La Strada International joins more than 60 organisations in signing a statement calling on EU leaders to step up and protect Global Development Aid in response to alarming policy shifts by the Trump administration.
Following the 90-day freeze on all U.S. foreign aid, the administration has taken further steps to merge USAID—the world’s largest development aid agency—into the U.S. Department of State, issue “stop-work” orders, and send “deferred resignation” offers to U.S. government employees. These actions signal an intent to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, foreign aid funding,
This action has also affected La Strada International. At least nine projects, involving seven of our member organisations, have already been frozen. This directly impacts helpline services, mobile outreach teams, and legal and direct support for victims of trafficking. Many more organisations across Europe providing essential assistance to trafficked persons are now at risk.
The aid freeze is already having devastating consequences, from disruptions in sexual and reproductive health services to food insecurity, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable and leaving thousands of NGOs in an existential crisis.
We call on the European Union to rise to the occasion, demonstrating its commitment to democracy, human rights, and solidarity.
We urge you to act — swiftly and decisively.
Read our last article on Trump Administration’s First Week in office.