EU imitates Trump’s method to foreign assistance

(MENAFN) The European Union (EU) is set to revise its multi-billion-euro foreign aid program to better reflect its own Political and economic priorities, as reported by Bloomberg. The decision comes in response to budgetary constraints, rising defense costs, and potential US tariffs. The EU's move mirrors US President Donald Trump's decision to freeze much of the American foreign aid, citing concerns over corruption and inefficiencies in the system.

The European Commission (EC) is planning to restructure its external aid program to adopt a more transactional approach, ensuring that aid is used to secure strategic interests, strengthen alliances, and maintain access to vital resources, while also safeguarding its reputation as a reliable partner. The EU is the world's largest foreign aid provider, spending nearly €96 billion in 2023, with a significant portion directed to Ukraine since the conflict began in 2022. Some EU members, including Slovakia and Hungary, have reduced or halted military aid to Ukraine, calling for funds to be redirected to domestic needs.

Bloomberg reports that the EU will present proposals to adjust its aid structure in the coming weeks, with a focus on its seven-year budget for the period 2028 to 2034. The EU aims to strengthen its influence in regions rich in resources, such as Africa and South America, while competing with the US and China as major global donors.

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