20 years ago, AIDS, TB and malaria claimed millions of lives. The creation of the Global Fund was an act of unprecedented global solidarity by world leaders, including the European Commission (EC). For 20 years, the European Commission has been instrumental in the strategic steering and the financial growth of the Global Fund, contributing to its extraordinary results.
This strong partnership is now critical: for the first time in 20 years, because of COVID-19, the world lost ground in the fight against HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
This situation has prompted the Global Fund to release its most ambitious investment case to date: at least USD 18 billion are needed over 3 years to set the world on the right course to finally end HIV, TB and malaria, strengthen the overall resilience of systems for health, and better prepare the world for future pandemics.
We – Action Against AIDS Germany, AIDS Action Europe, Aidsfonds, European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG), Friends of the Global Fund Europe, Global Health Advocates (GHA), Global Health Italian Network, Harm Reduction International (HRI), ONE, the Pandemic Action Network (PAN) and TB Europe Coalition – call on the European Commission to rise again to the challenge and do whatever it takes to protect everyone, everywhere from the deadliest epidemics and set us on course for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: we call on the European Commission to make an early pledge of € 715 million to the Global Fund’s replenishment campaign. In this paper, we outline why this is so essential.
EU budget: will EU Member States make or break it?
EU budget: will EU Member States make or break it?
On June 20th, the European Commission proposed a targeted revision of its long-term budget (the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework or MFF). Recognising that external action has been under severe stress since 2021 and that the EU budget is not adequately equipped to enable the EU to fulfil its geopolitical ambitions, meet its global commitments and respond to unforeseen crisis, the Commission proposed an increase of €10.5 billion to Heading 6 - Neighbourhood and the World.
Is the EU on the Verge of Sacrificing its Geopolitical Ambition and Abandoning its Longstanding Partners?
The devastating war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the escalating climate catastrophes have compelled the EU to assume a more prominent leadership role. The EU has undeniably committed unprecedented levels of funding to address these crises and their far-reaching consequences. A notable example is the EU's pledge of €715 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in September 2022, representing a 30% increase compared to the previous pledging period, driven by the impact of COVID-19 on these three diseases. Moreover, the EU has demonstrated its ambition to establish itself as a significant global actor, exemplified by the introduction of the Global Gateway, which serves as the European alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative.
However, in order for the EU to effectively respond to emerging crises, realize its geopolitical aspirations, fulfill its international commitments, and continue investing in its longstanding partnerships, it is crucial that the EU has a well-funded budget for external action. Unfortunately, the current budget allocation is alarmingly low. Today, together with 23 NGOs and networks from diverse sectors of development cooperation, climate and environmental protection and humanitarian aid, we are raising the alarm: the EU must increase resources for external action during the mid-term review of its 7-year budget known as the multiannual financial framework. Insufficient funding will strain its relationships with partners, weaken the EU’s credibility, and lead to competition for funds that will undermine the effectiveness and impact of EU development programs. This will undoubtedly hinder the EU’s ability to invest in the global HIV/AIDS response. That’s why Aidsfonds is at the forefront of the campaign to increase funding for the EU’s external action budget.
70+ organisations call on greater EU leadership in HIV/AIDS
70+ organisations call on greater EU leadership in HIV/AIDS
Showing unprecedented unity, 70+ community and civil society organisations from all parts of the world, and supported by UN agencies, call on the European Commission (EC) to reinvigorate its leadership in ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, as a decisive element of realising SDG3.
A partnership like no other: The European Commission & the Global Fund
A partnership like no other: The European Commission & the Global Fund
Thanks to the EC’s political and financial commitment and strategic steering, significant progress has been made in the last two decades toward ending HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. In the face of the catastrophic impact caused by COVID-19 on the fight against the three diseases, the EC’s leadership remains as critical as ever.
.png)
_0.png)
