The EU Global Gateway was launched as the European Commission’s flagship strategy to invest in infrastructure across the globe. The Commission claims the Gateway will mobilise €300 billion to “connect Europe to the world”. Yet one year later, a new report by Eurodad and Counter Balance reveals how the Gateway prioritises commercial interests behind a facade of development aspirations, is shrouded in secrecy and lacks public scrutiny.

On November 16, MEPs, CSOs and academics joined a discussion in the European Parliament on these unresolved issues within the Global Gateway, and the opportunities which an effective strategy could create. The discussion examined the key role which the Parliament will play scrutinising the Commission, to make sure that the Gateway delivers on the EU’s development objectives.

Programme

• Welcome and opening remarks by Erik Marquardt MEP, Greens–European Free Alliance, moderator
• Presentation of the report “The EU's Global Gateway: smart new strategy or the Emperor's new clothes?” by Farwa Sial, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer - Development Finance at Eurodad
• Discussion with panellists:

o Nicolas Stoetzel, Deputy Head of Unit in DG INTPA, European Commission
o Miguel Urban Crespo MEP, The Left in the European Parliament – GUE/NGL
o Shereen Talaat, Co-Executive Director at Arab Watch Coalition
o Wester Van Gaal, EUobserver, discussant

• Q&A with online and in-person participants
• Closing remarks by Frank Vanaerschot, Director at Counter Balance

Read the report here