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EU funding for developing countries

The European Union and its member countries paid out more than €4.9 billion in 2008 in public aid to developing countries. This was the equivalent of 0.40% of their GDP, and was higher than the per capita aid levels of the United States or Japan. The target for 2010 is 0.56% of GDP, rising to 0.70% in 2015. Antonia Mochana, spokesperson for Jan Zapotochnik, European Commissioner for Science and Research, says that by promoting international cooperation, their goal is to create a scientific programme that meets the social and economic needs of the European Union and the rest of the world. Key research areas identified for developing countries include the integration of environmental health, transport and agriculture. In particular, a 7-year financing facility emphasises innovation in fast diagnosis of HIV, AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, along with testing for drug resistance. Researchers from developing countries can benefit from a mechanism that promotes cooperation, with teams that include at least three EU member states or EU partner countries. There is also special funding available in each of the priority areas for which up to two EU and two non-EU countries may apply.