International

A majority of MPs today voted to support a proposal from SP Member of Parliament Eric Smaling for more clarity regarding the budget for development policy. ‘International solidarity is high on the SP’s list of priorities,’ says Smaling. ‘For that reason it’s of great importance to us that every euro of development money is spent effectively. I’m delighted that Parliament has supported my call for more transparency.’

Smaling also advocates a different vision of development cooperation. ‘Cooperation must take place on a basis of equality,’ he says. ‘As things stand that’s often not the case. If we cooperate effectively with developing countries, for example in encouraging employment for young people, everyone gains.’

The SP proposes investing €5 billion in development cooperation. For more on how this money should be spent, see the SP’s newly adopted development programme, ‘Trading in the colours of the heart’.