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Title: COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on the EU’s humanitarian action: new challenges, same principles (Brussels, 10.3.2021, COM(2021) 110 final)

The EU and its Member States are the largest humanitarian donors, accounting for 36% of global assistance.
Growing humanitarian needs driven by:
- Conflicts and disasters.
- COVID-19 pandemic implications.
The gap between humanitarian needs and available resources is widening.
Major factors amplifying humanitarian needs:
- Increase in state-based conflicts.
- Climate change and environmental degradation.
- Global population growth.
- Failed governance.
In 2021, 235 million (1 in 33) people will need aid, up 40% from 2020.
- COVID-19 pushed 150 million people into extreme poverty.
79.5 million forcibly displaced people as of 2019.
Average humanitarian crises last over 9 years.
Team Europe response package of EUR 38.5 billion; EUR 3.49 billion for pandemic-related needs.

2020 UN humanitarian appeals reached EUR 32.5 billion; funding gap of EUR 17.5 billion.
Major funding comes from a limited number of donors.
Top ten donors covered 83% of funding in 2020.
EU humanitarian funding is reliant on a few Member States.
Strategies needed to widen the donor base and fill the funding gap.

Increased attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers.
- 277 reported attacks in 2019, 125 fatalities.
Restrictions complicate aid delivery, exacerbated by COVID-19 lockdowns.
Calls for renewing focus on effective humanitarian aid policies while collaborating with development and peace actors.

Adheres to universal humanitarian principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, independence.
The EU’s humanitarian action is based solely on needs, unaffected by political, military, or economic factors.
Special focus on protecting vulnerable populations and responding to gender-based violence in crisis contexts.
Integration of humanitarian needs with overall EU development strategies.

Children in crises face educational challenges and targeted violence.
COVID-19 impacts have excluded many from schooling, especially girls.
EU aims to allocate at least 10% of its humanitarian budget to educational support in emergencies.

Need for improved effectiveness and efficiency in humanitarian response.
The Grand Bargain: agreement to maximize efficiency in humanitarian response.
Initiatives promoting cash assistance recognized as effective methods.
Digital tools for cash deliveries and aid processes will be enhanced.

Local communities are essential first responders in crises; need to increase support and funding to local groups.
Initiatives for local knowledge and contextual understanding will ensure more effective responses to crises.

Objectives to enhance flexibility in funding and better support coordination across humanitarian initiatives.
- Encourage digital tools and partnerships for efficient response efforts.

Proposal for a European Humanitarian Response Capacity to support effective aid delivery and operational readiness.
Successful past initiatives, such as the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge, demonstrate the capacity for efficient operations.

Climate change significantly affects humanitarian operations.
Emphasis on anticipating humanitarian needs and integrating climate resilience in programming.
Partnership with climate and scientific communities is key for resilience.

Highlighting inadequate global climate finance for the most vulnerable countries.
An integrated approach is needed for climate adaptation, resilience building, and coordinating humanitarian efforts with development

Goals for enhanced climate adaptation funding and resilience.
Increase awareness and preparedness regarding environmental issues in humanitarian action.

EU humanitarian assistance aims to address not only immediate needs but also underlying conflict drivers.
Cooperation between humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts is essential.

Importance of compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) for effective humanitarian action.
Continuous support for IHL training and compliance mechanisms among EU partners.

Establish mechanisms to monitor IHL compliance and facilitate humanitarian diplomacy.
Include humanitarian concerns in EU sanctions to minimize impacts on aid delivery.

Ongoing advocacy and coordination on humanitarian issues to enhance EU’s commitment.

Promotes coordinated EU efforts in humanitarian assistance for maximum impact.
Sharing resources and expertise among Member States and implementing strategies in crisis response settings.

EU humanitarian aid represents solidarity; important to address ongoing humanitarian challenges and advocate for necessary funding.
Call for joint commitment from EU Member States and humanitarian partners.

Objectives for improving humanitarian flexibility, effectiveness, climate resilience, and compliance with IHL.