MFF

International development cooperation has consistently been an integral component of the European Union's foreign policy. Like diplomacy, development cooperation is a means to foster stability, security and prosperity for all in an increasingly interconnected world. The COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and the ripple effects of Russia’s full-scale invasion in Ukraine have underscored our global interdependence and the imperative for international collaboration, investment, and partnerships that promote equitable development globally while safeguarding the long-term interests of the EU and its citizens. 

 

In today’s world, the interconnectedness of societies, ecosystems, and economies is undeniable. Crises like climate change, pandemics, and conflicts transcend borders, affecting everyone, including EU citizens. To effectively address both current and future crises, as well as setbacks in human rights, sustainable development and gender equality, the EU urgently needs additional resources. Investing in these efforts benefits both EU citizens and people worldwide, reinforcing global security and stability for all.

Today, 26 EU leaders agreed on a revision to the EU’s long-term budget, with one EU country blocking the agreement. If confirmed in the new year, the deal would slash the new funding for external action proposed by the European Commission and supported by the European Parliament by prioritizing investment in migration management instead. 

With its new long-term budget, the EU missed a chance to put itself at the forefront of a fair and green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, Oxfam said today.

The recovery fund and long-term EU budget agreed today do not match the urgency of our current situation and the challenges ahead, said Oxfam.

Today, the European Commission presented a coronavirus crisis recovery package for the EU.

Oxfam welcomes the EU increasing its aid for education, public health and gender equality in developing countries in its budget for 2019. However, it still falls short of allocating 20 percent of the aid budget to these vital areas.

Following a vote in the European Parliament on the EU budget for 2019, Oxfam is concerned that the EU continues to prioritize migration management at the expense of humanitarian action and sustainable development.

Today, EU member states have proposed a spending increase of 10 percent in 2019 for the EU’s external policies compared to this year’s budget. However, governments are focusing on the wrong issues, Oxfam, Save the Children, DSW and IPPF EN say. The organizations argue a strong focus on human development is needed to counter increasing inequalities and make sure no one is left behind.

The European Commission has published details of its planned foreign affairs spending for 2021-2027. While there are some positive points which we welcome, there is a risk that aid money can now be used for inward-looking policies on migration and security, rather than long-term sustainable development.