Doing More with Less: Rethinking European Development Cooperation in a New Age

Heightened geopolitical tensions, mounting fiscal pressures and shifting priorities are putting huge pressure on Official Development Assistance. Many governments are cutting aid budgets and reordering spending to reflect their international strategic priorities. While the immediate human consequences have justifiably been the primary focus, it is also an opportune time to consider the longer-term vision of development cooperation.

One of the biggest challenges European providers face is the need to balance the ambition for global influence and mutually beneficial partnerships with huge financing needs for urgent development priorities. This session will address how providers can continue to support economic and social progress in low- and middle-income countries. Panelists will consider what win-win cooperation looks like in a fragmented global landscape, and how European governments can maximize the impact of concessional resources.