Speaking ahead of the upcoming EU budget negotiations ODI Research Associate Mikaela Gavas said:

“If EU leaders were serious about getting value for money they would rethink the current proposals which disproportionately cut spending on aid.

ODI research shows a positive return on investment for the EU economy of 20% by 2020 from EU spending on development aid and yet leaders continue to protect the Common Agricultural Policy at its expense, despite the fact it represents less of a return for taxpayers.

Everybody accepts the need to balance the books but people are less likely to accept an agreement that is senseless and unsustainable.”