Conferentie Europese ontwikkelingshulp van start (en)

Met dank overgenomen van Zweeds voorzitterschap Europese Unie 2e helft 2009 i, gepubliceerd op woensdag 21 oktober 2009.

The biggest meeting of the Presidency, European Development Days (EDD), opens tomorrow, Thursday, at Stockholm International Fairs. The three-day meeting will be opened by Crown Princess Victoria, Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt and President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso. Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Karel de Gucht will be jointly hosting the event. The programme is a packed one, with the number of participants expected to exceed any previous EDD. Tomorrow’s events concern the fact that developing countries are experiencing a sharp decline in capital, export-driven growth and development subsidies. One question requiring answers is how the effects of the crisis can be mitigated.

Below is a selection of programme points for the day:

09.00 Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt to deliver the opening address at the opening session. Mr Reinfeldt will also take part in various meetings at EDD during the day.

14.45 Minister for Trade Ewa Björling to participate in round-table discussions on the role of the business sector in times of financial unrest.

17.00 Minister for Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson to participate in round-table discussions on women and security.

Other items on the programme:

13.30 Debate ahead of the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

19.00 Focus on human rights and development as the EU’s Natali Prize for journalism is awarded.