
Images: PATH global health [CC BY 2.0], via Flickr
The European Commission has joined Bill and Melinda Gates in calling on countries not to cut their overseas aid budgets, amid concerns that this would put the lives of millions of the world’s poorest people at risk.
A spokesperson told Research Europe that the Commission shares the Gates’ concern that changes in national policies could lead to a reduction in levels of aid worldwide.
“We stand very firm in our commitment to increase our collective Official Development Assistance to 0.7 per cent of EU Gross National Income before 2030,” the spokesperson said. “We expect the other EU institutions, EU Parliament and Council, to abide by this commitment and invite member states and international partners to take similar commitments.”