Review implementation and impact Governance Incentive Tranche
The EC "Governance Initiative" is an
incentive mechanism that gives ACP partner countries access to additional
funding on the basis of their commitment to deliver governance reforms. A total
of €2.7 billion from the 10th European Development Fund was reserved
for such incentives and allocated through the "Governance Incentive
Tranche". There are several stages to this process. The EC first prepares
a "Governance Profile", which provides an overview of governance in
nine areas. Partner country governments are then requested to put forward a
"Governance Action Plan" detailing the ongoing and planned initiatives
designed to address priorities identified in the Governance Profile. The size
of the Governance Incentive Tranche has been determined according to an
assessment of the Governance Action Plans presented by partner countries. The
European Commission is currently reviewing the implementation and impact of the
Governance Initiative, and will report to the Council in October 2008.
The European Partnership for Democracy and colleague
organizations in Brussels have in a consultation session argued that the diplomatic restrictions the EU
faces apparently allow the ACP governments to shut out political opposition,
parliaments and civil society from drafting the tools underlying the decision
on the GIT. The EPD aims to - in cooperation with colleague organisations -
contribute to formulating and facilitating a more inclusive process for
opposition and civil society. EPD will keep on emphasizing that by shutting out
a wider range of democratic stakeholders the EU GIT is delegitimizing Europe's efforts in democracy assistance. We would be
happy to include your suggestions into our contribution to this consultation
with the Commission. Please forward your suggestions to mariekevandoorn@epd.eu