EU will struggle to fill gap left by USAID as European countries cut their budgets

NGOs warn of some difficult years' ahead as increasing humanitarian needs meet shrinking finances

The dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has captured headlines, but very regrettable" reductions in European aid budgets are also contributing to a void in support for some of the poorest people in the world's most fragile states, according to MEPs and NGOs.

Isabella Lovin, a deputy chair of the European parliament's development committee, said USAID cuts would have very dramatic consequences around the world". But she also criticised recent decisions by EU member states to reduce their aid budgets as very regrettable" and wrong". It would be impossible for the EU to fill the gap, she added.