Policy Updates

Each week, Donor Tracker's team of country-based experts bring you the most important policy and funding news across issue areas in the form of Policy Updates.

Von der Leyen unveils new college of Commissioners

September 17, 2024 | EUI, Education, Gender Equality, Climate, Global Health R&D, Global Health | Share this update

On September 17, 2024, after months of negotiations, EC President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled her proposed team of Commissioners.

Pending a confirmation hearing by the European Parliament in November, where experts believe some Commissioner-designates are likely to be rejected, and a plenary vote, the new college will be able to begin the new mandate at the earliest in December 2024.

Six Commissioners will have an external component to their portfolio, five will have an ecological focus, and five relate to security in their title.

Among the most relevant for external relations are:

  • Jozef Síkela (Czechia, independent): Commissioner for International Partnerships. Síkela is a former investment banker and industry and trade minister. Síkela has been mandated with continuing to focus on Global Gateway. His mission letter tasks him with taking Global Gateway from start-up to scale-up and working in synergy with other programs, namely to secure supply of raw materials and clean tech. Gender equality is singled out as a priority, but no mention of other human development sectors is made.
  • Kaja Kallas (Estonia, liberal): High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy. Former Estonian Prime Minister Kallas has been one of the EU's most vocal critics of Russia and a key proponent of both military assistance to Ukraine and a stronger EU defense capability. Her duties include giving a new impetus to the EU’s partnership with Africa and shaping a new foreign economic policy, including via "mutually beneficial partnerships". Kallas has also been tasked to ensure a better link between the EU’s internal and external policies, from climate and energy to digital and food security.
  • Hadja Lahbib (Belgium, liberal): Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Equality. Labhib is the outgoing Belgian Foreign Affairs Minister and was previously a journalist. The role replaces the current portfolio of humanitarian assistance, covering internal crises as well, and includes a second hat for equality. Her health deliverables include developing a new strategy to support medical countermeasures against health threats. Lahbib will work to develop a Roadmap for Women’s Rights and a new Gender Equality Strategy.

The agreement of the next EU long-term budget will be front and center of the next mandate. Von der Leyen’s priorities are modernization, prioritization, and simplification.

The appointment for the budget is:

  • Piotr Serafin (Poland, center-right): Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud, and Administration. Serafin, currently the Polish ambassador to the EU and former chief of staff of Donald Tusk when he was European Council president, also served in the cabinet of former Polish EU Budget Commissioner Janusz Lewandowski. Serafin will report directly to President von der Leyen. His mission letter calls for revamped external action financing that is more targeted and aligned with Europe’s strategic interests.

Among the most relevant for climate, food, and agriculture are:

  • Teresa Ribera Rodríguez (Spain, center-left): Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition. As the Spanish Vice President and Minister for Ecological Transition, her position combines the roles of competition chief, net-zero architect, and economic transformer. Former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi’s report on competitiveness is expected to serve as her blueprint as she leads the development of a Clean Industrial Deal and ensures the European Green Deal stays on track.
  • Wopke Hoekstra (the Netherlands, center-right): Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth. Hoekstra has been confirmed in the role with a revamped portfolio that now includes climate and taxation. He will focus on a clean industrial strategy, decarbonization and emissions reduction, while ensuring a fair transition. The international dimension will center on clean trade and investment partnerships.
  • Christophe Hansen (Luxembourg, center-right): Commissioner for Agriculture and Food. As an MEP, Hansen worked on environmental and trade issues. His new role will involve strengthening the competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability of agriculture, and he will prepare a 100-day Vision for Agriculture and Food.

The appointments for health and preparedness are:

  • Roxana Mînzatu (Romania, center-left): Executive Vice-President for People, Skills, and Preparedness. Minzatu is a cohesion funds expert who served as an MEP and Minister for European Funds. Her mission statement includes advancing a Union of Equality, a Union of Skills, and fostering a new culture of preparedness to help people adapt to changes and risks, particularly in the face of health and security crises.
  • Olivér Várhelyi (Hungary, far right): Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare. Várhelyi, who is currently responsible for the Neighborhood and Enlargement portfolio, was handed the health and animal welfare role. He is a controversial figure due to breaking ranks with the EC to follow Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. His mission statement includes completing the European Health Union, but food safety has been stripped of his portfolio. He will head DG SANTE and HERA. On health preparedness, he will report to the Executive Vice-President for People, Skills, and Preparedness.

In her mission statement, von der Leyen states that R&I, science, and technology must be put at the heart of the EU’s economy, which entails more investments and cooperation.

The appointment for R&I and R&D is:

  • Ekaterina Zaharieva (Bulgaria, center-right): Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation. Zaharieva is a lawyer and previously served as Bulgaria's foreign affairs minister after serving several other ministerial posts. Her deliverables include reinforcing international research and innovation cooperation and seeking synergies through Global Gateway. Zaharieva's revamped portfolio does not include education, which will be the responsibility of the Executive Vice President for people, skills, and preparedness, but extends to start-ups, a first for any commissioner.
Web Page - Commissioners-designate (2024-2029)

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EU releases US$11 million in humanitarian assistance for people in Lebanon

October 29, 2024 | EUI | Share this update

On September 29, 2024, the EC announced EUR10 million (US$11 million) in additional humanitarian assistance to help people in Lebanon and support the most urgent needs such as protection, food assistance, shelter and health care.

This announcement brings the overall amount of the EU’s humanitarian assistance to Lebanon in 2024 to EUR74 million (US$81 million).

Press release - European Commission

EC pledges US$290 million for Gavi, US$240 million for humanitarian assistance

October 1, 2024 | EUI, Global Health | Share this update

On September 28th, 2024, the EC President von der Leyen announced EUR260 million (US$290 million) in 2026-2027 for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance at the Global Citizen Festival 2024 in New York City.

The President announced that the EU will reach Gavi’s objective to vaccinate 500 million children by 2030 under the 2026-2030 Strategic Period. The EC promised to remain committed to a high level of ambition in supporting Gavi when designing its proposal for the next long-term EU budget, the MFF which will cover EU spending beyond 2027.

CSOs Global Citizen, ONE, Save the Children, and Global Health Advocates applauded President von der Leyen’s announcement and efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccines for children around the world and the intention to increase support to Gavi from the next MFF.

President von der Leyen also pledged EUR213 million (US$ 240 million) in additional humanitarian assistance for Africa, Afghanistan, Palestinians and Venezuela.

Pending the approval of the European Parliament and Council of the EU, the funding will be split as follows:

  • EUR41 million (US$45 million) for Africa, targeting food insecurity;
  • EUR69 million (US$ 76 million) for the Sudan crisis and its spillover effects on neighboring countries;
  • EUR40 million (US$44 million) for food insecurity in Afghanistan; and
  • EUR45 million (US$49 million) for Palestinians and EUR18 million (US$19 million) for Venezuela.
Speech - Statement by European Commission President Ursula von der LeyenPress release - European CommissionPress release - Civil society reaction

EU commits to concrete actions to address AMR

October 1, 2024 | EUI | Share this update

On September 26, 2024, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides made AMR issues a key focus of her mission to the UNGA.

She delivered a speech at the UNGA High-Level meeting on AMR, where she highlighted that the declaration is a call to translate commitments into actions and results. She announced the EU’s support for the establishment of an independent panel for evidence-based action against AMR. She also announced that the EU allocated US$3 million in 2025 to support the panel to gather and consolidate data on AMR and provide guidance to policymakers worldwide.

The European Commission also welcomed the Political Declaration to step up action against AMR. The declaration was agreed to at the High-Level ministerial meeting at the UNGA. The EU, as well as its Member States, have committed to measures tackling AMR, such as improved prevention, surveillance, monitoring, financing, access, innovation and awareness-raising.

In addition, the Commissioner spoke at a number of events such as ‘The Infection Prevention and Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship: from policy to implementation at the point of care'. She highlighted the impact AMR has in Europe, as well as the EU’s efforts to curb it, such as the launch of the European Partnership on One Health AMR next year. The Commissioner also highlighted the EU’s commitment to support health systems in low- and middle-income countries, including preparedness and prevention.

The Commission also launched a new campaign ‘Beat the Bug’ to raise awareness among its citizens about the risks of AMR.

Press release - European CommissionSpeech - Remarks High-Level meeting on Antimicrobial ResistanceSpeech - Remarks at side event on the infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardshipSpeech - Remarks at side event on the AMR perspectives of the Low-and Middle-income countriesWeb Page - Campaign Beat the Bug - European Commission

JICA submits budget request for FY2025

September 30, 2024 | Japan | Share this update

On September 30, 2024, JICA submitted its budget request for the 2025 fiscal year, aligned with its vision of Leading the World with Trust and focusing on human security and quality growth.

The budget proposal, based on Japan’s 2024 economic and fiscal policies, includes key priorities such as upholding a free and open international order, advancing international cooperation, promoting economic diplomacy, and enhancing efforts in the information age.

A total of JPY152.1 billion (US$1.1 billion) was requested for JICA operating and facility costs, an increase of JPY4 billion (US$28 million) from the previous year. This includes JPY150.5 billion (US$1 billion) for operating expenses and JPY1.7 billion (US$12 million) for facility maintenance.

JICA also requested JPY2.31 trillion (US$16.1 billion) for loan assistance projects, up by JPY300 billion (US$2.1 billion), to focus on supporting quality growth in low- and middle-income countries and addressing global challenges related to the 2030 Agenda and UN SDGs.

Press release - Japan International Cooperation Agency (in Japanese)

Canada provides funding for humanitarian needs in Lebanon

September 28, 2024 | Canada, Global Health, Gender Equality | Share this update

On September 28, 2024, Canadian Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen announced that Canada will provide CAD10 million (US$7.4 million) in funding for humanitarian needs in Lebanon.

The funds will go towards providing food, water, emergency healthcare including sexual and reproductive health, protection services and other life-saving assistance to civilians in Lebanon. It comes as a response to the recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has increased the need for humanitarian aid in the region.

This funding is in addition to Canada's contribution to the UN CERF, which previously allocated US$10 million in response to the crisis in Lebanon. According to official reports, more than 90,000 people were displaced within Lebanon in September.

Press release - Global Affairs Canada

Norway supports South Sudan with US$2 million for flood relief

September 27, 2024 | Norway, Climate, WASH & Sanitation | Share this update

On September 27, 2023, Norway announced a contribution of over NOK22 million (US$2 million) in emergency humanitarian assistance to the flood victims in South Sudan.

According to Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Kristiansen Tvinnereim, South Sudan is grappling with severe flooding along the White Nile and its tributaries, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. Communities are still reeling from previous floods between 2019 and 2022, and over 1 million people have already been displaced.

Norway's contribution included NOK10 million (US$900 000) to the UN’s country fund for South Sudan and NOK12 million (US$1.1 million) to the Norwegian Refugee Council. These funds will be used to provide critical health services, shelter, food, clean water, and sanitation for those affected. Additionally, Norway has also contributed to the UN's CERF.

This support comes as part of Norway’s broader humanitarian commitment to South Sudan, which totals over NOK91 million (US$8.3 million) in 2024. The funding is distributed through Norwegian organizations such as the Norwegian Refugee Council, Norwegian Church Aid, Norwegian People's Aid, Caritas, and the Norwegian Red Cross, as well as through UN humanitarian funds.

Press release - Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Norwegian)

UK ODA rose by 20% to US$ 18.3 billion in 2023

September 27, 2024 | UK, Education, WASH & Sanitation, Global Health | Share this update

On September 27, 2024, The UK government released its final ODA statistics. The statistics show that the UK ODA budget rose by 20% between 2022 and 2023 to reach GBP15. 3 billion (US$ 18.3 billion), 0.58% of GNI.

A large share of UK ODA was spent on housing refugees inside the UK, with GBP4.3 billion (US$5.2 billion) or 28% of the UK ODA budget in 2023. The statistics also show that there was a significant increase in the share of UK ODA spent via multilateral organizations which rose from GBP3.1 billion (US$3.7 billion) in 2022 to GBP5.4 billion (US$6.5 billion) in 2024, predominately due to a large payment to the World Bank’s IDA.

UK bilateral ODA spend was GBP10 billion (US$12 billion), 65% of total UK ODA, and UK core funding to multilateral organizations was GBP5.3 billion (US$6.4 billion), 35% of total UK ODA.

In terms of top bilateral sectors, the largest amount of funding was spent on ‘Refugees in Donor Countries’ in 2023, followed by the humanitarian sector’ and ‘Multisector/ Cross-cutting’ sector.

In terms of geographic disbursements, Africa increased its share of region-specific bilateral ODA moving to 46% (up from 42%) but the volume of funding fell marginally. The top three recipients of UK country specific bilateral ODA were Ukraine (GBP 250 million/US$299 million), Ethiopia (GBP164 million/US$196 million), and Afghanistan (GBP115 million/US$137 million).

The overall increase in ODA, however, masked some significant decreases. The share of bilateral ODA received by LDCs has fallen to 47.2% in 2023 compared to 53% in 2018. Bilateral ODA to health, humanitarian, education, and water and sanitation also saw steep declines.

  • Humanitarian ODA stood at GBP878 million (US$1 billion) in 2023, a fall of 21% compared to 2022, 43% since 2020 and its lowest level since 2014;
  • Health ODA stood at GBP764 million (US$843 million) in 2023, a fall of 21% compared to 2022, 52% since 2020 and its lowest level since 2014;
  • Education ODA stood at GBP346 million (US$414 million) in 2023, a marginal decrease compared to 2022, but a decrease of 64% since 2016 and its lowest level since 2009; and
  • WASH fell to just GBP38 million (US$45 million), a decrease of 17% compared to 2020, 82% since 2018 and its lowest level since 2009.
News article - BONDReport - UK government

UK Conservative candidate urges cutting ODA to nations rejecting asylum returns

September 26, 2024 | UK | Share this update

On 26 September 2024, one of the UK Conservative party leadership candidates Robert Jenrick vowed to cut ODA to countries that did not take back refused asylum seekers.

Jenrick is one of four potential Conservative Party leadership candidates who are currently making their case to Conservative Party members for why they should be elected the new leader of the Conservative Party.

Jenrick, formerly the Minister for Immigration in the last Conservative government, said that he would cut off ODA from countries that do not take back people who fail in their asylum claims, as part of a package of measures designed to increase the number of people being deported by 100,000 a year.

News article - The Guardian

Japan outlines commitment to WPS

September 26, 2024 | Japan, Gender Equality | Share this update

On September 26, 2024, Foreign Minister Kamikawa outlined Japan's commitment to the WPS agenda at the WPS Focal Points Network High-Level Side Event in New York.

Kamikawa emphasized that WPS is a key pillar of Japan’s foreign policy and highlighted three key areas of progress: the establishment of a cross-organizational task force to enhance cooperation, the integration of WPS into foreign policy through over 150 diplomatic engagements, and the launch of the WPS and Innovation Policy Forum to strengthen international networks.

Kamikawa acknowledged the significance of the WPS Focal Points Network in fostering global cooperation and sharing best practices. She announced Japan’s intention, along with Norway, to co-chair the WPS Focal Points Network in 2025, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of UNSC Resolution 1325. Japan will host the Capital-Level Meeting in Tokyo from February 4-6, 2025.

Finally, she emphasized the urgency of advancing WPS in light of ongoing conflicts, such as in Ukraine and Gaza, and highlighted the need to expand women's roles in peace-building, disaster risk reduction, and ensure action plans turn ideas into concrete measures. Japan aims to strengthen international solidarity and accelerate WPS activities in the coming years.

Press release - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Germany publishes Strategy on Humanitarian Aid Abroad

September 26, 2024 | Germany | Share this update

On 26 September 2024, the Federal Foreign Office (AA) published its new Strategy on Humanitarian Aid Abroad. The strategy was published in the context of severe cuts to humanitarian funding in the draft budget for 2025, with humanitarian assistance cut by almost 50%.

The new strategy puts forth three high-level priorities:

  • Enabling access to populations in need through humanitarian diplomacy;
  • Increasing the efficiency, effectiveness, localization, forward-looking perspective, and gender and inclusion-sensitivity of aid; and
  • Ensuring that assistance is needs-based, prioritizes the greatest suffering, and is flexible.

The strategy referenced several targets, including some that have been set out in other strategic documents. This includes the target to achieve 100% of funding for gender-sensitive projects, 25% of funding for international NGOs, 25% of funding channeled through at most one intermediary to increase the role of local partners, and 30% of funding that can be allocated flexibly.

In the context of the severe cuts to ODA, the strategy puts strong emphasis on the efficiency of funding, ensuring that the funds prioritize the greatest needs based on assessment and compatibility with other funders.

Government document - AA Strategie Humanitarian Aid Abroad (in German)

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