AidWatch 2025 – Ending short-sightedness, restoring ODA’s purpose

Since the publication of the first AidWatch report 20 years ago, Official Development Assistance (ODA) has significantly contributed to improving global health, poverty reduction, education, governance and climate resilience in partner countries and enjoys generally broad support among EU citizens.

However, while ODA has been long considered resilient in responding to crises, human-generated problems (economic, social, climate-related) and political decisions continue to weaken the global multilateral system and the global cooperation landscape. After 5 years of consecutive growth in ODA volumes, countries are increasingly prioritising national interests while cutting their ODA budgets.

The current tremendous challenges are a chance to reform ODA reporting, democratise its governance and improve its effectiveness. We are convinced that the role of ODA and particularly of EU ODA should and will remain key in the future. Read the AidWatch 2025 report and discover our 10 recommendations for EU Member States and EU Institutions to restore ODA’s purpose!