European Union and official development assistance
The European Union is the largest development donor in the world.
Together, EU countries provided over €98 billion in development and humanitarian funding in 2022. This means Team Europe provides almost half - 43% - of all funding globally.
Ireland plays a central role in this Team Europe response to global challenges. We contributed €2.3 billion in Official Development Assistance (ODA) in 2022, of which €0.9 billion was dedicated to Ukraine in Donor Refugee Costs. Over €351 million of total ODA was channelled directly through EU institutions.
As well as providing funding to the EU’s development and humanitarian programmes, Ireland also uses its influence in the EU to shape policies.
€98.5 billion
The amount of Overseas Development Assistance provided by Team Europe in 2022
43%
The percentage of global ODA provided by Team Europe
€2.3 billion
Ireland’s ODA contribution in 2022
Ireland’s contribution to EU development and humanitarian programmes is increasing. Supporting EU initiatives is becoming a larger component of our overall ODA.
EU institutions fund over 160 Team Europe Initiatives (TEIs) around the world. These programmes deliver vital services and support for people.
Ireland funds over 20 TEIs. We believe that cooperating with our EU partners is an excellent way to ensure real change is being delivered to people’s lives.
Team Europe programmes
Team Europe programmes deliver transformative change across health, food and much more. The EU works with partner countries to support:
- health systems and infrastructures
- education policies
- social protection
- inclusive economic growth
It also works to strengthen good governance and gender equality, combat climate change and reduce inequalities.
Humanitarian assistance provided by Europe saves lives. EU humanitarian aid covers food, water, shelter, healthcare and much more. This assistance continues to reach millions of people across the globe each year.
Sustainable Development Goals
Ireland uses its role within the EU to influence the direction of its development co-operation policies, endeavouring to ensure that EU development spending is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Team Europe Initiatives must deliver results and make a real difference to the lives of people.
Irish Aid is also working in the EU to facilitate more effective political dialogue between Europe and Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. This recognises our shared interests, our commitment to multilateralism and the importance of political and economic development for stability and prosperity.