The Effectiveness of Development Aid – EU as a Leader?

Magdalena Proczek, Ewa Osuch-Rak
European Research Studies Journal, Volume XXIV, Special Issue 4, 583-600, 2021
DOI: 10.35808/ersj/2790

Abstract:

Purpose: An attempt was made to build an analytical framework for measuring the evaluation of the effectiveness of EU development aid in comparison to other donors. We integrated the theoretical aspects of development aid effectiveness with practical indicators created by the Center for Global Development, which, in the authors' opinion, are a good analytical tool for assessing the quality of development assistance provided by international institutions and countries. Design/Methodology/Approach: An inductive method was used to formulate general statements within the following procedures: defining, describing, classifying. Classification was presented using the QuODA method of assessing development aid effectiveness. Comparative analysis and synthesis were also used in the study. The spectrum of applied methods guarantees the objectivity of obtained results. Findings: Based on the research, it was confirmed that in the light of the realisation of its priorities and its role as an international organisation, the EU is a platform reconciling multinational interests and a coordinator of activities aimed at increasing the effectiveness of development aid. The analysis of the process of increasing the effectiveness of development cooperation and its evaluation by QuODA allowed for the conclusion that the actions undertaken in this field by the EU have not yet proven to be fully effective and have not produced the full extent of expected results. Practical implications: QuODA is a simple and transparent method with a potential for development. It enabled the study to analyse, compare and classify the EU and other donors of development aid. The literature research and measuring of the quality of provided development aid, as well as performance ratings attributed to individual donors including the EU, allowed for a practical assessment of the effectiveness of EU development aid against other donors that stakeholders can take advantage of. Originality/Value: In the study, the authors departed from the traditional understanding of development aid effectiveness from the perspective of beneficiaries' activities, focusing instead on assistance provided by the donors. This area is poorly researched and not discussed comprehensively in the available literature. Few researchers have so far addressed this important issue.


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