EU-CORD General Assembly 2026: finding a new direction

EU-CORD members gathered in Brussels from 21–23 April 2026 for this year’s General Assembly, bringing together around 30 participants, primarily CEOs and senior leaders from member organisations across Europe.

The meeting combined formal governance with space for reflection, dialogue, and peer exchange at a pivotal moment in EU-CORD’s journey.

This General Assembly focused on the future direction of the network. Following the recognition that the current organisational model is no longer sustainable, members engaged in an open and constructive process of discernment around what EU-CORD should look like going forward.

The programme was designed to support this. It included:

A grounding in shared values through prayer and reflection
A strategic session on “Why EU-CORD matters,” reaffirming the importance of a Christian voice in Europe’s humanitarian and development landscape
Presentation and discussion of future scenarios, including more member-led approaches to coordination, advocacy, and working groups
Plenary discussions allowing members to shape priorities and express preferences for the future model
Dedicated CEO peer space for sharing, support, and prayer
A formal governance session to guide next steps

Alongside these structured moments, the Assembly created space for informal connection, shared meals, and relationship-building—an essential part of what makes EU-CORD distinctive as a network.

What emerged clearly is that, while the form of EU-CORD is evolving, the commitment of members remains strong. There is a clear desire to continue working together, to support one another, and to remain engaged in European policy and practice.

EU-CORD is adapting—exploring a more sustainable, member-led way of working that reflects both the current context and the network’s strengths.

At its core, EU-CORD remains committed to bringing people together and to sustaining a thoughtful, faith-based voice in Europe. We remain open to organisations that share these values and who may wish to join us as this next phase continues to take shape.

The Humanitarian Reset must not leave persons with disabilities behind

28 April 2026

Disability inclusion should already be embedded in EU humanitarian reform. Yet current MFF and Global Europe Instrument discussions show that recognition of the UNCRPD and persons with disabilities remains too weak. This article argues why inclusion must be defended clearly in the Humanitarian Reset.

Leaving no one behind — in practice: why disability inclusion matters in the next EU budget

9 April 2026

As the EU shapes its next Multiannual Financial Framework, this article highlights why disability inclusion must be embedded in the Global Europe Instrument. Drawing on joint proposals from the International Disability and Development Consortium and the European Disability Forum, it outlines key MFF policy asks and why EU-CORD engages in this work.

Unfashionably Humanitarian?

13 March 2026

As geopolitical pressures reshape EU foreign policy, humanitarian actors face a critical question: how can principled, needs-based humanitarian action—and its moral foundations—be protected?