Our Impact
Countdown 2015 Europe’s true strength lies in its ability to combine the skills, resources and energy of its partners and channel them towards targeted advocacy objectives.
In this way, the Consortium is truly more than the sum of its parts. The 16 partner organizations work in a unified and strategic way, steered by the lead partner, International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) European Network. An experienced Secretariat, located within IPPF European Network’s offices, guides the consortium’s efforts.
In drafting its strategic objectives, the Consortium set its sights on making widespread impact through a two-pronged approach: working to influence European country governments, whilst also advocating Europe-wide with the European Insitutions.This was a challenge, but ultimately achievable by Countdown 2015 Europe partners, because the group is made up of active national organizations from 13 European countries with strong track records of successful advocacy on the national level and with the European Institutions.
Countdown 2015 Europe has contributed to an increase in funding for reproductive health services and supplies of at least 450 million Euros between 2007 and 2009, according to an external evaluation.
In addition, the consortium’s efforts have been part of the movement which led to the European Commission allocating:
- 39 million Euros specifically for reproductive health services and supplies in 2010, and
- another 40 million turns budgeted for 2011 to 2013 for supplies.
Reproductive health services and supplies have received more attention at European and international levels in political debates and with target audiences in recent years. Evaluators suggest this is due, in part, to the work of Countdown 2015 Europe.
Consortium members also have a good reputation for building longer-term constituency through relations with members of Parliament, young decision makers and journalists. And external interviews confirm that this has paid dividends for advocacy outcomes.
Read more about the external evaluation in The Power of-Partnership booklet.
