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The origins of the EU-LDC Network go back to
the end of the nineteen-eighties. In 1989 the
Directorate-General for International Co-operation (DGIS) of
the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in co-operation
with the Netherlands Economic Institute (NEI), organised a
high-level policy conference entitled: "The consequences
of EC market unification (1992) on the position and
perspectives for developing countries". The conclusion of
the conference was that, though a single European market no
doubt presented opportunities to expand trade, there was
considerable anxiety concerning the uncertainty of European
external trade policy in a post-1992 era (‘Fortress Europe’).
The possibility that access of developing
countries to European product markets and to international
capital market would become increasingly difficult was seen as
the main threat to trade and capital flows from and to
developing countries. On the basis of this judgement, it was
considered useful to set up a medium through which interested
parties could be informed about the most recent developments
of trade and capital policies in Europe and their implications
for developing countries.
Subsequently, the Netherlands Ministry of
Foreign Affairs took the initiative to prepare for the
creation of a network for both policy-makers and researchers,
and from Europe and developing countries, to provide
information and discussion on trade and capital relations
between Europe and developing countries. NEI was invited to
organise and develop such a network and it was this that led
to the creation of the Network in the field of EU-LDC Trade
and Capital Relations.
The EU-LDC Trade and Capital Relations Network
was established in 1993 with some 60 participants. The number
of 'members' of the Network, either actively contributing to
Network activities or receiving its publications, steadily
increased to approximately 300 researchers and policy makers
from the EU as well as developing countries. The main services
provided by the Network to its members were a quarterly
newsletter and annual conferences/seminars on specific topics.
Over the period 1994-1998 five such conference were held, with
the papers from the conferences published as books. Details as
follows:
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Transition in Central and Eastern
Europe: Implications for EU-LDC Relations
Kuyvenhoven, A., Memedovic, O. and van der Windt,
N. (eds.), Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht (1996).
ISBN 0-7923-3575-8
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External Resources for Development –
With Particular Emphasis on the Role of the EU
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Globalisation of Labour Markets:
Challenges, Adjustment and Policy Response in the European
Union and Less Developed Countries
Memedovic, O., Kuyvenhoven, A., and Molle, T.M.
(eds.), Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht (1998). ISBN
0-7923-9986-2
-
Multilateralism and Regionalism in the
Post-Uruguay Round Era: What Role for the EU?
Memedovic, O., Kuyvenhoven, A., and Molle, T.M.
(eds.), Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht (1999). ISBN
0-7923-8621-3
-
The Determinants of Economic Growth
Oosterbaan M.S., Ruyter van Steveninick, Thijs de. and
van der Windt, N. (eds.), Kluwer Academic Publishers,
Dordrecht (2000). ISBN 0-7923-7885-7
In December 1998, funding from the Netherlands
Ministry of Foreign Affairs came to an end and activities of
the Network slowed down. The Network was evaluated and
discussions were held for revitalising and restructuring the
Network in line with the main recommendations from the
external evaluation.
In March 2000, a meeting of a small group of
Network members and other interested parties was held to
discuss how best to develop the Network’s activities,
institutions and organisations. Here it was concluded that the
substantive issues of economic co-operation (trade, investment
and aid) between the EU and developing countries remained as
important as they were when the Network was originally
created. Moreover, the influence of economic trends and
policies of the EU for developing countries was increasing,
and could be expected to continue to do so in the future.
Against this background, the meeting noted a
growing realisation of the need for new initiatives in the
field of co-operation between developed and developing
countries, particularly to build capacity in developing
countries and to improve the exchange of information and
economic intelligence. Although various steps had been taken
in this direction, the meeting concluded that there was
considerable potential to add value through initiatives aimed
at reducing the gap in understanding of the EU and its policy
agenda by LDC, and vice versa.
At the same time it was recognised that the
Network, itself, could strive to achieve more.
-
The outreach of the Network should be
extended so as to encompass a greater number of local
policy makers, researchers and analysts, and individuals
and institutions.
-
Additional attention should be given to
issues highlighted and advocated by civil society groups
and, accordingly, stronger links should be fostered with
organisations able to articulate their views and needs.
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The information exchange function of the
Network should be substantially upgraded and greater use
made of the Internet and world-wide-web to disseminate
information and analysis, and to promote dialogue,
discussion and debate.
-
Networking initiatives among members of
the Network should be encouraged and the Network should
assist interaction on research topics, particularly where
North-South and South-South research partnerships are
involved.
-
The organisation of the Network should
enable it to be more responsive to needs in developing
countries and the priorities for its activities set
accordingly.
-
The Network should seek to decentralise
more aspects of Network operations towards developing
regions.
Following from the meeting held in March 2000,
a proposal for funding – in the form of a financial
contribution to the Network – was prepared by NEI on behalf
of the Network and submitted to the Netherlands Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. This proposal addressed a number of issues,
including a new institutional structure, a redefinition of the
thematic focus, an extended range of activities, and a
strengthening of the regional dimension of the Network. The
subsequent granting of a financial contribution provided the
basis upon which Network activities could be re-launched.
New elements in the structure and activities
of the Network that have been implemented, include:
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The creation of the EU-LDC Network
Foundation, in February 2001, to give legal form to the
Network.
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The launch of the EU-LDC website, in March
2001, to provide a platform for the exchange of
information, analysis and informed views.
-
The establishment of a regional partner
organisations (Regional Focal Groups) to act as
counterparts to the Network in the main developing
regions.
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