European aid and development policies in a changing world: Some personal reflections

Key messages: The global economic balance is moving from the members of the OECD towards the East and the South. The economic crisis in many European countries and the lack of joint European policies to tackle developments in growing economic countries weakens the European position. By 2030, the South will be responsible for 70% of global consumption and 80% of the global middle class, of which two thirds is expected to live in Asia. Disparities in income and wealth are expected to grow further in the fast-growing economies and form a serious threat to stability. Read Briefing Note 76: