Red Cross / Red Crescent comments on

DISCUSSION NOTE For the launch of a structured dialogue on the involvement of Civil Society & Local Authorities in EC external cooperation.

Brussels, 14 January 2010

The Red Cross EU Office represents 26 European Union National Red Cross Societies 1, Norwegian and and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies (IFRC) as a partner.

Founded in 1919, the International Federation (IFRC) comprises 186 members Red Cross and Red Crescent National societies 2, a Secretariat in Geneva, 5 zone offices and more than 60 delegations strategically located to support activities around the world. National Societies support the public authorities in their own countries as independent auxiliaries to the government in the humanitarian field.

In this role as Brussels based representation to the EU Institutions the Red Cross EU Office will actively participate in the structured dialogue. The Red Cross wide distribution of the discussions and the structured feedback on the relevant topics will be assured by an internal working group comprising of members from various European national Societies (eg. Austrian RC, Belgium RC, Hungarian RC, Bulgarian RC…) and of the IFRC and delegates from various Zone Offices.

Additionally the individual working groups will be followed by 4 persons dealing with EC external cooperation from the RCEU Office.

The RCEU Office appreciates the process of the structured dialogue and the active involvement of a wide range of Civil Society organisations including the Red Cross. We trust that the “structured dialogue” will be an inclusive process. Having all relevant actors actively involved and on an equal level to exchanging their views and experiences will help to achieve the common objectives as laid out in the Discussion note.

Comments on Objectives: Even if they cover a wide range of relevant aspects they should clearly relate to the “Vision” of “increasing effectiveness of EC (external ?) cooperation”. It is therefore important to have

1 Red Cross Society is not a member of the Red Cross/EU Office. 2 The Red Crescent is used in place of the Red Cross in many Islamic countries. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world's largest neutral and impartial humanitarian network. It provides protection and assistance to people affected by disasters and conflicts. The Movement is made up of almost 97 million volunteers, supporters, and staff in 186 countries and its Fundamental Principles is humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

1 a mutual understanding not only of the CSO/LA but all relevant stakeholders in the process on all levels.

Working approaches: It should be made sure that there is a close exchange between the different working groups and supporting initiatives. This could be made through a steering group or similar arrangements including all stakeholders to ensure follow up and flow of information. Milestones to achieve would help to keep the process in focus of the objectives and expected outcomes.

Expected results: The whole process of the structured dialogue shall be result driven, nevertheless the results should be tangible. Consensus (on the specific outcomes?)…. (If wanted by all stakeholders) should be as mentioned in the objectives related to all stakeholders and on all levels. Shall the Results have an impact on the future of EC External cooperation? Or is a possible result a new “structured dialogue”? How is the process linked into the discussion around the next Financial perspective?

General remark: It would be useful to have a list of all contact points for all stakeholders involved.

Contact point for RCEU Office Mr. Martin Krottmayer Sr. Advisor International Development Red Cross EU Office, Brussels Tel: +32 2 235 0681 Mail: [email protected]

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