The World Bank is supposed to help poor countries reduce poverty; however its current approach is controversial, outdated, and often makes matters worse. ActionAid has joined together with over 60 organisations across Europe to challenge the policies that are hurting the poorest.

The World Bank provides $20 billion to developing countries every year – through grants, loans and debt cancellation. But this funding often comes at a price: much of it is given on the condition that poor countries adopt controversial economic policies, such as the privatisation of their water services, and restrictions on public spending on health and education.

This approach makes developing country governments focus on pleasing the Bank, rather than the needs of their people. Time and again the evidence shows that doing this hinders the fight against poverty.

This year all the rich donor countries are being asked to give more money to the World Bank to keep it in business. As the main donors, European governments are perfectly placed to use this opportunity to bring about change.

By making it clear that they expect the Bank to respect developing countries’ rights to choose their own economic policies, they can force a shift in approach that would massively benefit the world’s poorest people. Without change, the Bank will continue to impose these controversial economic policies on poor countries.

Last year, the UK government withheld an extra £50 million of funding in protest at these economic policy conditions - which it recognises don’t work. We’re calling for the UK to use its financial muscle and help reform the Bank's outdated policies. 

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