Methodology: face-to-face EU28 November - December 2016 EU28 HIGHLIGHTS Between November and December 2016, Europeans were interviewed about their attitudes towards development aid. This report presents highlights of the findings from all respondents in the European Union. Most respondents think it is important to help people in developing countries, and consider tackling poverty in these countries to have positive outcomes for the EU. Almost nine in ten think it is important to help people in developing countries (89%), and this proportion has been stable since 2015. More than two thirds (68%) agree tackling poverty in developing countries should be one of the main priorities of theeu,whilejustoverhalf(51%)agreetacklingpoverty in developing countries should be one of the main priorities of their national government. Almost three quarters of respondents agree tackling poverty in developing countries has a positive influence on EU citizens as well (74%), and 82% that tackling poverty in developing countries is in the EU s best interest. A large majority of Europeans also agree providing financial assistance to developing countries is an effective way to address irregular migration (68%), although this represents a decline of five percentage points since 2015. More than six in ten respondents in the EU (61%) think EU and Member States actions in terms of their development policy and financial assistance are effective in helping to reduce poverty in developing countries. Just over seven in ten (71%) agree providing financial assistance to developing countries is an effective way to tackle poverty in these countries. More than one in two respondents in the EU (52%) think financial assistance to developing countries should continue as it is currently, while just over one in five (22%) think the EU and Member States should spend more money in support of developing countries. Over half of all respondents agree that as individuals they can play a role in tackling poverty in developing countries (54%). Overall, agreement has increased by two percentage points since 2015, and is now at its highest level since the question was first asked, in 2013. Respondents are even more likely to say individual engagement in the form of political action, donation and so on, is effective in reducing poverty in developing countries (61%). Across the EU, 46% of respondents are personally involved in helping developing countries, with the most common actions giving money to an organisation such as an NGO or charity (27%), and making ethical choices when they shop (22%). Just over four in ten respondents in the EU (41%) have heard of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an increase of five percentage points since 2015. 1
1. IMPORTANCE OF AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION AND AID QC1 QC3 QC4.2 QC4.3 2
2. BENEFITS OF DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION AND AID QC4.4 QC4.5 QC4.7 QC4.6 * In 2015, this item was Aid for developing countries contributes to a more peaceful and equal world 3
Methodology: face-to-face EU28 November - December 2016 3. AWARENESS OF UNITED NATIONS' SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS QC7 QC7B 4. UNDERSTANDING THE CHALLENGES AND OBSTACLES TO DEVELOPMENT FACING DEVELOPING COUNTRIES QC2 QC8 * In 2015, this item was Economic growth, employment and social inequality 4 In 2012, these items were: * Excessive foreign exploitation of natural and mineral resources ** Excessive national exploitation of natural and mineral resources
5. EFFECTIVENESS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACTION QC6.1 QC6.2 QC4.9 QC4.8 5 * In 2015, this item was Aid for developing countries is an effective way to tackle irregular migration
6. PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO AND INVOLVEMENT IN DEVELOPMENT QC4.1 QC4.1B QC5 In 2015, these items were: * You give money to an organisation (NGOs, charities, etc.) that helps developing countries ** You are a volunteer in an organisation that helps developing countries (NGOs, charities, etc.) *** You give money directly to projects that help developing countries ("crowdfunding") 6