The latest Eurobarometer “Making a Difference in the World: Europeans and the Future of Development Aid” brings good news: 84% of all respondents support Development Aid around the world to help people living in poverty.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs stated that “Europeans are sending a clear message to EU politicians and third countries: even in times of economic crisis, Europeans remain firmly committed to supporting others to get out of poverty”. In fact, 62% of citizens are even in favour of increasing development assistance, to at least 0.7% of the EU?s Gross National Product (GNP) by 2015, as agreed at the Development Summit of 2000.
The response of the Portuguese citizens to this Eurobarometer is also very positive, especially considering the severe economic recession: 62% of the respondents recognised the importance of supporting developing countries, while 26% consider that it is extremely important.
An interesting result is also the indication that young people are amongst the strongest supporters for development policy, even though greatly affected by the current crisis: 9 out of 10 young people (between 15 and 24) think it is important to help poor people.
80% of respondents defend linking development with other EU policies, such as migration and trade, evidence of the increasing importance of the Policy Coherence for Development in this area.
From November 29th to December 1st will take place the High-Level Conference on Efficiency and Effectiveness of Aid, in Busan, Korea, where these results will be displayed in order to strengthen partnerships based on efficiency, effectiveness and transparency.
Link to full Eurobarometer special report:
https://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/eb_special_379_360_en.htm#375
Link to Agenda for Change:
https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/what/development-policies/documents/agenda_for_change_en.pdf
Website of DG Development and Cooperation – EuropeAid:
https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/index_en.htm