by Adam Harrison

The two matters dividing Brussels have more in common than may first appear…

Media coverage today focuses largely on the future President of the European Council. To the credit of the papers, they do not neglect the ongoing ping-pong between EU Member States on an aid package to developing countries ahead of Copenhagen.

No doubt the Blair Question (with a Balkenende Answer?) will continue to dominate.

A big question mark hangs over both issues, making them more alike than you might expect: how far Europe will take a lead in the world – or how much it will hang back to ‘wait and see’?

Does Europe want a president who will ‘stop the traffic’ and lead the marching band, or a consensual figurehead, something less primus than his pares? Does Europe want to agree a package now and regain its name as a climate and development leader? Or will it sit tight until Copenhagen, and hope to extract concessions from the US before showing its hand?

The EU could still win plaudits if it came up with a good development package in Denmark rather than right now. But by then the chance could be lost to showcase EU leadership to the world.

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Interested in climate change and development? Come to our event…

THE GREEN DEAL – What’s the deal for developing countries?

European Alternatives is holding an open, interactive debate in London at the School of Oriental and African Studies, UCL, with the European Commission, civil society and campaigning organisations, and Members of Parliament, to identify the problems and share ideas for a just approach to climate change, seeking the balance between the need for action on global emissions and the rights of developing countries.

Speakers:

- Timo Makela, Director of Sustainable Development and Integration DG Environment, European Commission

- Dr Desmond Turner MP, House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee

Details:

Monday 30th November 2009, 5-7pm, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, London, WC1H 0XG