Highlights

* The European Commission is calling for a substantial increase in EU financial aid to developing countries. The report, prepared by the Commission as a contribution to the UN International Conference on Financing for Development taking place in Monterrey, Mexico, from 18-22 March, also contains recommendations on how to enhance the quality and effectiveness of aid, how to address concerns relating to global public goods and initiatives in the area of technical assistance to help developing countries.

* The EU in New York says the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations is now better resourced to cope with the planning, deployment and management of peacekeeping operations. It has detailed how DPKO must continue to develop further its capability to react effectively and rapidly to a sudden surge in requirements. It has also stated that the development of Europe's Security and Defense Policy will strengthen the EU's capacity to contribute to international peace and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.

* Other important recent news include the EU's statement at the Commission for Social Development, the report on the EC's EUR 9 billion external assistance budget, EU assistance to Angola, Chad and Indonesia, Portuguese ratification of the Rome statute of the International Criminal Court, the EU's statement in Geneva on Trade and Development, Commissioner Patten's speech to the European Parliament on the Middle East and Commissioner Nielson's recent visits to the UN in New York and Rome.

* Finally, we are pleased to announce and encourage you to participate in an internet chat on the Spanish EU Presidency's priorities with Spanish Secretary of State for European Affairs, Mr. Ramón de Miguel in all 11 official EU languages, scheduled to take place on Monday, 18th February 18.00-20.00hrs Central European Time which is 12.00-14.00hrs New York time.

For full details please click here

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