New figures show EU aid is more transparent and effective, but more ambitious reforms could save up to €4 billion yearly
The European Commission's proposal for the EU common position on the international aid effectiveness agenda show that the European Union (EU) has progressed considerably in the way it manages its aid.
According to the survey and independent evaluation of the Paris Declaration, EU aid is more transparent, predictable and coordinated than ever, and better adapted to developing countries' national priorities. The Communication, adopted by the Commission in the run up to the Fourth High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness which will take place in Busan, South Korea, from 29 November to 1 December, shows that the EU's performance in aid effectivess comes out above the global average amongst donors.
The Commission proposal also points out that more ambitious aid reforms - including better coordination of programming and policies at EU level - could save up to 4bn euros per year.
Development Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs, stated:
"I'm encouraged to see that that our work to reduce poverty in developing countries is more effective, transparent and respectful of our partners' priorities than five years ago. I'll take the lead in the run-up to the High Level Forum on Aid effectiveness to secure a solid EU position, with clear and reachable commitments. However, I am aware that efforts are still too slow and more efforts are needed. In a period of crisis, we cannot spare any effort to save money, whilst increasing the impact of aid. I will come with proposals for better coordination of EU donors, for instance through joint programming, in the coming weeks. No time should be lost in ensuring that international aid helps to lift even more people out of poverty so that we reach the Millenium Development Goals".
The Commission proposes to agree to an ambitious outcome of the High Level Forum on aid effectiveness in Busan, focusing on ownership, transparency, predictability, reduction of fragmentation of aid, alignment, as well as accountability of results. The Commission also calls for a strengthening of global development partnerships, especially with emerging economies, private sector and civil society, in order to achieve Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
