Having positioned itself as the world’s largest donor to global poverty alleviation and economic development, the European Union (EU) and its Member States now provide some 60% (€65.7 billion) of the world’s Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Eighty-two percent (82%) of this assistance is provided by EU Member States, through direct bilateral support and contributions to multilateral institutions. The remainder (18%) of EU assistance is European Community funds managed by the European Commission. Nearly 5% of additional global ODA is provided by other European donors such as Norway, Switzerland and Iceland.

Europe’s leadership in development cooperation generally has been mirrored in several specific sectors. While support for sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV/AIDS and population programmes varies significantly over time and among European states, European Union policies and funds have steadfastly supported implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action.

However, due to the complexity of policies and procedures, the European funding environment has often confused professionals in the field, including both NGOs seeking funds and donors seeking to improve policy and funding coordination and harmonisation.

The Guide to European Population Assistance Funding is the only current, comprehensive and easy-to-use source of information on European funding for these programmes and services in developing countries. The Guide provides transparency by outlining where funding opportunities lie in Europe and by helping reader to better understand how to access them.

It is a reference book for donors and for organisations seeking funds, and contributes to greater coordination and collaboration on population activities among European donor agencies. By listing activities undertaken by European donors and the European Commission, each donor agency can clearly see what efforts other agencies are undertaking and direct its own endeavours accordingly.

Each of the 42 entries on European funding programmes provide contact information, a statement on the institution's purpose and mission, a review of financial information and most importantly, detailed information about how to submit a proposal and apply for funding.

The Guide also reflects some of the larger changes that have occurred in Europe’s funding environment. With the ascension of 12 Member States to the European Union in 2004/2007, the European Union gained new and “emerging” donors. The Council of the European Union decided in June 2005 that new Member States should strive to contribute new and increasing funds to development assistance (0.17% of GNI to ODA in 2010, and 0.33% in 2015). The Guide reveals that they are trying.

This edition of the Guide identifies new opportunities — as well as challenges — for NGOs seeking funds; either alone or in partnership with other organisations.