Joint Open Letter to EU Development Ministers: Global Europe is not a residual budget line

Dear Minister,

We are deeply concerned that Global Europe could face disproportionate cuts in the MFF negotiations, with reports that cuts as deep as 40% are being simulated.

While compromises are needed, Global Europe cannot be treated as a residual budget line. It is a strategic investment. We urge you to make this case with your government ahead of the next European Council.

Protecting global public goods, as well as the EU's competitiveness, resilience, security, and geopolitical weight depends on external action. Below we set out three key reasons why Member States must maintain an overall ambitious MFF and Global Europe at a minimum of 10.8% of the total MFF envelope.

First, the case for cuts to Global Europe rests on the false assumption that there is significant room to reduce the current proposal. This assumption relies on an invalid like-for-like comparison, not accounting for either inflation or the merging of several programmes. A cut to the scale reportedly being considered could therefore wipe out much of the real increase[1], leaving little room to respond, rebuild, and mitigate global challenges like Ebola outbreaks and climate-driven Nepali flash floods, let alone deliver long-term development goals. An overstated increase should not be used as evidence that Global Europe has substantial room for cuts.

Second, external action is key for human and social development. It is the EU’s main tool for tackling escalating conflicts, climate shocks, shrinking civic space, growing debt burdens and rising inequalities. But it goes beyond that. Global competition for markets, resources, infrastructure, influence and alliances is intensifying. Investing in partner countries helps build the stable markets, healthy and skilled workforces, resilient supply chains and trusted alliances that Europe depends on. A stronger and fairer global community is in the interest of every citizen, European or not.

Third, development delivers, and Europe benefits when it does. Investing in partner countries avoids far steeper costs later: every dollar spent on growth and political stability can avert up to 100 dollars in future costs[2]. The economic return is tangible. Every €1 of development assistance from EU institutions to African countries is associated with roughly €6.80 in additional European exports of goods and services to those countries[3]. Development cooperation builds the governance, health, education, and planning capacity that makes partner economies predictable enough for trade and investment to follow. Advancing EU interests and supporting sustainable development in partner countries are not competing priorities, but two sides of the same coin.

It is Global Europe that delivers the means for the EU to invest in a more stable, resilient, and prosperous world, helping shape the conditions that future generations will inherit. 

Against this backdrop, Global Europe must not become the price of compromise.

[1] CGD, How Much Is the EU’s Proposed Development Budget for 2028-2034 Really Increasing?, 2026

[2] IMF, The Urgency of Conflict Prevention – A Macroeconomic Perspective, 2024

[3] ODI/rani, EU Development Cooperation Delivers for Both Partners, 2026