Press Release: Working towards more, better, and faster aid: the European Commission presents its results for 2006

The European Commission presented on 20 March 2007 its results for external assistance and development aid in 2006. Figures show that the Commission implemented more projects and programmes than ever before continuing the upward trend started in 2001, when it launched far-reaching reforms in this area. In 2006, the Commission, through EuropeAid, its department implementing external assistance and development aid, committed a record €7.6 billion and disbursed €6.5 billion. This is 55% and 58% more than in 2001 respectively. The Commission has focused on delivering aid more effectively, responding faster to unexpected events and striving to find better ways to reach those most in need.