Bono: 'Don't blow it' EU

European Commission president José Manuel Barroso and U2 singer Bono have asked EU leaders to double Europe's development aid budgets.

Ahead of next week's summit in Brussels, Bono called for a European vision on development aid - arguing that war against poverty would provide the EU with much needed beliefs, values and vision.

"There's a lack of vision in Europe, people don't feel Europe," said the Irish rock star. "People feel Europe doesn't have a vision you can relate to."

"Africa gives us a chance to re-describe ourselves - what we about." "We are a generation that wants something to be remembered for."

Bono warned that European leaders should take advantage of the climate for change, and not miss there chance to "say no to stupid poverty".

"This kind of momentum doesn't happen every year. My message to national governments is 'don't blow it'. 'Put down your national flags, look up from the numbers and think to the future'".

In April this year, the commission unveiled new development aid proposals as part of the preparations for the New York UN summit in September which will review progress to the Millennium Development goals.

"There is one clear purpose behind this meeting today, to send out the strongest possible signal about the level of ambition Europe wants for Africa in 2005," said Barroso.

"My determination is clear, not to let the issue of Africa fall back in the political landscape."

The EU's overseas development budget for 2005 will be €46 billion - making the EU the biggest donor of overseas aid in the world.

Under the new proposals development aid targets of 0.56 per cent of gross national income by 2010 were set - putting the EU on course to meet the UN's 0.7 per cent target by 2015.

The plans, which were approved by development ministers at the end of May, will need a clear commitment from national leaders in order to become reality.

These proposals would increase aid to €66 billion in 2010, rising to more than €90 billion in 2015.

• Previous article
• Next article