Debt and Development Coalition Ireland organises cross European ‘Debt’ Delegation to the European Parliament

Together with colleagues from other European debt campaigns (see below), we met with MEPs from across the political spectrum during a two-day ‘debt’ delegation to the European Parliament on 9/10 December. Our purpose was to brief MEPs on how they can work to strengthen the EU position for debt cancellation during the Irish Presidency and to gain their active support.

The delegation was well received - the fact that we represented 4 national debt campaigns and two European wide networks greatly strengthened our case. We met with MEPs from the following Political Groups: European People’s Party, Socialist Group, Liberals, Greens, United Left/Nordic Green Left, and the Group for a Europe of Democracies and Diversities.

Focus of the Delegation

We urged MEPs to include debt cancellation in their responses to the Taoiseach when he addresses the European Parliament on 14 January. MEPs who are members of the Parliament’s Committee on Development and Cooperation expressed their willingness to take up the issue with Minister Kitt when he addresses their Committee on January 20th. In addition to these two targets which have been the focus of our popular campaigning here in Ireland, MEPs suggested other targets which will enable us to maintain the pressure during the Irish Presidency and beyond. (Watch this space!)

The Netherlands takes over the EU Presidency from Ireland in July 2004 and the British take on the Presidency in 2005. As both the Dutch and British debt campaigns were represented on the delegation, it was clear to MEPs that this initiative would continue beyond the Irish Presidency into the Dutch and subsequent Presidencies.
It is vital, therefore, that we get debt cancellation on the Irish Presidency agenda.

Where Next?

A strong message received by the delegation was that, as well as continuing our work with MEPs, it is vital that we keep up our efforts in Ireland to ensure that the Taoiseach and Mr. Kitt include debt cancellation as an important issue for the Irish Presidency when they address the European Parliament.
The government’s current position is that while they will raise debt cancellation at every opportunity, they don’t think that achieving a common EU position on debt is a feasible goal. But we disagree. It is vital that Ireland puts this issue on the agenda so that the Dutch and subsequent Presidencies can build on the initiatives during the Irish Presidency.
Opening up dialogue on debt cancellation IS a feasible goal for the Irish Presidency.

Members of the ‘Debt’ Delegation: Debt and Development Coalition Ireland, Jubilee Netherlands, Jubilee Debt Campaign (Britain) Platforme Dette & Developpement (France), European Network on Debt and Development, Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network.

Following on the many meeting, briefings of Irish TDs and campaigns focused on Irish government to put Debt Cancellation as a priority for the Irish EU Presidency Agenda in January 2004, Debt and Development Coalition have widened their efforts by iniatiated a European wide 'Debt Delegation'.

The 'Debt Delegation' comprises of EU member countries nation debt campaign groups and european wide networks (see below) that will host the EU Presidency in 2004 and 2005. This will ensure continuity and pressure to campaign for a stronger position with the European Union in favour of Debt Cancellation.

The 'Debt Delegation met with MEPs from a variety of countries, including Ireland on 9th December in the European Parliament, Brussels, to brief them on their joint position.