08 / 03 / 2010 / Nicola Doetzer
The EPD celebrates the International Women's Day 2010
The EPD celebrates the International Women's Day on March 8 and thereby the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future. Particularly, the EPD acknowledges the challenges ahead, in terms of enhancing women's positions in political decision-making and the corresponding potentially positive contributions to developmental and peace processes. Read more.
03 / 03 / 2010 / Nicola Doetzer
EU High Representative deplores rejection of Aung San Suu Kyi's appeal
Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, expressed her deep concerns about the Burmanese Supreme Court's recent decision to reject Aung San Suu Kyi's appeal against the extension of her house arrest according to a press release issued by her spokesperson. Ms. Ashton urged Burma's military junta to release all prisoners of conscience so that they can take part in the elections planned for this year, which would be conducive to the long pathway of democracy. Link to article.
03 / 03 / 2010
EPD welcomes the latest council conclusions on Zimbabwe
EPD welcomes the latest Council Conclusions on Zimbabwe for their emphasis on the Council's readiness to work closely with the Government of National Unity in Zimbabwe, recognizing what has already been achieved by the GNU so far, as well as for their expression of concerns of insufficient progress in the field of respect for human rights amongst others. In this context, EPD is particularly concerned to learn about the latest arrests of Zimbabwean civil society representatives of GAPWUZ, CIVNET and the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition. Link to the Council Conclusions on Zimbabwe.
25 / 02 / 2010 / Nicola Doetzer
EU Parliament officials reaffirm committment to defend human rights after death of Cuban dissident
Following the death of Cuban dissident Orlando Zapata Tamayo, officials of the European parliament expressed their condolence and reaffirmed the parliament's commitment to defend human rights around the world. The President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek also announced that the parliament will use its political means to explain clearly to Cuba's government that human rights violations are unacceptable and that the values of human rights and freedom have to be guaranteed and protected at all times. Read more.
23 / 02 / 2010 / Nicola Doetzer
World Press Photo Of the Year 2009
Pietro Masturzo was awarded the World Press Photo of the Year 2009 for his picture depicting civilian dissent after the presidential elections in Iran. Read more.
15 / 02 / 2010 / Nicola Doetzer
EPD welcomes launch of the portal Agora
EPD welcomes the launch of the Parliamentary Development Knowledge Portal "Agora" at the French National Assembly in Paris on March 2, 2010. Bettering the mechanisms for sharing parliamentary development and the harmonization and coordination of donor practice has been a constant plea in the assessment of parliamentary support policies across the globe. Read more.
10 / 02 / 2010 / Charlotte Panis, EPD Working Papers Series on Democracy Support
Political reform in the Middle East: Islamist parties as social movements
Despite the hopes many placed on democratic reform in the Middle East, authoritarianism remains the norm and movement toward democracy is both slow and uneven. The dramatic events in Iraq stimulated intense global debates on the issue, yet the initial results of the US-led experiment in Iraq did not bring about the change so many had hoped for. Yet, if one thing should be retained it is that, if a road towards democracy in the Middle East exists, it will be one that acknowledges the role of Islam and Islamist parties. For the latter are amongst the best organized, most successful and best rooted organizations in the region. Link to EPD publications.
09 / 02 / 2010 / David Leclercq
EPD was the very fortunate recipient of €500.000 from the Dutch Postcode Lottery.
On 4 February 2010, European Partnership for Democracy was the very fortunate recipient of €500.000 from the Dutch Postcode Lottery. The Lottery, which is the largest charity lottery in the Netherlands, contributes 50 percent of its annual profit to carefully selected aid organisations and charities concerned with bettering the lives of people and of nature. On the Goed Geld Gala 2010 charity event, the National Postcode Lottery announced that 75 charitable organizations received a total of over 256 million Euros from the 2009 earnings of the Lottery. Link to article.
02 / 02 / 2010 / Kristina Prunerova
Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum
The Eastern Partnership (EaP) Civil Society Forum is a
gathering of representatives of civil society from EaP countries and EU Member
States which will follow the agenda of the EaP and will prepare its comments,
input to discussion, recommendations and will also oversee the implementation
of EaP agreements. The Civil Society
Forum (CSF) is a great opportunity for NGOs from target countries but also from the
EU to participate in this process and to become a partner to the governments
and institutions. Link to article.