european funding and aid for the reconstruction of iraq has been limited. once again, the opposition of principal european countries to the invasion has been the key factor here. at the madrid donor conference in october 2003, shortly following the invasion, the total of $33 billion was contributed for the reconstruction of iraq. of this sum, fully $20 billion came from the united states, $5 billion was donated by japan, and $1 billion by the uk. france declined to make any contribution. in total, $1.5 billion was donated by other eu member states. european levels of aid to the new iraq have remained at a modest level. the european commission as a body has donated 518.5 million euros. individual contributions have varied according to the stance toward the war taken by the country, but have remained overall low.