EU Humanitarian Aid

The European Union is the world's leading provider of humanitarian aid. This aid, which takes the form of financing, provision of goods or services, or technical assistance, aims to help prepare for and deal urgently with the crises which seriously affect populations outside the Union, whether these be natural disasters, disasters caused by human activity, or structural crises. The Union's action is based on the fundamental humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, and comprises three instruments: emergency aid, food aid, and aid for refugees and displaced persons. ECHO coordinates this action and cooperates closely with partners who implement aid on the ground, in particular the United Nations and non-governmental organisations.

IMF stresses support for Greece ahead of audit — 23 July 2012, 19:12 CET

The International Monetary Fund stressed Monday its support of Greece on the eve of an IMF and European audit of the debt-stricken country's progress under an international bailout program.

EU, Mozambique sign cooperation accords — 19 July 2012, 22:39 CET

The European Union and Mozambique on Thursday signed three cooperation agreements worth 37 million euros in the capital Maputo.

EU urged to prepare for humanitarian crisis in Syria — 18 July 2012, 20:36 CET

The European Union needs to prepare for a humanitarian crisis in Syria with the potential for displacing huge numbers of people, Cyprus, which holds the EU's rotating presidency, said Wednesday.

EU pledges extra funds for energy in developing nations — 17 April 2012, 15:08 CET

The European Union vowed fresh funds Monday to help developing nations provide sustainable energy to 500 million people by 2030.

Malawi's Banda moves to reconcile with donors — 10 April 2012, 18:52 CET

New Malawian President Joyce Banda on Tuesday asked Britain and the United States to resume funding as she moved to heal breaches created by the late president Bingu wa Mutharika.

UN aid chiefs call for $725 million for drought-hit Sahel — 15 February 2012, 15:52 CET

United Nations and European Union aid chiefs called Wednesday for "urgent" assistance for West Africa's drought-hit Sahel region, saying it needed $725 million (552 million euros) this year.

EU aid official to visit Myanmar ahead of 'crucial' polls — 09 February 2012, 14:42 CET

Myanmar's upcoming elections will be crucial for the credibility of reforms that remain "fragile," the EU's foreign aid chief told AFP ahead of a trip to offer 150 million euros in aid.

New European Neighbourhood Policy - guide — 25 May 2011, 14:18 CET

Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Commission Vice-President and Štefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy, today launched a new and ambitious European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) -- confirming the EU’s determined and reinforced engagement with its neighbours.

Disaster assistance — 13 January 2013, 19:13 CET

The European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) was set up to respond to major natural disasters and express European solidarity to disaster-stricken regions within Europe. The Fund was created as a reaction to the severe floods in Central Europe in the summer of 2002. Nine years later, it has been used for 45 disasters covering a range of different catastrophic events including floods, forest fires, earthquakes, storms and drought. 23 different European countries have been supported so far for an amount of more than 2.4 billion euros.

Humanitarian aid — 13 January 2013, 20:28 CET

Humanitarian aid and civil protection - call for proposals

European disaster response - guide — 27 October 2010, 11:59 CET

The communication adopted by the European Commission represents a first step towards the development of a reinforced EU disaster response capacity, both in terms of civil protection and humanitarian assistance. These are the two instruments used by the EU to deliver relief assistance to people affected by disasters. The creation of a European Emergency Response Capacity, based on Member States' assets, and the development of a European Emergency Response Centre, are proposed as the cornerstones of strategy to strengthen the EU disaster response system. It will provide the basis for an improved EU disaster management system which is more effective and efficient (in terms of rapidity of deployment and appropriateness of action), coherent (operational and political coordination) and visible.

EC greenlights aid for UK farmers — 30 March 2010, 23:41 CET

The European Commission has authorised a temporary scheme granting aid of up to EUR 15,000 to British farmers.

Promotion of compliance with international humanitarian law: Guidelines — 10 December 2009, 00:27 CET

The European Union sets out guidelines with a view to promoting compliance with international humanitarian law in its relations with third countries.

Financing for Development — 02 October 2009, 22:28 CET

The 2002 Monterrey Consensus is the partnership between developed and developing countries to find ways of financing development that will meet the Millennium Development Goals. The EU, which provides over half of all official development assistance worldwide, made a number of commitments to achieve this consensus.

The European Consensus on Development — 01 October 2009, 16:35 CET

The European Consensus on Development 2005 is a policy statement that reflects the EU's willingness to eradicate poverty and build a more stable and equitable world.

EU Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) — 17 August 2009, 17:24 CET

The Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC), operated by the European Commission in Brussels, is the operational heart of the Community Mechanism for Civil Protection. It is available on a 24/7 basis and is staffed by duty officers working on a shift basis. It gives countries access to the community civil protection platform. Any country affected by a major disaster – inside or outside the EU – can launch a request for assistance through the MIC.

EU Humanitarian Aid: Frequently asked questions — 13 June 2007, 15:42 CET

The European Commission on 13 June 2007 adopted a Communication paving the way for greater efficiency and coherence in delivering humanitarian aid. The Commission is calling for the European Union to work more closely together on a consensus that would boost its collective response to humanitarian crises. This includes advocating full respect for international humanitarian law, so that aid and aid workers can reach people in need.