Responding to today’s vote in the European Parliament on the EU budget for 2014-2020, Eloise Todd, Brussels Director of ONE said:

“In a tough political climate and in the context of an overall reduction to the EU budget, Europe’s leaders have done the right thing by protecting development aid from cuts.

“Today’s vote has come at a critical moment.  With less than 1000 days to go to reach the Millennium Development Goals it is essential that the EU focusses investment in areas that will have the biggest impact on ending extreme poverty.

“Over the next few months, crucial decisions will be taken on detailed spending plans, including the level of spending for the EU’s Development Cooperation Instrument – which targets poor countries.  Helping the world’s poorest should be the top priority, with investments in agriculture and health programmes prioritised.”

Notes to editors:

Co-founded by Bono, ONE is a campaigning and advocacy organisation of more than three million people taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease… because the facts show extreme poverty has already been cut in half and can be virtually eradicated by 2030.  Learn more at ONE.org.

For further information or to arrange an interview with Eloise Todd please contact Dudley Curtis on +32 485 379945 or [email protected]