The decisions that are made in the autumn of 2009 will shape Europe’s international role in the future. The script that drives global policy making is being rewritten, in response to the financial crisis, climate change and global security challenges. Recently The Broker published an opinion article by three current directors and one former director of influential European development institutes who show their concern. This is the start of a discussion blog The Broker will host in the following months. In this blog we will post video messages, blog entries, debate, and weekly summaries of closed forum discussions about the six points the opinion piece is emphasizing.

Following a more intensive period of postings between September and December 2009 - the 'grand finale' of the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty - this blog will continue to highlight key developments in the area of European Development Cooperation.