Rich countries like Austria, Germany or Belgium and others devote part of their budget for development cooperation in Europe and around the world. Again and again, budget cuts threaten this important work for the benefit of all. Reason enough to make 2015 a “European Year of Development Cooperation”.
Special emphasis must be especially combating child poverty and poverty in old age. Because no children or old people can protect themselves sufficiently before their own.
The year is dedicated to the fight against global poverty. Because poverty is not only discriminatory for those affected, because it forces people to the margins of society, but because it also threatens every economy massively. It is a threat to peace and stability in Europe and around the world. The 2015 has the motto “Our world, our dignity, our future”. Civil society, youth organizations, social partners, regional and local authorities should be able to participate in development cooperation on these issues.
