – are coming under the … Continue reading →

EEAS update

News from Brussels: Council and Parliament still want the Commission’s policy and planning officers for peacebuilding and crisis response to transfer to the External Action service. 

Council and Parliament have agreed to maintain the budget reserve (see my post of 22 November for background and details). The reserve effectively denies the Commission the use of the funds for those staff members until the transfer occurs.

Parliament and Council plan to approve the general budget next week with the reserve intact.

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