Welcoming the EU's declaration of 2015 as the European Year for Development, GUE/NGL MEP Lola Sánchez Caldentey said: “2015 is a key year for the future of international development as we are going to set a new legislative and financial framework for development. It is also an opportunity to build the political will for more development in response to our values of justice and solidarity.”

However, she warned that although citizens are supportive of international development “it is governments that have to act consistently and practise what they preach. Development aid shouldn't be used for the interests of European companies and it seems cynical to ask for more solidarity from our citizens as they are the ones paying the consequences of the crisis”.

MEP Sánchez Caldentey concluded: “Charity begins by having a fair and progressive tax system.”