Increasing the visibility of EU development aid and humanitarian aid

6.1.2020

Question for written answer E-000036/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Janina Ochojska (PPE)

One way to make development action more coherent is to promote and strengthen the EU’s visibility in its external action, such as development and humanitarian aid. The EU’s communication strategy should target both partner country citizens and EU citizens by providing information about the benefits of EU support. Although the EU is the world’s biggest donor of development aid, in many African countries where the aid is provided the EU is invisible, or its presence is not recognised, owing to a lack of information on the sources of funding for the projects being implemented. This situation is exploited by third countries, which, for their own ends, use disinformation to claim credit for EU achievements. Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič has announced that the EU will allocate more funding and resources to developing a comprehensive, effective and systematic communication strategy for assistance instruments in countries where actions are being carried out.

• 1.What specific resources will be allocated to increase the awareness and visibility of development aid and humanitarian aid?
• 2.Where will the funds come from for this purpose, especially in light of Brexit?