UN warns EU against cutting international aid in next budget
Summary
The UN refugee agency has warned the European Union against cutting international aid in its next budget, saying deeper reductions would harm humanitarian support and long-term development. EU leaders are set to debate the 2028-2034 budget as Germany and other frugal member states push for larger savings.
Key Points
- The UNHCR warned the EU that cuts to international aid would have short-sighted consequences for prosperity, stability and security.
- EU leaders are preparing to negotiate the 2028-2034 budget, with Germany leading calls for deeper cuts and Ireland proposing reductions in aid spending.
- Jean-Nicolas Beuze said cutting humanitarian aid would quickly hurt vulnerable families and could increase refugee flows toward Europe.
- He said the EU should also maintain development funding while supporting crises in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan and the Sahel.
