The latest report “Who Profits from the Global Gateway? The EU’s new strategy for development cooperation” co-authored by Counter Balance and Eurodad with support from Oxfam EU, presents a thorough examination of the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative.

Launched in 2021, the Global Gateway is promoted as a sustainable, values-driven alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with a goal to mobilise €300 billion for global infrastructure investments. The strategy focuses on sectors including digital, energy, climate, transport, and health, aiming to enhance both EU partnerships and its global influence.

The report reveals some troubling findings: over 60% of the projects analysed primarily benefit European corporations such as Siemens and Suez. Although the EU's aid budget (NDICI) is meant to exclusively focus on poverty reduction, the research suggests that geopolitical and economic interests are being prioritised at the expense of the Global South, raising serious concerns about the effective use of development funds.

By analysing 40 flagship projects, the report highlights significant risks concerning human rights, environmental sustainability, and the economic sovereignty of partner nations. A lack of transparency around project financing and human rights assessments further exacerbates these issues, with many projects potentially worsening inequalities, social displacement, and environmental degradation, particularly in Latin America, Africa, and South Asia. These findings cast doubt on whether the Global Gateway is fulfilling its stated objectives of poverty eradication and sustainable development.

The report concludes by urging the EU to entirely reconsider its approach, recommending a re-evaluation of the Global Gateway to ensure it genuinely benefits partner countries and aligns with its core development goals. It emphasises the importance of incorporating meaningful participation from civil society and citizen representatives at every stage of the initiative.

Watch here the launch event of the report

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Who Profits from the Global Gateway? The EU’s new strategy for development cooperation

Read the report
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À qui profite le « Global Gateway » ? La nouvelle stratégie de coopération au développement de l’UE

Lisez le rapport
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¿Quién se beneficia de la Global Gateway? La nueva estrategia de la UE para la cooperación para el desarrollo

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