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.
This call comes at a critical tipping point in the AIDS response. COVID-19, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, widening inequalities, and the economic downturn have been causing serious setbacks, but we know that ending HIV/AIDS by 2030 can be achieved. The international community has recently re-committed to this goal, as expressed in the June 2021 UN General Assembly Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS.
We now need stakeholders to act upon this commitment: the cost of inaction is too big.
We know that the EU can continue act in solidarity as a role model and global health champion, demonstrate its leadership, compassion and commitment and substantially contribute to ending one of the deadliest pandemics in living memory.
This is why we ask the European Commission to step up its role in the HIV/AIDS response, by:
Renewing relevant policy frameworks
Ensuring that the pandemic preparedness and response agenda contributes to ending HIV/AIDS and integrates lessons from the HIV/AIDS response
Increasing investments in The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
Putting human rights at the center to end inequalities
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.
The European Commission must scale up its contribution to the Global Fund
The European Commission must scale up its contribution to the Global Fund
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).
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