2009 is a crucial year for Europe, with the EU facing major change and choices: 

• a new European Parliament, which will be involved in shaping more and more policies;
• the appointment of a new European Commission;
• the potential ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in October; and
• the review of the EU budget.

The European Development Cooperation Support Programme has been established to support the debate on EU institutional and policy change by building an infrastructure of knowledge, contacts and information on EU development cooperation.  It aims to:

• construct a community of 'EU change-makers';
• support the conversation on development cooperation, its structure and its relation to the wider arena of EU external action; and
• take the agenda forward through policy analysis and by promoting the sharing and practical use of knowledge and information.

For more information, click on the links below, or contact Deborah Johnson (edcsp@odi.org.uk) or Mikaela Gavas (m.gavas.ra@odi.org.uk).