This year’s international development Eurobarometer has found rising levels of support among EU residents for international development and co-operation.
The international development Eurobarometer survey, conducted through interviews with 27,464 respondents in all 28 EU Member States in June 2019, revealed that nearly 90% of the EU residents interviewed agreed that international co-operation on development is important to support residents of developing countries; meaning development co-operation has become one of the EU’s most universally approved policies. 75% of respondents said the private sector should play a more prominent role in the process of international development; and 75% advocated an increase in the EU’s financial investments in development projects in Africa.
More than 70% of the Europeans surveyed under the international development Eurobarometer said the issue of irregular migration could be addressed with the targeted deployment of financial assistance. A similar proportion agreed that offering financial support and humanitarian funding to developing countries would be effective in reducing inequalities in those countries; and that providing financial assistance to developing nations would further bolster the EU’s status as an international influencer.
Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica said: “I am very happy to see that Europeans continue to very strongly support the Union’s development cooperation and agree on key priorities I have been working on over the last years: strengthening partnerships such as with Africa; deepening our engagement to create jobs; and bringing in more private investments. This is a solid basis for the Union to maintain its leading global role and address the significant challenges that remain.”
The Eurobarometer also gauged the opinions of EU residents on the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a mechanism for international development. Respondents broadly approved of the sustainable development agenda, listing the SDGs concerning education, peace and security; and water and sanitation as key priorities.
