Renew Europe is disappointed by the European Parliament's rejection of the report by Charles Goerens MEP (DP, LU) on the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), an outcome which could undermine the Seville conference (30 June - 3 July).
At a time when an unprecedented financing gap of €4.3 trillion annually threatens the Sustainable Development Goals, this rejection sends a harmful message to the world's most vulnerable populations who desperately rely on European solidarity.
“Despite our efforts to build a strong and forward-looking position, the text was significantly weakened by conservative amendments, stripping out references to the EU's key achievements in development aid. In the face of urgent global challenges, the EU must show leadership and ambition. Failing to adopt a common position is a setback – not just for our credibility, but for our partners around the world who look to Europe as a reliable force for development aid,” stated Goerens.
With the United States having suspended its development aid programmes through USAID and traditional donor states reducing their contributions, the EU stood as the last messenger of hope for international development cooperation.
The Group believes this decision undermines the legacy of Financing for Development conferences, which have established the global consensus on sustainable development financing, and jeopardizes critical progress on Official Development Assistance targets, debt relief frameworks and financial reforms.
In light of the outcome, Goerens has announced his refusal to represent the European Parliament at the Seville conference.
“I cannot in good conscience represent an institution that has just abandoned its commitment to the world's poorest populations through political maneuvering and extremist alliances,” said Goerens.
Renew Europe calls on European leaders to recognise the gravity of this failure and work urgently to restore Europe's position as a champion of global development. The world's most vulnerable populations deserve better.
Photo: European Parliament / 2025