Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the long-term protections in place for the monies granted under the Cotonou Convention in the 11th European Development Fund.

The European Development Fund (EDF) provides development assistance in accordance with the Cotonou Agreement. The 11^th EDF resources are implemented in compliance with the principals of sound financial management and transparency. Every year the accounts of the EDF are scrutinised by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) who perform rigorous annual audits on the EU’s finances. The ECA also review specific programmes and projects for effectiveness and impact.

DFID regularly reviews the work of its partners, including the EU, to ensure that aid is being spent efficiently and appropriately.