Debate:
Report of the European Union Committee on The EU and Sudan: on the Brink of Change

Wednesday 7th December 2011
3.45pm

This debate will review the findings of the eighteenth report of the European Union Committee of the House of Lords entitled The EU and Sudan: On the Brink of Change.

The report examined the challenges to be faced by Sudan and South Sudan following the separation of the two now independent countries in July 2011. It assessed the contribution which the European Union can make to ensure that two viable and stable states are created. Moreover, the report assesses that the risk that the new country of South Sudan will fail is high, even if the international community maintains the current levels of assistance and support.

The report recommends that the EU, while not in the lead among international organisations, can make an important contribution to both North and South Sudan and prioritises joining forces with the United Nations, African Union and United States to press parties in both countries to resolve outstanding disputes. The EU and its Member States must be prepared to invest time, finance and practical resources in South Sudan for the foreseeable future. As a symbolic demonstration of commitment to the new country and for maximum impact, EU Member States should coordinate their acts of recognition of the new state.

For more information on the report please visit: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201012/ldselect/ldeucom/160/16002.htm