The EU's trade agreement must be fair

Of: Jytte Guteland

When the EU signs trade agreements with developing countries, the EU's own interests often come first. The agreements benefit large and resourceful companies and countries, while the goods of poor countries lose value. Now the EU must begin to stand up for fair cooperation where development and social growth are rewarded, writes MEP Jytte Guteland (s).

March 3, 2015, Debate

Redesign Swedish Africa policy

Of: Fredrik Söderbaum

In connection with Löfven's visit to Africa, a major strategy process is now being initiated within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sida, which aims to review Sweden's regional development cooperation in sub-Saharan Africa. The process should be guided by a greater focus on issues of national capacity, better coordination and a re-prioritization of excessive support for regional organizations. That is the opinion of Fredrik Söderbaum, professor at the University of Gothenburg.

February 2, 2015, Debate

The Ebola epidemic is a sign of failed health care

Of: Björn Ekman

The parallel, bureaucratic structures that have emerged in international health assistance mean that the support of the outside world can be directly detrimental to the recipient countries' conditions for development. No more fragmented efforts are needed to deal with the Ebola epidemic, efforts based on knowledge and needs are needed. That is the opinion of Björn Ekman, a researcher at Lund University

October 28, 2014, Debate

Africa: Time to combine aid with investment

Of: Avni Dervishi

While the EU has focused on providing support to its own crisis countries within the Union's borders, Russia and China have invested heavily in strengthening their presence on the African continent. European investments in Africa are relatively small but can be increased with the help of business assistance and by utilizing new Swedes' network of contacts, knowledge and experience. That is the opinion of Avni Dervishi, a political scientist

August 26, 2014, Debate

Give Africa time and space to develop

Of: Göran Hyden

During the African-American summit "US-Africa Leaders Summit", Anders Borg will discuss how development-promoting institutions in Africa can be promoted. In these discussions, it is often overlooked that democracy and development rarely go hand in hand. That democracy and human rights should be prerequisites for development is more an expression of wishful thinking than objectivity. It writes Göran Hydén, professor emeritus of political science and African connoisseur.

August 6, 2014, Debate

Fair trade agreements - important issue for newly elected MEPs

Of: Annica Sohlström and Gabi Björsson

Trade policy is an important issue for the development of poor countries. Despite this, the issue has hardly been debated before the EU election. The agreements with African countries are on the agenda this autumn, the Swedish EU parliamentarians should then ensure that the EU's trade agreements with developing countries promote sustainable and fair development, Gabi Björsson and Annica Sohlström believe.

May 22, 2014, Debate