| Nine out of ten Europeans still strongly support development aid despite recession |
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A special survey carried out by the European Commission's Eurobarometer opinion poll has shown that public support for development aid remains high among EU citizens and has not been affected by the economic downturn. According to the poll, around 90% of Europeans "still believe development is important" and 72% of Europeans are "in favour of honouring or going beyond existing aid commitments to the developing world". "This poll clearly shows that citizens expect their governments and the EU Commission to dig deep for development financing", said EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Karel De Gucht. "Even in the context of the economic crisis, I appeal again to the EU Member States to stick to their commitments to increase development aid up to €69 billion by 2010 to meet the midterm target of the Millennium Development Goals." Although the survey reveals that 74% of Europeans have never heard of the Millennium Development Goals, this figure has fallen from 80% in 2007. 42% of those surveyed were in favour of more media coverage of development issues. "Europeans understand better and better why development is important. They ask for more coverage on development issues by national media", said EC Vice-President and Commissioner for Communication Strategy, Margot Wallström. Read the full report at: http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/eb_special_en.htm Source:  |
