The stated goal of the Confederation is to enhance the impact of European development NGOs by combining expertise and accountability.

[8][9] This name is no longer used and CONCORD is now describing itself as "European Confederation of NGOs working on sustainable development and international cooperation".

EU partnerships and dialogue with developing countries promote respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, peace, democracy, good governance, and gender equality, the rule of law, solidarity and justice through global education.

[12] CONCORD also publishes a report every 2 years on Policy Coherence for Development (PCD), a legal provision under the EU Lisbon Treaty.

[16] Through these collaborations CONCORD engages with similar NGO networks from South America, Asia and Africa.