Downturn to Cost Billions in Aid to World's Poor

Aid contributions from European Union countries, which had been expected to top $92 billion in 2010, could be $15 billion to $25 billion less because of currency weakness and lower growth, according to Nick Highton of the London-based think-tank Overseas Development Institute.

"Just when poor countries are most going to need it is when rich countries draw in their horns," he said.