Eurostep's says that the Austrian Presidency's proposals for a compromise text for a Develop- ment Co-operation Instrument fails to meet the criteria set by the European Parliament. In adopting a separate development instru- ment when they voted on 18 May, Parliament set clear expectations that the Council should follow.

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The second call for proposals of the Presidency Fund was published on 3 May.  The preliminary stage of the call lasts until 3 July after which those who have been accepted to submit a full proposal will have until 3 August to submit their proposal.

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Civil society representatives from 8 of the Least Developed Countries met in Kampala on 13 & 14 May to plan an effective involvement in the UN's five year review of the Brussels Programme of Action adopted in 2001. The meeting was organised by LDC Watch, with support from Eurostep.

Eurostep launches campaign about Europe's role in the World. From 29 September to 1 December the visions of prominent people from Europe and developing countries will be published in European Voice.

On the 1 February anniversary of King Gyanendra's take over of executive control in Nepal world wide activities will call for the restoration of democracy and respect for human rights in the country. An high-level panel is being organised at the Renaissance Hotel in Brussels from 10.00 to 11.30 involving representatives from the Council, Commission and European Parliament together with actors from civil society. A demonstration will follow at 14.00 in front of the Council and Commission. Please confirm if you wish to come.