Support development aid

Ahead of the 4th European Development Days, a Special Eurobarometer on “Development Aid in time of economic turmoil” shows that the crisis affecting European countries did not affect public support for development aid.

Around 90% of Europeans still believe development is important and 72% of Europeans are in favour of honouring or going beyond existing aid commitments to the developing world.

“This poll clearly shows that citizens expect their governments and the EU Commission to dig deep for development financing”, says EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Karel De Gucht. "Even in the context of the economic crisis, I appeal again to the EU Member States to stick to their commitments to increase development aid up to € 69 billion by 2010 to meet the mid term target of the Millennium Development Goals".

A large majority of European citizens (61%) feel that Europe can positively contribute to the debate on global development.

"Europeans understand better and better why development is important. They ask for more coverage on development issues by national media", says EC Vice-President and Commissioner for Communication Strategy, Margot Wallström.

The report details the EU-wide findings as well as country-by-country breakdowns. They show that development cooperation brings the European Union closer. Aid effectiveness calls for greater coherence and consensus among member states. European polling shows that since 2004 cross-country differences are narrowing, especially between the countries that joined the EU since 2004 and the other member states.

Interestingly, the economic crisis is not considered as a key challenge for developing countries. One in two Europeans see poverty as the greatest challenge faced by developing countries, placing it above the economic and food crisis (35%). Europeans seem to understand that beyond the economic slump, poverty is the overwhelming structural problem.

Other interesting results include:
• Two out of three Europeans cite self-interested motivations for giving aid (64%), namely trade, terrorism, migration and political relations with third countries.
• There is no lack of interest, since 42% Europeans argue for more media coverage of development issues.
• 74% of Europeans have never heard of the Millennium Development Goals.

To read the entire report, please click here.

Last Updated: 2009. 10. 22. 11:30:13 By Katherine Hitchcock