By Guillaume Chabert, Robert Powell Support for developing countries should focus on grants and highly concessional loans for poorest and helping the more advanced crowd in foreign investment and private finance The significant shocks that have buffeted the global economy over the past five years have weighed heaviest on low-income countries and fragile and conflict-affected states. The post-pandemic recovery in low-income countries has lagged emerging market economies, which began their revival in 2021, though with significant differences. Among low-income countries, defined as the 70...

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Today marks a historic milestone as we, the leaders of the European Union and Canada, met to renew our enduring commitment and take a pivotal step to further reinforce the strategic partnership between the European Union and Canada. Our strong partnership is deeply rooted in trust and common values and shaped by a shared history of human connection and robust economic ties. Most importantly, our partnership is grounded in the core values we share: democracy, human rights, the rule...

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Countries can count their contributions to the IMF as their own reserve assets under a unique funding model that does not require budget appropriations or any other taxpayer support The IMF may be best known for lending to crisis-hit countries. But what about its own finances? How does it finance its critical functions and cover its operational expenses? Let’s remember that the IMF is not only a global financial firefighter. It also provides policy advice and technical support to help members create...

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Governments can strengthen public trust by ensuring meaningful public engagement in decision-making, using tools such as spending reviews and digital technologies to increase efficiency and enhancing access to justice and public services, according to a new OECD report. Government at a Glance 2025 highlights the mounting fiscal pressures across OECD countries, with public debt reaching 112% of GDP in 2024 – up from 73% in 2007. The report shows how these fiscal pressures come as action is needed to respond to demographic,...

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Member states’ representatives agreed today the Council’s negotiating mandate on simplifying sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements to boost EU competitiveness. This proposal aims at simplifying the directives on corporate sustainability reporting (CSRD) and due diligence (CS3D) by reducing the reporting burden and limiting the trickle-down effect of obligations on smaller companies. "Today we delivered on our promise to simplify EU laws. We are taking a decisive step towards our common goal to create a more favorable business environment to help our companies...

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