Due to economic, social and political change in Europe and world-wide North-South relations are in danger to be marginalized. From an NGO-perspective some reasons are developed why development aid did not fulfil the expectations. The South is responsible for its own development and It is misunderstood solidarity when northern NGOs hesitate to criticise misuse of power and corruption in the South. On the other hand the North clearly is part of the problem and has to put Its own house in order. Therefore NGOs In industrialized countries should advocate first of all structural adjustment in the North in order to become a responsible partner n the world community. Key elements for a development policy of NGOs in the nineties are presented. The traditional appeal to solidarity is not enough to achieve a policy change in the North. Northern NGOs have to find a positive approach to the well understood interests of their own societies in changed and sustainable North-South relations. In this way new majorities for a constructive development policy can be won.
