The Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President are well aware of the announcement made by Secretary Rubio that 83% of all United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programs funded by USAID will be terminated.

It is clear that the impact of the termination of United States (US) foreign aid programmes by the US are important and are being felt globally — with wide ranging consequences on the lives of people and on global stability and security.

Pending the availability of reliable and confirmed information, the Commission together with the European External Action Service, with the input of EU Delegations, have made preliminary assessments and continue to monitor the impact of the termination of USAID’s programmes as well as the US wider international support.

There is a particular focus on identifying the most acute risks and key priorities where action and mitigating measures may be required across partner regions, including in the areas of security, health, migration and democracy (especially countering disinformation).

The EU will continue to be a reliable, predictable and responsible partner. As the main provider of development cooperation and humanitarian assistance, the EU has long been at the forefront of supporting global efforts to promote sustainable development and tackle crises worldwide.

Clearly, the EU cannot fill the gap left by the US, given the amounts at stake. The EU is committed to living up to its responsibilities, working together with its Member States in a Team Europe approach[1], within the limits of its means, to the most pressing situations, based on the EU values and interests, together with its partners.

The scale and complexity of the current global crises requires a collective response, including with non-EU countries where dialogue is already engaged. This was also on the agenda of the recent Foreign Affairs Council gathering EU Development Ministers on 26 May 2025[2].

Last updated: 20 June 2025