In short
Commissioner Louis Michel invites Paul Wolfowitz to Brussels to present his views on Development
European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, sent on 18 March 2005 an invitation to Mr. Paul Wolfowitz to present his views on Development and the role of the World Bank. Mr. Wolfowitz has been nominated by the US President, George W. Bush, as the candidate to the Presidency of the World Bank, a key actor in Development. Commissioner Michel said: “I am looking forward to meeting Mr Wolfowitz in Brussels to listen to his ideas on Development, the main challenges ahead and his vision for the World Bank as a major actor.” Mr. Michel underlined that “as the world's largest aid donor, the European Union has built a strategic partnership with the World Bank to pursue its main goal, which is poverty alleviation. This institution plays a crucial role in addressing the development challenges, a huge task that can only be tackled by a joint effort of the international community”.
http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/development/body/news/news_en.htm#2
The UN Reform and what it might cost to Germany
Currently, the Secretary General of the UN Kofi Annan is busy rallying support for his reform ideas. In Germany, especially within the Federal Government, he has found two key supporters of his ideas, especially when it comes to enlarging the Security Council to 24 Members. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and his Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer have been long-term advocates of a permanent German Seat on the Council.
So far, their efforts have not been met with any success. Where in the past obstacles came from other EU countries, such as Italy, who did not want to see Germany gain a permanent seat in the Security Council, today's hindrances might be more “home made”. The spokesman of the Government has now acknowledged that Germany had to substantially increase its contributions to Development Aid if it wanted to further its chances at the UN.
For detailed information, go to: http://www.ftd.de/pw/de/1111217798736.html?nv=se
(in German)
Conclusions of the Spring Meeting of the Council of the European Union
In the Presidency conclusions of March, 23rd 2005, the Heads of State and Governments of the EU have reaffirmed that the Lisbon Strategy is to be seen in the wider context of the sustainable development strategy adopted at the EU Council Meeting of 2001 in Gothenburg.
(For further information, please consult the web link listed below)
In the same conclusion, the Council dealt with preparations for the UN Summit in September 2005. It welcomed the Commission's intention to submit proposals designed to make a substantial contribution to the review of the MDGs.
(For further information, please consult the web link listed below)
http://www.eu2005.lu/en/actualites/conseil/2005/03/23conseileuropen/ceconcl.pdf
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