Nine out of ten Europeans continue to support development aid

The Special Eurobarometer opinion poll on “Development Aid in time of economic turmoil” shows that the crisis affecting European countries did not affect public support for development aid, which still remains high. Around 90% of Europeans still believe development is important and 72% of Europeans are in favour of honouring or going beyond existing aid commitments to the developing world.

Commissioner De Gucht appeals member states to stick to commitments

“This poll clearly shows that citizens expect their governments and the EU Commission to dig deep for development financing,” commented EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Karel De Gucht. "Even in the context of the economic crisis, I appeal again to the EU member states to stick to their commitments to increase development aid up to € 69 billion by 2010 to meet the mid-term target of the Millennium Development Goals". Some 61% of European citizens feel that Europe can positively contribute to the debate on global development. The economic crisis is not considered as a key challenge for developing countries. One in two Europeans see poverty as the greatest challenge faced by developing countries, placing it above the economic and food crisis (35%). Europeans seem to understand that beyond the economic slump, poverty is the overwhelming structural problem.

74% has never heard of the MDGs

Two out of three Europeans (64%) cite self-interested motivations for giving aid, namely trade, terrorism, migration and political relations with countries outside the EU. Some 42% of Europeans argue for more media coverage of development issues. Some 74% of Europeans have never heard of the Millennium Development Goals, but this is less than in 2007 (80%).

For the full report.