In 2020, the EU once again confirms its position as the world’s leading donor

19.04.2021

In 2020, the EU and its 27 Member States have significantly increased their Official Development Assistance (ODA) for partner countries to €66.8 billion, according to preliminary figures published on 13 April 2021 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Development Assistance Committee (OECD-DAC). Compared to 2019 levels, EU27 collective ODA in 2020 has increased by €8.9 billion (15%) in nominal terms. Thereby, the EU and its Member States confirm their position as the world's leading donor, providing 46% of global assistance.

Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, stated: “Team Europe has significantly increased its contribution of Official Development Assistance compared to last year. This is crucial at a time when so many people in our partner countries face significant health, economic and social challenges linked to the COVID-19 crisis.”

Background information

Official Development Assistance (ODA) is defined as government aid that promotes and specifically targets the economic development and welfare of states, where the need is greatest, in particular least developed countries. It refers to material resources given by the donor governments to promote the economic development of the recipient countries and the welfare of their people. The ODA may be disbursed to the government of the recipient country directly or through other organisations. Most ODA is in the form of grants.

More information

Team Europe increased Official Development Assistance to €66.8 billion as the world's leading donor in 2020 (press release, 13 April 2021)