EU plan to double aid to poorest African nations
The European Union presented a new development aid strategy today focused primarily on alleviating poverty in Africa, and on keeping EU member states committed to promises made to double aid to the continent.
In Brussels, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso called on EU leaders to urgently reach a deal on a new EU budget so the EU could fulfil United Nations commitments to boost its aid programs.
“An agreement … it’s urgent for our relations with Africa,” Barroso told reporters after holding talks with the African Union Commission.
The Commission passed the new 10-year strategy at the talks with its African Union counterpart.
“We need to do more, clearly,” Barroso said.
“It’s not just a question of values, of generosity and solidarity, it is in our interest. We need to tackle the structural deep roots of underdevelopment in Africa ... Our commitment is to fulfil the (United Nations) millennium goals.”
