France Establishes Commission to Review Foreign Aid Effectiveness
The French government aims to ensure its $15 billion annual aid program aligns with national interests, following criticism of its utility and efficiency.
- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced the creation of a commission to evaluate the impact of France's foreign aid projects.
- The commission will assess whether aid initiatives serve France's direct or indirect interests, including benefits to French businesses.
- This move follows a report highlighting $15 billion in annual aid expenditures, some of which were criticized as wasteful by conservative figures.
- The decision comes as debates on foreign aid intensify, partly influenced by the U.S.'s recent decision to dismantle its international aid agency under Donald Trump.
- Barrot emphasized that the new commission will work alongside parliamentary mechanisms to ensure systematic evaluation and alignment with France's priorities.
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