The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, led by José Manuel Alabres, has highlighted a growing commitment to humanitarian action, consolidating its role on the international stage. In the last five years, the budget allocated to the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) has tripled, rising from 44.61 million euros in 2019 to surpass 133 million in 2024. This notable increase, representing 7.4% more than in 2023, reflects a clear prioritization of humanitarian aid in Spain’s foreign policy.
In total, during 2024, Spain has channeled more than 181 million euros through various channels, predominantly via AECID, to address global humanitarian emergencies. This evolution positions Spain among the 25 leading humanitarian donors in the world, with the expectation of maintaining a trajectory of sustained growth, as stipulated by the recent Law 1/2023 on cooperation for sustainable development and global solidarity. The objective is clear: strengthen the country’s ability to respond to a world that is increasingly complex and in need.
Albares has underscored the significance of this commitment. In his statements, the socialist minister emphasized that “humanitarian action is not only a priority of Spain’s foreign policy, but also an expression of solidarity within Spanish society and a key tool to build a safer, fairer and more sustainable world.” This vision goes beyond mere assistance, conceiving it as a fundamental pillar for global stability and the promotion of democratic values.
The Spanish humanitarian intervention has been deployed at the epicenters of the most acute crises of our time, covering scenarios as complex as Gaza, Ukraine or Sudan. However, AECID’s action is not limited to media focal points; it also extends its reach to less visible but equally devastating emergencies, such as those affecting Haiti or Mali. Throughout 2024, AECID has also responded swiftly to various unforeseen emergencies, such as the Hurricane Beryl and the persistent migrant crisis in Central America, mobilizing specialized teams such as the START (Spanish Technical Aid Response Team), one of the most valuable rapid-response tools. In total, AECID allocated in 2024 15 million euros specifically to emergency interventions.
The humanitarian action is governed by unwavering principles: neutrality, impartiality and independence. Its primary mission is to save lives, alleviate suffering and protect human dignity in crisis situations, whether triggered by armed conflicts or natural disasters. This implies guaranteeing universal access to essential goods and services such as food, potable water, safe shelter, vital medical care, physical and psychological protection, and the continuity of basic services such as education in the most adverse contexts.
Last year marked a somber milestone: it was the deadliest year on record for humanitarian workers, with a tragic toll of 377 deaths worldwide. Gaza, Sudan or Ukraine are just some of the places where the bravery of these professionals has paid the highest price. In light of this dramatic scenario, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reiterated its firm defense of the compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) by all actors and in all contexts. The protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel stands as an uncompromising priority, at a moment when their work is, more than ever, indispensable.
The magnitude of global humanitarian needs is alarming. Currently, more than 300 million people need humanitarian assistance worldwide. This figure has nearly doubled in the last five years, a rise attributable to the combined impact of more than 130 active armed conflicts and the devastating effects of climate change. Parallelly, the number of forcibly displaced people has surpassed 123 million, marking the highest historical record. To meet this unprecedented demand, Spain not only channels direct resources, but also develops active humanitarian diplomacy, both bilaterally and through the European Union, seeking to mobilize will and resources at a global level.
The budget allocation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation to AECID follows a series of strategic parameters and criteria, designed to optimize the effectiveness of aid. While exact figures vary annually, the main factors modulating this distribution are:
- The Master Plan for Spanish Cooperation: This document is not merely a statement of intent, but the fundamental strategic instrument that underpins Spain’s development cooperation policy. It establishes the geographic, sectoral and gender priorities, forming the indispensable roadmap for the distribution of the funds managed by AECID. It is the compass that guides every euro invested.
- Official Development Assistance (ODA): The AECID budget is a key piece within Spain’s ODA machinery. Its objective is to approach the international commitments in this matter, especially the goal of 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) dedicated to cooperation. The AECID plays an essential role in Spain’s collective effort to meet this ambitious promise.
- Geographic needs and priorities: Funds are allocated preferentially to those regions and countries that are historical partners or that present the most pressing needs, identified within the framework of Spanish Cooperation. Traditionally, a substantial portion of resources has been directed to Latin America and the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean countries, based on cultural and historical ties, socioeconomic status and local needs.
- Thematic and sectoral criteria: Beyond geography, funds are directed to specific intervention areas that the Government considers priority for global development. Among these strategic areas stand out:
- Humanitarian action: With a notable and growing budget increase, responding to the escalation of crises and emergencies.
- Gender: An increasingly significant portion is devoted to initiatives that promote gender equality and the empowerment of women, recognizing their transformative role.
- Sustainable development and SDGs: Alignment with the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs is a transversal and fundamental criterion for allocating resources to specific projects, ensuring a holistic approach.
- Funding modalities: The budget is channeled through a diverse array of tools and programs, designed to maximize the impact of aid. These include:
- Grants and aid: The AECID annually calls for grants for projects implemented by non-governmental development organizations (NGDOs) and other key actors such as universities or companies, that work on the ground.
- Contributions to multilateral organizations: A essential portion of the budget is allocated to financing international development organizations, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) or the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), leveraging their global reach and experience.
- Fund for Development Promotion (FONPRODE): This is a strategic financial instrument that enables the granting of loans and credits to development projects in partner countries, promoting investment and sustainable growth.
In short, the budget distribution of AECID is a complex and highly strategic process, blending political priorities, international commitments, the specific needs of partner countries, and the ongoing pursuit of greater effectiveness and efficiency in development aid.
Despite recent progress, Spain’s cooperation policy is not immune to criticisms. For years, the main objection has been the lack of sustained investment in cooperation. Although Spain has assumed international commitments, such as the 0.7% of GNI to ODA, the real budget has historically remained below what was promised. The recent increases, though significant, are perceived by many as insufficient given the enormous global challenges. This not only undermines AECID’s capacity to act but also raises doubts about Spain’s long-term political commitment to development.
There is a notable gap between commitment and reality of the figures. Civil society organizations and development experts have repeatedly pointed out that, while political discourse emphasizes the importance of cooperation and its alignment with the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, budget allocations do not always back it with the necessary force. Added to this disparity is the budget volatility: allocations have fluctuated significantly in the past, a instability that makes long-term project planning and the execution of sustainable development programs difficult, negatively impacting aid effectiveness.
Criticism also extends to the management and effectiveness of aid. A recurring point is the fragmentation of ODA. AECID does not manage the entirety of official development assistance; a substantial portion is distributed through other ministries. This dispersion can hinder the coherence and coordination of Spain’s cooperation policy as a whole, generating duplications or undermining strategic vision.
A persistent complaint is the lack of an official “white paper” that offers a clear and detailed breakdown of how ODA is distributed among the different ministries. This lack of transparency hinders thorough analysis and effective accountability regarding Spain’s cooperation policy and the real impact of its interventions. Moreover, some analyses suggest that, even when the budget increases, it does not always come with a proportional increase in the AECID’s technical staff, which can limit the agency’s operational capacity to manage projects and funds effectively. Bureaucracy and delays in approval and disbursement processes are other common complaints that affect agility and response in emergency situations.
In summary, the deficiencies do not lie in a single point, but in a complex interplay between the gap between political aspirations and budget reality, as well as structural challenges of coordination and transparency that, if not addressed, can prevent Spain’s aid from being as effective and transformative as it could and should be. The doubling of the budget is a fundamental step, but optimizing its management and overcoming bureaucratic barriers will be crucial to ensuring the maximum impact of Spanish solidarity in a world that is calling for assistance.
