The European Union has been active in development cooperation from its start in the late 1950s. As enshrined in its treaty, poverty eradication is the EU’s primary objective in development cooperation policy. The EU and its Member States provide more than half of all official development aid worldwide.
The EU has committed to collectively devote 0.7 percent of its Gross National Income (GNI) to development aid by 2015, and to radically improve policy coherence and aid effectiveness.
In addition to providing development assistance, the EU is a leading donor of emergency and humanitarian assistance, and delivers aid to those in need regardless of race, religion, or politics.
Evidence confirms that trade and openness to the global economy play an important role in creating jobs and prosperity in developing countries. Learn why the EU is pressing for a successful conclusion Doha Round.... Read more
The European Union is the world's biggest donor of humanitarian aid, providing more than 50% of humanitarian aid worldwide. Find out more.... Read more
In 2000, 189 world leaders recognized that eradicating poverty worldwide could only be achieved through international partnership. By adopting the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)—the first-ever set of shared development targets at… Read more