EU external action and development spending in a time of Covid-19

This report is part of a set of connected research projects on Covid-19, peace, and conflict.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
10 April 2024
Document Type:
Research Paper
Theme:
Health
First published:
14 August 2023
Authors:
Badanjak, S.

Abstract

Key findings:

  • The EU鈥檚 response to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic improved over the course of 2020, following an initial impression of chaos and ineffectiveness.

  • In the spring of 2020, the EU鈥檚 approach dramatically changed with the introduction of 鈥淭eam Europe鈥�, a package of funding and a joint approach to external engagement.

  • The 鈥淭eam Europe鈥� response pushed the EU鈥檚 net Official Development Assistance (ODA) to a historic high in 2020, doubling direct budget support from the previous year. While this supports agency for recipient countries, it is not clear whether this increased level of budget support will be maintained in the future.

  • Analysis of Twitter activity shows a focus on substantive pandemic-related issues, but there is little use of social media as a tool for policy.

Citation

Badanjak, S. EU External Action and Development Spending in a Time of Covid-19. PeaceRep: The Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform, University of Edinburgh, 2023

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Published 10 April 2024
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