The EU and its members together are the world’s largest foreign aid donor, spending €96 billion in 2023. Boris Johnson government’s decision not to pursue any formal cooperation on foreign policy with the EU after Brexit left the UK without a role in shaping EU policy on how this money is spent. As part of this government’s reset in relations with Europe, the UK and EU have now agreed to launch a new dialogue on international development and work more closely on humanitarian and disaster response.

Meanwhile, both the UK and EU member states are facing steep cuts to foreign aid budgets. They also confront common challenges, including the rollback of US funding and the rise of China as a foreign investor worldwide.

To discuss these questions, we are delighted to welcome The Rt Hon. Anneliese Dodds MP, member for Oxford East, who was FCDO Minister of State for Development from July 2024 until her resignation in February 2025, and Harlem Désir, Senior Vice President at the International Rescue Committee and formerly leader of the French Socialist Party (2012-14) and Minister for European Affairs (2014-17).

This event will be chaired by Alice Macdonald MP, member of the International Development Committee and Labour (Co-op) MP for Norwich North.

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