Brussels, 01/03/2016 (Agence Europe) - According to the latest Special Eurobarometer (no. 441) on citizens' views on development, cooperation and aid, which was published on Monday 29 February, 89% of European citizens surveyed believe it is important to help people in developing countries.
Around 69% of respondents believe that the fight against poverty in developing countries should be part of the main priorities of the EU and its member states (5% more than in 2014) and 68% are in favour of strengthening the development aid allocated by the EU (the EU is the world's top donor with €58.2 billion in 2014, or 0.42% of the EU's GNI - see EUROPE 11326).
Around 80% of respondents believe that the EU should support development in developing countries, and around 73% agree that this is an effective means for fighting against illegal migration.
For 41% of respondents, peace and security are the main challenges for developing countries. These two questions now outstrip health and education in the responses given. Around 50% of citizens say they are ready, on an individual basis, to pay more for products coming from developing countries, but fewer citizens (33%) are ready to be personally involved in fighting poverty in these countries - financially or politically.
This field survey was carried out by TNS Opinion, at the request of the Commission (DG International Cooperation and Development), on a representative sample of the EU's population at the end of 2015 (28 November - 7 December). It was conducted as part of the European Year for Development.
A total of 27,672 people were surveyed in their mother tongue in the 28 EU member states. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)