Some background: how long has international cooperation existed?
Although different peoples have always helped each other, it was after the Second World War that modern-day cooperation emerged. The world had been devastated, and economies, institutions and entire societies needed rebuilding.
The Marshall Plan of 1948 was a historic landmark: enormous volumes of resources were allocated to supporting the recovery in Europe. From that point on, the idea evolved. It was no longer a matter of merely rebuilding, but rather of promoting development. Following the creation of the United Nations and later the establishment of the Development Goals, cooperation became a constant public policy to make the world safer.
Now, cooperation is a global tool for reducing inequality and promoting rights in an interconnected world.
Spain started to shape its cooperation policy in the 1980s, following the transition to democracy and greater international openness.
In 1988, the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation was established, now known as AECID, an agency that reports to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. In the 1990s, AECID was given its own legal framework. Since that time, Spanish cooperation has been a constant public policy.
It is part of State policy and enjoys the support and direct involvement of the house of the Head of State, Their Majesties the King and Queen.
How are Spanish cooperation projects approved and how is the use of the funds substantiated?
Firstly, a competitive call for proposals is published for projects. Secondly, projects are evaluated based on pre-established criteria such as technical quality, viability, expected impact, strategic alignment, sustainability and management capacity.
Thirdly, every euro must be accounted for:
- Each euro must be accounted for, pursuant to the General Grants Act and specific legislation on international cooperation.
- Recipient entities must substantiate how funds have been used, in detail. Funds may only be used for the approved purposes.
- AECID is supervised by the State Comptroller General’s Office and the Court of Auditors.
- In addition, technical aspects of projects are constantly monitored, with periodic information-gathering, on-site visits and evaluation of outcomes.
Where can the data be found? Duty of transparency
Terms and decisions are public and can be viewed in the Official State Gazette and the National Grants Database. All the information is accessible to the public through the Transparency Portal.
In addition, in June AECID launched a new Data Portal, which offers an intuitive and accessible interface for viewing information on the projects and other activities funded by AECID.