EU development aid is a problem for Africa

Brussels – EU aid to Africa does not help the continent and its States. The way it is now, it has the opposite effect and accentuates the problems, especially economic ones, of the countries where aid was supposed to contribute to development. As a result,  the European Union’s strategies for the poorest countries, especially African ones, should be revised. The European Parliament turns the spotlight to partnerships that, as they stand, produce effects contrary to those desired.

The accompanying note to the report on EU development cooperation in support of access to energy in developing countries, which the House of the European Parliament should discuss on Jan. 17 at its first plenary session of the new year, highlights the shortcomings of EU action. According to the legislative text, between 2014 and 2020 the 27 Member States provided 13.8 billion euros in assistance to Africa for sustainable development. The amount “is still not enough, and more needs to be done” to allow climate- and environmentally sustainable growth. More importantly, “53 percent of disbursements were in the form of loans.” which translates into “additional debt, which reduces the capacity of these countries to invest in sustainable development goals.”

It basically increases the debt of African countries, which are in a difficult situation. So much so that it turns out that “21 low-income African countries are in or at risk of debt distress in 2023,” according to the report. producing effects contrary to those desired.

The accompanying note to the report on EU development cooperation in support of access to energy in developing countries, which the House of the European Parliament should discuss on Jan. 17 at its first plenary session of the new year, highlights the shortcomings of EU action. According to the legislative text, between 2014 and 2020, the 27 Member States provided 13.8 billion euros in assistance to Africa for sustainable development. The amount “is still not enough, and more needs to be done” to allow climate- and environmentally sustainable growth. More importantly, “53 percent of disbursements were in the form of loans.” which translates into “additional debt, which reduces the capacity of these countries to invest in sustainable development goals.”

It basically increases the debt of African countries, which are in a difficult situation. So much so that it turns out that “21 low-income African countries are in or at risk of debt distress in 2023,” according to the report.