Brussels – In reaction to the European Parliament’s consent to the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), Emily Wigens, EU Director at The ONE Campaign, reacted:

“After more than 2 years and half of proposals and negotiations, the EU’s new long-term budget has finally been agreed. We would have liked to have seen a more ambitious EU aid budget, one that recognised the serious situation the EU’s partners are facing due to the aftershocks of the pandemic. However, credit is due to the European Parliament’s negotiating team, who championed smart investments in Europe’s future and helped secure an additional 1 billion to support the world’s poorest countries in today’s agreement.

The main instrument for EU aid is almost 2% smaller than similar instruments in the previous MFF, and that’s taking into account the UK’s exit. With decades of development gains wiped out over the course of this year, it will be more important than ever to ensure that every Euro invested in development is allocated where needs are greatest in order to deliver tangible results. 

We now urge the swift finalisation and implementation of the deal on the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument. The EU’s partners need support more than ever. The EU cannot risk the delay in delivery of essential funds in the midst of a global pandemic. Time is of the essence.”