Dóchas says European Commission Budget’s Global Europe proposal is “potentially game-changing”
Reaction to European Commission proposes to allocate €200 billion in the EU’s external action budget
17 Jul 2025
The European Commission’s proposal to allocate €200 billion in the EU’s external action budget is “potentially game-changing.”
Dóchas has joined with dozens of European Organisations in reacting to the release of the European Commission’s Multinannual Financial Framework.
In an era of increasing global instability and economic rivalry, the Commission’s proposal demonstrates a forward-looking vision for the EU’s role in the world, at a time where needs are rising.
However we urge caution and says the proposals are not without risk.
Today, more than 300 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection, and a record 120 million people are displaced. One in every five children in the world – approximately 400 million – is living in or fleeing conflict zones.
Dóchas CEO Jane-Ann McKenna said:
“The European Commission’s proposal to allocate €200 billion in the EU’s external action budget is welcome and potentially game-changing. However, the proposed new architecture doesn’t come without risks and could force trade-offs between short-term political priorities and long-term development.
Now the hard work starts to ensure this funding flows to the people and places that need it the most. It is important that international cooperation instruments that are working well should be safeguarded, and any refinements should ensure that the EU’s aid remains focused on poverty reduction and inequality.
We call on all EU institutions, and all member states - including Ireland - to work towards meeting the 0.7% GNI target for ODA. We strongly believe that our values must be matched by our commitments and our ability to deliver upon them, and we urge Ireland to lead by example, and uphold its commitment to increase our ODA in Budget 2026 as outlined in the Programme for Government.”