The European Union executive emphasized the importance of EU states fulfilling their commitments to increase aid to impoverished nations, stating that failing to meet U.N. goals would have dire consequences for developing countries and global stability. While progress has been made towards the Millennium Development Goals, millions of children still die from preventable diseases, many lack access to clean water, a significant number do not have access to education, and millions of women are illiterate. The Commission stressed that achieving these goals is crucial for developing countries, Europe, and global stability, and urged increased political and public support to reach these targets by 2015. The EU executive called on EU states to uphold their promises to increase development aid to 0.56 percent of Gross National Income by 2010 and 0.7 percent by 2015, citing this as essential in addressing issues such as migration, security, and climate change. The European Union has asked all 27 member states to create financial plans that show yearly increases in order to meet aid goals. Despite being the world's largest aid donor, the EU committed over 46 billion euros in 2007, a decrease of about 1.7 billion euros from the previous year. This decrease could have funded thousands of schools and hospitals. Aid and development Commissioner Louis Michel described this as a "serious failure." The Commission is calling for more effective aid by avoiding duplication, promoting the use of biofuels in developing countries to combat poverty, and taking steps to prevent brain drains in areas such as health, education, and research. The Commission believes that fundamental principles of aid effectiveness are not being followed and plans to propose solutions on a state-by-state basis. The text called for the allocation of 2 billion euros ($3.15 billion) by 2010 to the Aid for Trade programme, which aims to assist poorer countries in taking advantage of export opportunities, particularly focusing on African, Caribbean, and Pacific states. Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso emphasized the need for action in 2008, stating that delivering on promises is crucial for maintaining credibility. A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development indicated a decrease in development aid from major donors, largely due to the completion of large debt relief packages. In 2000, 189 U.N. members agreed on goals to eradicate poverty, promote human and social development, and protect the environment. In 2005, EU leaders set goals for 2015 to reduce extreme poverty by half, ensure primary education for all children, and improve health standards. Aid from the EU reached 0.38 percent of the GNI in the previous year, falling short of the interim target of 0.39 percent for 2006, which was achieved. The European Commission calculated that Official Development Assistance equated to 93 euros per EU citizen, higher than the figures of 53 euros in the United States and 44 euros in Japan.