Wednesday 15 September 2010

New Eurobarometer Survey "Europeans, Development aid and the MDGs"

Since 1973, the European Commission has been conducting surveys on public opinion in the Member States addressing major topics concerning European citizenship. This report examines European public opinion on development policy in general and the EU’s role as aid donor in particular. Over 26,500 people living in the 27 EU member states were surveyed in June 2010. The results of the survey can be seen as a barometer of current European attitudes toward development in view of two forthcoming events.

European citizens continue to show resolute support to aid provided to developing countries. One week before the UN High Level Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals, the survey shows that 89% of respondents consider development aid is important or very important. Two in three Europeans believe that the EU should honor, or even improve, on its promises to increase development aid to 0.7% of GNI by 2015, the deadline for achieving the Millennium Development Goal. This support, shared by a vast majority of citizens regardless of the nationality, has remained consistently high despite the financial crisis and the economic situation in Europe. In this context, three quarters (76%) of Europeans believe that there is added value in EU countries working together which contributes to avoid duplication and ensure aid effectiveness.

See the survey or visit the EU Public Opinion website

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