Open Europe briefing: Less than half of the EU’s external aid goes to the world’s poorest countries

Open Europe published in April 2011 the first in a series of two briefings looking at the EU’s external aid spending.

Open Europe’s report looks at how much the EU spends and where, identifying five key problem areas with EU aid. These include a lack of poverty focus, with only 46% of EU aid reaching lower income countries compared with 74% of UK aid. EU aid is also subject to unnecessary administration and transaction costs, with money being recycled between national governments, the EU and other international bodies, such as the United Nations or World Bank, up to three times before it reaches those in need.

Open Europe: Briefing, April 2011: EU External Aid:. Who is it for? http://www.openeurope.org.uk/research/euaid2011.pdf

Open Europe: Press Release, 8.5.11: New Open Europe briefing: EU’s €13bn commitment to North Africa and the Middle East has failed to promote democracy and development http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=167

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