Since the launch of the 2009 DATA Report in June, we’ve posted several reports cards on individual G8 countries’ progress. But they aren’t the only ones who made important pledges to Africa at the 2005 Gleneagles Summit. The European Union did, too—so here’s a closer look at how they’re progressing toward their targets.

Based on their commitments (made in 2005 and beyond), the EU pledged to collectively increase official development assistance (ODA) to Africa from approximately $17 billion (in U.S. dollars) in 2004 to $40 billion by 2010. And while global official development assistance (ODA) increased significantly in 2007-2008, very little of that increase went to Africa. This means that the EU have achieved only 21% of their promised increases to date, making them off track to meet their 2010 target.

A closer look at individual country performances reveals that some nations are delivering more than others. In 2008, several donors increased aid to Africa by more than 10%–and using current budget data to predict spending in 2009, ONE estimates that numerous nations (including Germany, Spain, Denmark and the UK) will continue this increase in the next budget cycle. But others—including Ireland, Italy and Greece—are forecasting disappointing cuts in aid.

The EU must stand as a leader and protect the world’s poorest from the impact of rising food prices, climate change and the global economic crisis. To do this, the EU must ensure that promised 2010 aid is actually delivered, that member states stick to their commitment of setting annual timetables to reach 0.7% ODA/GNI, and that bold new pledges to Africa continue to be made in 2010 and beyond.

-Kara Arsenault