The European Union commits a considerable part of its budget to external assistance, which aims to fight poverty, conflict and instability, wherever they are in the world. But how effective are the existing delivery aid mechanisms? Does the money provided by European taxpayers really make a difference for poorer countries? Is bureaucracy slowing down efficient aid?

The European Journalism Centre, at the initiative of EuropeAid, is organising a programme of briefings to answer and debate these fundamental questions.

The three-day intensive briefings will take place in Brussels during 2007. They will give media professionals a clearer understanding of external cooperation policies –intimately connected to EU's External Relations strategies–, so journalists covering Foreign Affairs, Social and/or Development issues are invited to present their candidature.

During the study visits, participants will meet with key players involved in external assistance projects for full background briefings on projects on the field. Among the speakers featured, key officials, independent analysts and representatives of NGOs. Journalists will also discuss with MEPs sitting on the Committee for Development.

Apply now and learn first-hand about this field of the EU policies.

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