Top story

UN reaches global consensus on the road ahead towards a Tax Convention

After an historic breakthrough at the UN General Assembly in November 2023, the UN has now started the negotiation of the terms of reference for a new Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. This week, the first round of negotiations was concluded at the UN Headquarters in New York. Despite the fact that 48 governments – mainly from OECD countries – voted no to the decision in November 2023, all governments now came together this week and found consensus on the road ahead.

Read the press release here.

You can also listen to this Greenpeace podcast in which Tove Maria Ryding discusses the need for a UN Tax Convention.

Also see details of upcoming events on this issue below.

News

Debt justice in 2024: challenges and prospects in a full-blown debt crisis

The global south debt crisis is no longer a risk, but a very tangible reality. Increasing debt payments are crippling governments’ ability to provide essential public services and tackle the climate crisis. This article by Eurodad's Policy and Advocacy Manager for debt justice, Iolanda Fresnillo, outlines some of the issues advocates will need to keep an eye on as we move through this challenging year. 

Read the analysis here.

Urgent overhaul needed for the EIB to fulfil its public mandate

Together with 13 CSOs, Eurodad has signed a letter to ask the EIB President Nadia Calviño to do the overhaul needed for the Bank to uphold its commitment to just and sustainable development in the countries where it operates.

Read the letter here.

Blogs

Blackmailing the global south on EU carbon border tax won't work

The EU has heralded its new 'Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism' (CBAM) as an important environmental measure, but internationally this initiative is becoming deeply controversial. However, while CBAM - commonly referred to as the carbon border-tax - is designed to add an external dimension to the EU's Emission Trading System (ETS), it has direct negative impacts on developing countries, including the least developed countries (LDCs).

This opinion piece, written by Eurodad's Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer Markus Trilling was first published by the EU Observer. 

Read the opinion piece here. 

Blended finance can perpetuate climate colonialism

Blended finance took centre stage at COP28, with the Green Climate Fund among its supporters. But there are still major problems with the concept that must be addressed before considering any further expansion.

This opinion piece by Eurodad's Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer Farwa Sial, was first published by Climate Home News. 

Read the opinion piece here. 

Irresponsible lending prevents the global south from escaping the debt-climate trap

Most climate finance for countries in the global south is in the form of loans that come with high-interest payments. Eurodad's Iolanda Fresnillo and Leia Achampong outline the impact of climate finance loans and why grants are essential to global south countries implementing robust climate measures.

This opinion piece was first published by Global Dev. 

Read the blog article.

Reports

DAWN informs: Gender impact of China’s engagement in the global south

by DAWN Feminist

This exploratory research involves scholars with comprehensive knowledge and multiple disciplinary backgrounds from various regions of the global south – Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The eight case studies examine the profound and multidimensional implications of China’s global engagement in the global South and how various sectors, including state, business, civil societies, and local communities, react to these.

Read the publication here.

Vacancies

Call for tender for evaluation of EC HUM/2019/413-859 grant “From Commitments to actions: Increasing public accountability in the lead up to Monterrey+20”

Eurodad | Remote | Deadline: 4 March

Senior Finance and Admin Officer

Global Alliance for Tax Justice (GATJ) | Brussels | Deadline: 20 March

Policy Advisor (Equality Department)

International Trade Union Confederation | Brussels | 10 March 

Events

28 February | Webinar: Blended finance for climate action: good value for money?

On 8 February, Eurodad and ActionAid released "Blended finance for climate action: good value for money?", one of the first reports exploring the role of blended finance for climate action from a public interest and civil society perspective. 


What is blended finance and what role does – and should – it have in climate action? This webinar will cover the key messages of the report, and explore the challenges and opportunities that this approach presents. The event aims to initiate a debate on the topic, facilitate knowledge sharing and build capacity among CSOs to engage with these complex discussions. 

Register for the webinar here. 

27 February | The impact of the UN General Assembly's adoption of a Resolution Towards the UN Tax Convention

This webinar, organised by Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA), unpacks the recent pivotal session at the United Nations General Assembly Second Committee on November 22, whereby a resolution on the commencement of the process towards a UN framework convention on international tax cooperation garnered resounding support from member states. 

Find more information and register here.

14-15 March | How can a UN Tax Convention address inequality in Europe and beyond?

A UN Tax Convention could open the door to major reforms addressing the shortcomings of our international tax system.

This two-day conference, co-organised by Eurodad, EU Tax Observatory (EUTO), Global Alliance for Tax Justice (GATJ), ICRICT (Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation), Tax Justice Network, World Inequality Lab, will bring together researchers from across Europe and beyond, to address questions of inequality and the global tax architecture and question the benefits for Europe and beyond.

Find out more information and register for the event here.

This newsletter has been produced with co-funding from the European Union, Bread for the World and Norad. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Eurodad and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the funders.