by Barbara Ogechi Okonkwo and Clara Pescatori
Over the next seven years the European Union will regulate it almost 200 billion euros through the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which will determine EU spending priorities and limits for the period 2028-2034. What will also be the center of discussion is Global Europethe main funding instrument for external action. It’s not just about numbers: we’re talking about investments they will form Europe’s role in the world and its commitment to partner countries.
The new version of the Global Europe Instrument (GEI) brings together previously existing instruments and stipulates that at least 90% of resources comply with Public Development Assistance (ODA) criteria. This means that most of the external action budget will be distributed sustainable growthpoverty alleviation and partnerships with developing countries. Nonetheless, if maintaining the 90% ODA cap is a positive thing, so does the loss of other thematic spending targets aimed at human development, gender equality and climate action represents a step backwards compared to the previous MFF. This rollback risks emptying the values of solidarity and justice that the EU claims to want to defend.
However, when resources are directed well, the impact is clear. Through this instrument, the EU also supports life-saving programs such as Gavi and the Global Fund, each of which has contributed to preventing more than 20.6 million deaths thanks to its support for immunization routinely in low-income countries and saving 70 million lives since its founding. These are real results that show how international cooperation could change the lives of millions of people and strengthen Europe’s credibility in the world.
However, there is currently a risk: the flexibility that Global Europe has, if not properly calibrated, could jeopardize long-term goals. Long-term planning is essential for sustainable development, peace-building and addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality. In this context, we call on European leaders to become true architects of a stronger Europe – a Europe that recognizes that investing in global development is not only the right thing to do, but is the right thing to do. the smartest. Like the architects who designed Europe’s most beloved structures, today’s leaders have the opportunity to build a lasting legacy: a Europe that unites prosperity, solidarity and global responsibility.
Therefore, we, ONE Campaign Italia Youth Ambassadors, together with other activists from France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, have asked the political class in Brussels that Global Europe worth almost 200 billion euros be protected, strengthened and orientated in a better direction. clear and ambitious goals: health, education, gender equality and climate. We want to be part of this project and help design a Europe that is stronger, more supportive and open to the world – a Europe that builds global vision, relationships and opportunities.
The urgency and commitment to Global Europe and Official Development Assistance found a clear voice among the younger generation, showing how inequality and injustice not only impact our lives, but also the lives of our compatriots in Africa. The fact that our opinions are listened to and respected shows that ordinary citizens can also contribute actively to building Europe’s future, as long as they take the first step. Now, more than ever, supporting APS is an investment concrete in global stability, social justice and shared prosperity, because helping the most vulnerable also means strengthening our communities and building a more just and safe world for everyone.
The current challenge is global: only a joint and authentic response, supported by adequate resources, can increase stability and ensure greater collective security. The involvement of citizens and us, the youth, will be important decider: only with active participation can we ask European leaders to truly invest in people and planet. It’s time to transform resources and values into concrete commitments that can leave a legacy durable. Europe is at a crossroads: Europe can choose to become a driving force for the world, or become closer to itself. We know which side we want to be on.
