UNDP Head Says EU Budget Proposal Lacks Dedicated Aid Stream Despite Defence Increase

Alexander De Croo, administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, said on Thursday that the European Union's long-term budget can balance defence and aid spending. He described the two areas as "two sides of the same coin" during an interview with Euronews.

De Croo noted that increased military spending is understandable in current circumstances but argued that investment in conflict prevention is required for military efforts to succeed.

A stable neighbourhood, he said, supports economic growth, democracy and peace. The European Commission proposed €2 trillion in spending for the 2028-2034 period in June last year as part of the multi-annual financial framework. European heads of state are debating the plan before expected ratification in the European Parliament, with a December deadline targeted.

The proposal prioritises competitiveness and defence, allocating €131 billion to the latter. No dedicated aid stream exists, though the €200 billion Global Europe Instrument covers outreach activities under various headings. De Croo attended the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Poland, this month.

The UNDP has delivered electricity to more than 6.6 million civilians in Ukraine through support for veterans, de-mining and civilian needs. De Croo visited Gaza in February and described conditions there as dramatic, with more than 80 percent of residents having lost their homes and living in makeshift structures.

He called the level of poverty gigantic and urged greater humanitarian access for aid organisations while acknowledging security concerns over potential misuse of materials.