Increase in orders of military equipment in Africa

23.4.2014

Question for written answer E-005250-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Filip Kaczmarek (PPE)

Despite containing many of the world's poorest countries, Africa has been importing ever-larger volumes of military equipment over recent years, which may help to explain the increase in the number and intensity of conflicts there. Arms imports are said to have increased by 104% between 2003 and 2012, and many African countries are spending their money on weapons rather than development.

Is there any way of ascertaining how EU aid for Africa is being spent? What means does the EU have of doing this?

What steps should the EU institutions take to ensure that funding is spent on development and helping the poor, rather than on militarisation?

OJ C 426, 27/11/2014