In 2019, the EU increased its Aid for Trade to third countries by 12% compared to 2018, according to the EU Aid for Trade Progress Report, published on 29 October by the Commission. This financial support amounted to €17.9 billion in 2019 and benefited 126 countries. Africa is the largest beneficiary (43% of EU aid), followed by Asia (21%) and the European neighbourhood (12%).
According to the report, the EU and its member countries are the world’s largest donor, contributing 38% of the total.
Aid is concentrated in particular sectors according to the profile of the recipients. For the least developed countries, Aid for Trade focuses on agriculture. For low and middle income countries, support is mainly directed towards energy infrastructure. Finally, upper middle income countries receive support mainly for banking and financial services.
“Aid for Trade has proved to be efficient to reduce poverty and boost inclusive and sustainable economic growth through trade, building trade capacity and infrastructure in our partner countries”, said the Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen.
The share of least developed countries in world exports is stagnating at 1%. This is why the EU wants to double its Aid for Trade contribution to these countries.
In 2019, the EU and its Member States sent 15% of their Aid for Trade to these countries. This share has not increased since 2017. However, the objective is to bring this figure to 25% by 2030.
See the report: https://bit.ly/3nyZQAw (Léa Marchal)