Euroeast

NEWS

Bill Gates praises EU role as world leader in development aid

26-01-2012

The money that the EU gives to development “will have a huge impact in the world” Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates told the European Parliament yesterday – “"Whether you like it or not, you are the leader in development aid,” he said.
 
During his speech, Bill Gates described the European Commission's Agenda for Change, and its focus on modernising development policy, as “a very good initiative, that we are certainly in agreement with”. He also roundly welcomed the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), saying that this was “a very important year because of the long-term budget put in place.”
 
Gates urged the Parliament to retain development aid goals in the next EU budget, and said he often quoted the EU approach to development as an example when urging other donors to step up their development aid to the same level. 
 
“Whether you like it or not, you are the leader in development aid and it is very unlikely we can do without this example if Europe does not continue its upward push. This is particularly important as you are looking at your 7-year budget. I know you have some difficult trade-offs to make because of the economic situation, but the money you devote to development will have a huge impact in the world,” said Gates.
 
As part of his visit to Brussels to present the "Living Proof" campaign, Bill Gates also met yesterday with President José Manuel Barroso. They discussed further cooperation between the Commission and the Gates Foundation on global development, especially regarding poverty alleviation, health and vaccination campaigns, as well as sustainable agriculture and food security.
 
“The EU is the world's largest donor and we will continue to invest in human development across the globe,” President Barroso said. “The Commission has just proposed a substantial external aid package for 2014-2020 period that reflects this European leadership and commitment… To be as effective as possible in our support, we will deepen our cooperation with private partners, like civil society organisations and foundations,” the President stressed. “The Gates Foundation will remain a key partner for us.”
 
EU Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs and Bill Gates also met to discuss their work on development cooperation and to explore ways in which to work together more in the future.
 
In particular, they discussed the Commission's proposal for the future EU external aid financing instruments, underlining the importance of increasing aid budgets in times of crisis. (ENPI Info Centre)
 
Read more
 
Press release
 
Video – Barroso meets Bill Gates
 
EU Agenda for Change