EU development cooperation and the Danish general public

The EU and EU development cooperation do not take up much space in the Danish public debate, but this can be strengthened by including EU perspectives in the general Danish communication activities regarding development cooperation. Similarly, Danish elected representatives, civil society organisations, academia and the Danish resource base can become more actively involved in the debate on EU development cooperation.

2015 is the European year for development. Denmark will seek to use this platform to promote information activities about EU development cooperation and its results. Denmark will work to ensure that the EU improves its public communication and outreach activities to convey messages to citizens about the results achieved through development cooperation. Effort will be made to strengthen the cooperation with national and international research institutions and think-tanks in areas that relate to EU development cooperation. The analysis and reporting capacity in these institutions can supplement existing knowledge and be used to pursue the priorities set out in this strategic framework as well as support further strategy and analysis work.

The interest among non-governmental organisations for cooperation opportunities with the EU has grown steadily in recent years, and coupled with the framework agreements’ increased requirements to self-financing by these organisations, there will be a rising need for, and interest in, seeking EU co-financing. However, there is considerable divergence in the experience and capacity to seek and administer EU funding among Danish civil society organisations. Therefore, there remains a need to promote knowledge of EU development policy and financing opportunities. In this connection, Denmark will work to ensure that the EU funding procedures for support to civil society organisations promote more long-term and predictable cooperation between the EU and European civil society.

Denmark has a strong tradition of popular involvement in EU decision-making procedures through systematic consultation and dialogue when Danish positions are to be determined. This close cooperation will continue to be developed.