As a body of 28 member states and with a combined GDP of close to US$20tn, greater than that of the US, the actions of the European Union (EU) have the potential to impact heavily – either negatively or positively – on international development cooperation.

Ahead of the EU referendum in the UK, this briefing argues neither for nor against membership of the EU, but presents information about the EU’s current role in development, to help inform considered debate.