Macro-financial assistance (MFA) to third countries: general provisions

2011/0176(COD)

The Council expressed its opinion on EU Official Development Assistance (ODA).

In 2011, in the face of continued budgetary constraints owing to the ongoing crisis, the EU collective ODA decreased from EUR 53.5 billion in 2010 to EUR 53.1 billion. This EUR 400 million reduction in support to developing countries brings the EU ODA level to 0.42% of GNI, down from the 2010 outcome of 0.44% of GNI. Nevertheless, the EU has maintained its position as the biggest global ODA donor.  

The Council stresses that ODA is an essential and catalytic element in the overall development financing available for developing countries and that the EU and its Member States remain committed to increase their collective aid spending to 0.7% of GNI by 2015.