On October 9, Counter Balance will co-host, together with Eurodad and Oxfam, "Who Profits from the Global Gateway?", an event to launch a joint publication that examines this EU strategy.

The research analyses 40 out of 225 major projects in the energy, climate, critical raw materials, digital and health sectors, and it questions whether these initiatives are in line with the EU's development goals or whether private sector interests and geopolitics are the main drivers.

Launched in 2021, the Global Gateway aims to make use of funds intended for international development to bolster European businesses and the EU’s global standing through strategic investments – a plan reaffirmed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal for a ‘new economic foreign policy’ in the Political Guidelines and in Mario Draghi’s call to further upgrade the Global Gateway.

The event will feature a dynamic discussion with the report's authors, policymakers and civil society representatives from the Global North and Global South on the future of international development for the EU.

  • Date and time: 9 October, 9:00-12:00
  • Location: Press Club Brussels Europe and online
  • Please register here to participate.

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Agenda

9.00 to 9.30 – Arrival, coffee and light breakfast.

9.30 to 9.40 – Wester van Gaal - EUObserver, welcoming and introduction of speakers.

9.35 to 9.40 – Opening remarks by Evelien van Roemburg, Head of Oxfam EU Office.

9.40 to 10.00 – Presentation of the report by the authors:

  • Alexandra Gerasimcikova, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Counter Balance.
  • Farwa Sial, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer, Development Finance, Eurodad.

10.00 to 11.00 – Panel discussion with the authors of the report and:

  • TBC - Representative of the Directorate General for International Partnership of the European Commission (DG-INTPA).
  • Martha Sanchez, Programs Director, Oxfam Central America.
  • Paul Okumu, Head of Secretariat for the Africa Platform.

11.00 to 11.25 – Q&A.

11.25 to 11.30 - Closing Remarks by Frank Vanaerschot, Counter Balance Director.