EU EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE: RECORD PERFORMANCE IN 2005

In 2005 the European Commission has acted with record speed and efficiency to implement programmes so that the money reaches those who need it. The results show the value of reforms introduced in 2001 to improve the way in which the Commission’s aid to third countries is spent. In 2005 €6.2 billion in development aid was disbursed, up from €5.7 billion the year before. Thanks to the reforms, the Commission is processing money pledged more effectively both in its own internal procedures and in the implementation of programmes themselves. A comparison between 2001 and 2005 shows commitments up by 54% and payments up by 52%.

The Commissioner responsible for EuropeAid, External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, commented, ‘2005 has been a record year in terms of delivery of EU aid. Last year’s results show the crucial role that the European Commission is playing in the fight to eradicate poverty and to promote peace, human rights and sustainable development throughout the world. We are an increasingly efficient and reliable development partner across the world. Our response to natural disasters like the tsunami, and the Pakistan earthquake is internationally recognised. We are making an essential contribution to building a more stable future for Afghanistan, Iraq and the Palestinian Territories – and helping our near neighbourhood to develop better governance and more prosperous economies”.

Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, expressed satisfaction with this improvement: “This is the highest level ever of payments benefiting the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. It represents the concrete support to our commitments to poverty reduction in Africa. But we must and we can do more and better. In 2006 we will have to deliver on our promises to increase aid, to improve coordination among European donors and to focus on Africa.”