EU must be willing to act on its principles

PEOPLE across the EU will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome tomorrow when the Berlin declaration will set out the EU’s principles and values, as well as its aspirations for the future.

As the largest donor in the world, Europe has a clear obligation to promote leadership in the areas of development cooperation and humanitarian assistance.

In recent years, we have made many commitments to increasing overseas aid, to working in partnership, to achieving the millennium development goals and to the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence derived from the Geneva conventions.

But it is only in the adherence to and delivery on these commitments that our obligations are fulfilled.

For Concern and our partners throughout the developing world, the Berlin declaration will be a critical indication of how Europe will prioritise its global responsibilities.

It will indicate whether we seek to be a responsible player on the world stage, a player who applies our values and principles not just within but also beyond our borders.

We must hope that in its final formulation, this declaration will reflect a Europe that leads in the fight against poverty and that listens both to its own citizens and to those millions of people beyond our borders who are affected by our actions and ambitions.

Tom Arnold

Chief Executive

Concern Worldwide

52-55 Camden Street

Dublin 2