Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002504/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Giovanni Crosetto (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Chiara Gemma (ECR)
The Commission has suspended aid provided under the NDICI-Global Europe instrument (Regulation (EU) 2021/947) and has not presented revisions of the multiannual indicative programmes (MIPs) for Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, citing interruptions to the constitutional order as the basis for the decision.
These funds were crucial for stability in the region and the objectives set out in the EU’s Sahel strategy. The Commission has adopted a completely different approach for other countries in similar situations, such as Chad, Gabon and Guinea.
Italy has kept the cooperation channels open and the bilateral mission to Niger (MISIN) operational, unlike the EU. The EU’s absence risks undermining the protection of key areas for combating terrorism, migration and illicit trafficking, leaving room for hostile powers.
In light of the above, can the Commission please answer the following questions:
- 1.What legal and democratic assessment criteria form the basis for such different approaches to similar situations, and how will African criticisms of double standards be addressed?
- 2.How will the growing influence of hostile foreign powers be countered in a key region for European strategic interests?
- 3.Under what conditions would the Commission be willing to reinstate the MIPs?
Submitted: 23.6.2025