According to the latest Eurobarometer survey (Special Report 476) published by the European Commission on Tuesday 25 September, 89% of the EU citizens surveyed are still of the opinion that "it is important to help the people of developing countries" – a figure that is stable in comparison with 2016, but down in 20 EU member states. However, over three quarters of those surveyed believe the EU should honour its promises of aid.
This survey on EU citizens and development cooperation was carried out in 28 EU member states in June-July and its results were presented by European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 25 September.
The results of the survey show that 70% of respondents agree that financial assistance to developing countries is an effective way of addressing irregular migration – an idea gaining ground in half of EU member states, particularly in Malta, Greece and Bulgaria.
A stable percentage (81%) believes that addressing poverty in developing countries is in the interest of the EU.
Meanwhile, 80% approve of the idea that companies should have a bigger role in sustainable development in developing countries. This was a question that was put to those surveyed for the first time.
"European citizens back our efforts to boost private investment in development cooperation, deliver gender equality and address the root causes of irregular migration", Mimica stated, saying he was sure that this survey shows that the Commission's "proposal to deepen our economic relationship with Africa by focusing on private investment is on the right track with citizens".
In addition, 86% of respondents consider that gender equality should also be a priority of EU development policy. Among these respondents, 78% want the focus to be on the fight against violence to women and girls, 63% want to promote the fight against discrimination against women, and 61% want to promote access to education for women and girls. This question too, was an innovation in the survey. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)