Humanitarian Aid Instrument – 2021-2027

The European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid department (DG ECHO) was set up in 1992 as part of a European solidarity drive. The humanitarian aid instrument is a fund dedicated to providing assistance and relief to populations in distress, whatever their origin, nationality or religion. Humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence are the guiding principles of the programme. Without distinction, the European Union can provide aid anywhere in the world in cases of emergencies, wars, natural disasters or epidemics. In 2022, to cover urgent needs in the context of the war in Ukraine, the European Union is increasing the amount of aid by 20% to 2.6 billion.

Objectives

• Strengthening European humanitarian aid
• Reinforcing capacities to improve the EU’s ability to react and prepare for future crises

Priorities 

• The European Green Deal – Accelerating green transition to tackle the climate crisis and to strengthen economies and security
• A Europe fit for the digital age
• An economy that works for people
• A stronger Europe in the world
• Promoting European way of life
• A new push for European democracy

Actions financed

The implementation of the actions concerned under humanitarian aid aims to help third countries overcome the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and promote resilience.