The main idea of Brussels is to arrange funds in regions such as sub -Saharan or Middle East not only to fight poverty, but also In order to implement the internal priorities of EU countries.
“These packages will strengthen the relationship between external activities and internal priorities such as Energy security, deliveries of critical raw materials” – wrote the chairwoman of the Ursula von der Leyen committee and budget commissioner Piotr Serafin in an internal note, which Politico reached, specifying another many years of the EU budget.
As part of this change, the EU Development Agenda would become similar to the American and British. Both countries use foreign help as A way to implement your own priorities. It would be a big change compared to the current EU assistance model, which is largely not associated with any obligations.
However, before the conditions are added to the payment, the Commission must convince key MEPs, non -governmental organizations and member stateswhich must unanimously approve the new rules. And this may not be easy.
Critics say this system can make it difficult for the EU efforts to reduce poverty around the world. – This is a strategy that can undermine the quality of EU development assistance – says Maria Jose Romero from Eurodad, a non -governmental organization dealing with debt management in poor countries.
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– Not a single Member State supports this approach – An EU diplomat tells us. Like the other cited in this story, we admitted him anonymity so that he could freely discuss delicate topics.
The ministers of the development of the Member States will probably speak about the future of foreign help during the meeting on May 26. This is part of talks on the next many years of budget – known in Brussels as a long -term financial framework – before the project commission submitted on July 16.
Cash for reforms
According to the plan being considered, the Commission would create PEconomic artists with every foreign country-behaviorcombining help with broader trade and economic relations.
Critics say, however, that this approach smacks with paternalism and will slightly contribute to improving the reputation of Europe in poorer countries, which And so it is already tarnished with the legacy of colonialism. “The stake in the next budget is the credibility of the EU as a partner,” says Romero from Eurodad.
– That's it [sposób] on Make an appointment with voters in the countrynot to do something that will work where development help should – said Politico Rasmus Nordqvist, a Danish MEP.
Brussels officials, however, do not agree with the allegations that this strategy reflects the practice of forcing often associated with Chinese or American approach to foreign help.
This topic is particularly sensitive after President Donald Trump used foreign help as a lever to take over strategic assets abroad. A noteworthy example is the US gaining access to the huge mineral resources of Ukraine in exchange for military support.
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The headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels. Illustrative photo
In turn, China is accused of using foreign help to promote your agenda In international organizations, e.g. in the UN. However, this is not something that Europe is striving for. – We create partnership agreements that are beneficial to both parties – assures one of the EU officials.
The Commission signaled that the rules regarding the necessary humanitarian aid – which satisfies Basic needs, such as food and clean water – They won't change in the new budget.
Connecting funds
The new model would bring serious administrative changes. The strategy would, for example, be aimed at combining several different programs – from migration, foreign investment to preventing conflicts – in one global European fund divided into geographical categories.
Regions and countries bordering the EU – such as West Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova – will have to meet separate and potentially more difficult conditions than other developing countries.
– The same conditions cannot be used for candidates and North Africa countries – explains the EU diplomat.
Some European capitals, however, perceive these changes as an increase in power of the Commission. They would allow Brussels to shuffle funds between different regions without consulting Member States. “It will be introduced flexibility within and between regions” – we read in the document.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
