Reflections on international development cooperation: the case of Luxembourg

Abstract

Objective. To analyze the role of Luxembourg in international development cooperation, in its capacity as a donor country and member of the Development Assistance Committee, during the 2021–2022 period. Methodology. A descriptive and qualitative approach was adopted, based on the analysis of official sources from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, as well as academic literature. Quantitative data from those years were included, along with the country’s institutional and political framework.
Results. During the period under review, Luxembourg emerged as the most generous country in terms of Official Development Assistance relative to its Gross National Income -maintaining a rate above 0.7%- surpassing even traditional donors. Its contributions were channeled primarily through bilateral cooperation, and to a lesser extent through multilateral channels, and were characterized by their quality, with policies aimed at fostering the development of recipient countries -mostly in Africa- beyond financial aspects. Conclusions. International development cooperation is a key pillar of Luxembourg’s foreign policy. In a global context marked by geopolitical tensions and domestic priorities, the country maintained a consistent and solidarity-oriented strategy. Its sustained commitment positioned it as an exemplary actor during 2021 and 2022, in contrast to the decline observed in development aid in the current year.