Bill Gates in European Parliament: 'EU must continue to show leadership'
In light of the economic difficulties plaguing the EU, it is critical the institution continues to show leadership regarding global development, Microsoft chief Bill Gates said when he addressed the European Parliament on 24 January.
“European aid has had a tremendous impact on global health and development. It is critical that EU member states continue to build on this progress,” Gates said.
Even in the midst of trying economic times, cutting aid to the world’s poorest people is not an option, Gates added - instead of reducing investment that helps the hungry, those with HIV or children who need vaccines, the EU must continue to work in partnership with foundations such as the Global Fund and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations to increase the impact of its previous investments.
European aid has been predictable through tools such as the seven-year budget, which the European Parliament is set to denote later this year. The European Commission is the second biggest global development aid donor in the world after the United States, and around €57 billion has been earmarked for development in the 2014-2020 budget.
Long-term aid flow like this is more beneficial, Gates said, because it allows for the ability to plan ahead.
“Europe has always been the leader in development, and if Europe doesn’t continue the upwards push, it’s very difficult to get others to do the same,” he said.
The two areas that need the most attention from global leaders are vaccines and agriculture, Gates added, describing vaccines as “miraculous” in often costing only one dollar, yet yielding dramatic results.
Smallpox has been completely eradicated, while polio diagnoses are down 99%. Over the next two to four years, more eradicated diseases will be added to the list, Gates said.
Agriculture also needs attention, he explained, because knowledge of agriculture allows communities to become self-sufficient. In addition, crop productivity allows people to invest in their children. However, in the last decade, agriculture funding has been lacking, even though it is particularly important this funding receives more attention, Gates said.
“Now more than ever, we have a real opportunity to help people build self-sufficiency and overcome the need for aid,” Gates said. “New partnerships and continued innovation in health and agriculture are key to increasing aid effectiveness and creating economic opportunity for people living in poverty.”
European Parliament President Martin Schulz said Parliament needed to put its money where its mouth is in the budget, and that the EU had a particular duty to show solidarity.
“Irrespective of the political colors in this house, the European Parliament will stand shoulder to shoulder with you,” he told Gates.
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