{"id":18012,"date":"2022-09-21T22:58:11","date_gmt":"2022-09-21T22:58:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/legalblog.ie\/?p=18012"},"modified":"2023-08-27T17:01:54","modified_gmt":"2023-08-27T17:01:54","slug":"humanitiarian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/","title":{"rendered":"Humanitiarian [EU]"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#EU_guidelines_on_the_promotion_of_compliance_with_international_humanitarian_law\" title=\"EU guidelines on the promotion of compliance with international humanitarian law\">EU guidelines on the promotion of compliance with international humanitarian law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Reducing_the_effects_of_armed_conflict\" title=\"Reducing the effects of armed conflict\">Reducing the effects of armed conflict<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Operational_guidelines\" title=\"Operational guidelines\">Operational guidelines<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Individual_responsibility_in_the_event_of_conflict\" title=\"Individual responsibility in the event of conflict\">Individual responsibility in the event of conflict<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#MAIN_DOCUMENT\" title=\"MAIN DOCUMENT\">MAIN DOCUMENT<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#EU_humanitarian_aid_instrument\" title=\"EU humanitarian aid instrument\">EU humanitarian aid instrument<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Principles\" title=\"Principles\">Principles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Sectors_covered\" title=\"Sectors covered\">Sectors covered<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Financing\" title=\"Financing\">Financing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Coordination_with_partners\" title=\"Coordination with partners\">Coordination with partners<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Long-term_action\" title=\"Long-term action\">Long-term action<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Application_Background\" title=\"Application &amp; Background\">Application &amp; Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#MAIN_DOCUMENT-2\" title=\"MAIN DOCUMENT\">MAIN DOCUMENT<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Emergency_humanitarian_support_within_the_EU\" title=\"Emergency humanitarian support within the EU\">Emergency humanitarian support within the EU<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Key_Points\" title=\"Key Points\">Key Points<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Special_COVID-19_measures\" title=\"Special COVID-19 measures\">Special COVID-19 measures<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Application_Background-2\" title=\"Application &amp; Background\">Application &amp; Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#MAIN_DOCUMENT-3\" title=\"MAIN DOCUMENT\">MAIN DOCUMENT<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Strengthening_the_EUs_collective_capacity_to_prevent_prepare_for_and_respond_to_disaster\" title=\"Strengthening the EU\u2019s collective capacity to prevent, prepare for and respond to disaster\">Strengthening the EU\u2019s collective capacity to prevent, prepare for and respond to disaster<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Key_Points-2\" title=\"Key Points\">Key Points<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Risk_prevention_and_management\" title=\"Risk prevention and management\">Risk prevention and management<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Union_Civil_Protection_Knowledge_Network\" title=\"Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network\">Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Emergency_Response_Coordination_Centre\" title=\"Emergency Response Coordination Centre\">Emergency Response Coordination Centre<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Application_Background-3\" title=\"Application &amp; Background\">Application &amp; Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#MAIN_DOCUMENT-4\" title=\"MAIN DOCUMENT\">MAIN DOCUMENT<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Humanitarian_food_assistance\" title=\"Humanitarian food assistance\">Humanitarian food assistance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Objectives\" title=\"Objectives\">Objectives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Principles-2\" title=\"Principles\">Principles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Assistance_operations\" title=\"Assistance operations\">Assistance operations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Background\" title=\"Background\">Background<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#MAIN_DOCUMENT-5\" title=\"MAIN DOCUMENT\">MAIN DOCUMENT<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#EU_humanitarian_action\" title=\"EU humanitarian action\">EU humanitarian action<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Through_the_communication_the_European_Commission_proposes_a_series_of_initiatives_to_strengthen_the_European_Unions_EU_global_humanitarian_action_in_order_to_meet_the_substantially_rising_humanitarian_needs_exacerbated_by_the_COVID-19_pandemic_The_conclusions_set_out_the_Council_of_the_European_Unions_position_on_EU_humanitarian_action_in_response_to_the_communication_Objectives\" title=\"\nThrough the communication, the European Commission proposes a series of initiatives to strengthen the European Union\u2019s (EU) global humanitarian action in order to meet the substantially rising humanitarian needs exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. \nThe conclusions set out the Council of the European Union\u2019s position on EU humanitarian action in response to the communication.\nObjectives\">\nThrough the communication, the European Commission proposes a series of initiatives to strengthen the European Union\u2019s (EU) global humanitarian action in order to meet the substantially rising humanitarian needs exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. \nThe conclusions set out the Council of the European Union\u2019s position on EU humanitarian action in response to the communication.\nObjectives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Key_actions\" title=\"Key actions\">Key actions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#Council_conclusions\" title=\"Council conclusions\">Council conclusions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/humanitiarian\/#MAIN_DOCUMENTS\" title=\"MAIN DOCUMENTS\">MAIN DOCUMENTS<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"EU_guidelines_on_the_promotion_of_compliance_with_international_humanitarian_law\"><\/span>EU guidelines on the promotion of compliance with international humanitarian law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Updated EU guidelines on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law<\/p>\n<p>Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU)<\/p>\n<p>The guidelines set out operational tools for the EU to promote compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) through its relations with the rest of the world.<\/p>\n<p>The guidelines are addressed at all those taking action within the context of the EU\u2019s relations with the rest of the world, with a view to limiting the impact of armed conflict on civilians and prisoners. They complement guidelines and other common positions adopted by the EU in relation to human rights (for example on torture and the death penalty).<\/p>\n<p>Article 3(5) TEU lists the values on which the EU is founded, including those that it promotes in the context of its external relations. These values include the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.<\/p>\n<p>The guidelines are for public (including EU institutional) or non-state actors (non-governmental organisations, etc.) operating in the EU.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reducing_the_effects_of_armed_conflict\"><\/span>Reducing the effects of armed conflict<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>IHL is also known as the Law of Armed Conflict or the Law of War. It regulates the means and methods of warfare in order to reduce the impact of armed conflict. Compliance with these legal principles should make it possible to protect persons who are not, or are no longer, taking part in conflicts (such as civilians and prisoners of war).<\/p>\n<p>IHL applies to:<\/p>\n<p>armed conflicts, whether they occur between countries or within a single country, and irrespective of the origin of the conflict; international armed conflicts and internal armed conflicts, however, are subject to different legal regimes;<br \/>\noccupations of territory linked to armed conflicts.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, the international laws on human rights may apply both in times of peace and in times of war. They are complementary to IHL.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Operational_guidelines\"><\/span>Operational guidelines<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The EU is committed to the effective implementation of IHL. Firstly, the actors involved must gather detailed information on conflicts and draw up reports, assessments and recommendations for action. This concerns:<\/p>\n<p>European institutions, in particular Council working parties, cooperating with the international organisations concerned, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations Organisation and the International Humanitarian Fact-Finding Commission;<\/p>\n<p>EU Heads of Mission and appropriate EU representatives (Heads of EU Civilian Operations, Commanders of EU Military Operations and EU Special Representatives). In particular, they should establish cases of serious violation of IHL;<br \/>\nthe Council Working Party on Public International Law and the Council Working Party on Humanitarian Aid and Food Aid.<\/p>\n<p>The EU has several means of action at its disposal:<\/p>\n<p>political dialogue with non-EU countries, both in the event of conflict and in time of peace;<br \/>\ngeneral public statements by which the EU takes a stand in favour of compliance with humanitarian law;<br \/>\ninitiatives and public statements through which the EU condemns situations or particular acts;<br \/>\nrestrictive measures and sanctions which may be applied to states or individuals involved in a conflict. Such measures must be appropriate and in accordance with international law;<br \/>\ncooperation with international bodies;<br \/>\ncrisis-management operations which may include missions to collect information useful for the International Criminal Court (ICC) or for investigations of war crimes;<br \/>\nthe prosecution of individuals responsible for violating international humanitarian law;<br \/>\nthe training and education of populations, military personnel and law enforcement officials;<br \/>\nthe control of arms sales, in accordance with Common Position 2008\/944\/CFSP which requires export licences to be subject to compliance with human rights by countries importing arms.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Individual_responsibility_in_the_event_of_conflict\"><\/span>Individual responsibility in the event of conflict<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Certain serious violations of international humanitarian law are defined as war crimes. They may occur in the same circumstances as genocide or crimes against humanity. EU countries shall ensure that those responsible for war crimes are brought before their domestic courts, the courts of another country or the ICC.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MAIN_DOCUMENT\"><\/span>MAIN DOCUMENT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Consolidated version of the Treaty on European Union \u2014 Title I \u2014 Common provisions \u2014 Article 3 (ex Article 2 TEU) (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, p. 17)<\/p>\n<p>Updated European Union Guidelines on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) (OJ C 303, 15.12.2009, pp. 12-17)<\/p>\n<p>RELATED DOCUMENTS<\/p>\n<p>Council Decision 2011\/168\/CFSP of 21 March 2011 on the International Criminal Court and repealing Common Position 2003\/444\/CFSP (OJ L 76, 22.3.2011, pp. 56-58)<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"EU_humanitarian_aid_instrument\"><\/span>EU humanitarian aid instrument<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Council Regulation (EC) No 1257\/96 on humanitarian aid<\/p>\n<p>EU humanitarian aid seeks to provide assistance, relief and protection to people affected by natural or manmade disasters and similar emergencies. The focus is on the most vulnerable victims.<br \/>\nThis regulation sets out the main goals, principles and procedures for implementing EU humanitarian aid operations.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Principles\"><\/span>Principles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>EU assistance must be:<\/p>\n<p>based on real needs;<br \/>\ndirected at people in distress, regardless of nationality, religion, gender, age, ethnic origin or political affiliation;<br \/>\nbased on international humanitarian principles and the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid.<\/p>\n<p>Beneficiaries<\/p>\n<p>EU assistance is coordinated by the European Commission&#8217;s department for Civil Protection &amp; Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).<\/p>\n<p>The funding is intended for countries outside the EU.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sectors_covered\"><\/span>Sectors covered<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Humanitarian aid can be provided in many forms, each depending on the nature of the crisis, including:<\/p>\n<p>food and nutritional support;<br \/>\nmedical assistance and psycho-social support;<br \/>\nwater supplies and sanitation;<br \/>\nshelter;<br \/>\nemergency repairs to infrastructure;<br \/>\ndemining;<br \/>\neducation.<br \/>\nHumanitarian aid can also address disaster risk reduction.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Financing\"><\/span>Financing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The EU, together with its member countries, is the world\u2019s leading humanitarian aid donor. In 2014, some 121 million people from over 80 countries received help from the EU, amounting to over \u20ac1.27 billion.<\/p>\n<p>This provided relief in all major crisis regions around the world, including Syria, South Sudan, Yemen and Ukraine.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Coordination_with_partners\"><\/span>Coordination with partners<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>EU humanitarian aid is implemented through over 200 partner organisations, such as United Nations agencies, international organisations like the Red Cross and many non-governmental organisations (NGOs).<\/p>\n<p>To receive funding for a humanitarian project, partner organisations submit funding proposals and follow strict guidelines for evaluating and monitoring projects.<\/p>\n<p>Partners must acknowledge the EU\u2019s support by displaying the EU visual identity at project sites.<\/p>\n<p>And they must closely coordinate their projects, to ensure the assistance is prompt and efficient.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Long-term_action\"><\/span>Long-term action<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Humanitarian aid is also deployed to boost resilience to future shocks, by providing longer-term development benefits, in line with:<\/p>\n<p>the EU approach to resilience;<br \/>\nthis EU policy paper on Relief, rehabilitation and development.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_Background\"><\/span>Application &amp; Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It has applied since 5 July 1996.<\/p>\n<p>BACKGROUND<\/p>\n<p>For more information, see:<\/p>\n<p>Humanitarian aid;<br \/>\nHumanitarian aid factsheet.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MAIN_DOCUMENT-2\"><\/span>MAIN DOCUMENT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Council Regulation (EC) No 1257\/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid (OJ L 163, 2.7.1996, pp. 1\u20136)<\/p>\n<p>Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) No 1257\/96 have been incorporated in the basic text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emergency_humanitarian_support_within_the_EU\"><\/span>Emergency humanitarian support within the EU<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2016\/369 on the provision of emergency support within the EU<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2016\/369:<\/p>\n<p>aims to provide a set of rules for emergency humanitarian support* for EU countries during man-made or natural disasters;<br \/>\ncomes into play when other instruments prove insufficient;<br \/>\nsupports and complements the actions of the affected EU country or countries.<\/p>\n<p>Following the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, the Council adopted Regulation (EU) 2020\/521 activating emergency support measures under Regulation (EU) 2016\/369. The activation period is from 1 February 2020 to 31 January 2022.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Points\"><\/span>Key Points<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The Emergency Support Instrument (ESI) created under this regulation is based on needs and is meant to preserve life, prevent human suffering and maintain human dignity.<br \/>\nThe Council decides on the activation of emergency support under this regulation based on a proposal by the European Commission.<\/p>\n<p>The Commission must monitor actions that have received funding and present an overall assessment of the support provided during a given activation, or proposals to end support, to the Council at the latest 12 months after the activation of the emergency support.<\/p>\n<p>The Commission must ensure that funds used under this regulation are not affected by fraud, corruption or any other illegal activities that may harm the financial interests of the EU.<\/p>\n<p>This regulation is meant to complement other EU funding instruments, such as the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Special_COVID-19_measures\"><\/span>Special COVID-19 measures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Through the ESI, the EU is mobilising \u20ac2.7 billion. This is to be used to fund emergency healthcare support such as:<br \/>\njointly procuring, stockpiling and distributing essential resources;<br \/>\nboosting the development of medication and testing methods;<br \/>\ncreating temporary hospitals and setting up temporary quarantine facilities; and<br \/>\nassisting the transporting of patients cross-border to hospitals with free capacity.<\/p>\n<p>It will also be possible to fund other actions depending on the evolving needs of EU countries, hospitals, doctors and patients.<\/p>\n<p>The Commission may fund partner organisations, such as non\u2010governmental organisations, specialised services of EU countries, national authorities and other public bodies, international organisations and their agencies.<\/p>\n<p>The range of potential beneficiaries of financial assistance for implementing ESI-funded actions has been widened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Where appropriate and necessary for the implementation of an action, organisations and entities with the necessary expertise, or active in the disaster relief sector may be eligible, such as:<br \/>\nprivate service providers;<br \/>\nequipment manufacturers; and<br \/>\nscientists and research institutions.<\/p>\n<p>The different options available for procuring supplies and services needed for providing emergency support include:<br \/>\njoint procurement by the Commission and EU countries;<br \/>\nprocurement by the Commission on behalf of EU countries;<br \/>\nprocurement by the Commission; and<br \/>\nsale, donation or rental of the procured supplies or services to EU countries or partner organisations selected by the Commission.<br \/>\nESI financing can cover up to 100% of direct and indirect costs related to ESI-funded actions until the end of the activation period.<\/p>\n<p>Direct costs can include:<br \/>\nthe purchase, preparation, collection, transport, storage and distribution of goods and services; and<br \/>\ninvestment costs of actions or projects directly related to achieving the aims of the relevant ESI activation.<br \/>\nTo speed up the award and performance of contracts resulting from procurement procedures, the regulation allows for certain derogations to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018\/1046, the EU\u2019s Financial Regulation (see summary).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_Background-2\"><\/span>Application &amp; Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Regulation (EU) 2016\/369 has applied since 16 March 2016.<br \/>\nAmending Regulation (EU) 2020\/521 has applied since 1 February 2020.<br \/>\nBACKGROUND<\/p>\n<p>The main reason for the adoption of this regulation in 2016 was the refugee and migration situation affecting the EU. The EU, and especially Greece, was overwhelmed at the time by the arrival of large numbers of refugees and migrants who required urgent humanitarian assistance. The European Commission allocated almost \u20ac650 million from 2016 to 2019 to partner organisations to support refugees and migrants in Greece.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, see:<\/p>\n<p>Emergency support within the EU (European Commission)<br \/>\nCrisis management and solidarity (European Commission).<br \/>\nKEY TERMS<\/p>\n<p>Humanitarian support: food, shelter, water, medicine and protection measures are some of the types of humanitarian assistance which can be directed to affected populations.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MAIN_DOCUMENT-3\"><\/span>MAIN DOCUMENT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Council Regulation (EU) 2016\/369 of 15 March 2016 on the provision of emergency support within the Union (OJ L 70, 16.3.2016, pp. 1-6)<\/p>\n<p>Successive amendments to Regulation (EC) 2016\/369 have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.<\/p>\n<p>RELATED DOCUMENTS<\/p>\n<p>Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018\/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296\/2013, (EU) No 1301\/2013, (EU) No 1303\/2013, (EU) No 1304\/2013, (EU) No 1309\/2013, (EU) No 1316\/2013, (EU) No 223\/2014, (EU) No 283\/2014, and Decision No 541\/2014\/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966\/2012 (OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, pp. 1-222)<\/p>\n<p>Communication from the Commission to the Council accompanying the proposal for a Council Regulation on the provision of emergency support within the EU (COM(2016) 116 final, 2.3.2016)<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strengthening_the_EUs_collective_capacity_to_prevent_prepare_for_and_respond_to_disaster\"><\/span>Strengthening the EU\u2019s collective capacity to prevent, prepare for and respond to disaster<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Decision No 1313\/2013\/EU on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism<\/p>\n<p>The Union Civil Protection Mechanism (the mechanism) seeks to strengthen cooperation between the EU and EU countries, and to facilitate coordination between them, in the field of civil protection.<br \/>\nIt introduces a higher quality, more integrated and cost-efficient approach to EU disaster management.<br \/>\nDecision (EU) 2019\/420 amends the original decision to strengthen the EU\u2019s collective capacity to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Points-2\"><\/span>Key Points<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The mechanism\u2019s main objective is to improve the effectiveness of systems for preventing, preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters of all kinds within and outside the EU. Although its focus is on protecting people, it also covers the environment and property, including natural heritage.<\/p>\n<p>The mechanism\u2019s specific objectives are to:<\/p>\n<p>achieve a high level of protection against disasters by:<br \/>\npreventing or reducing their potential effects;<br \/>\nfostering a culture of prevention; and<br \/>\nimproving cooperation between the civil protection and other relevant services;<br \/>\nenhance preparedness at both national and EU levels to respond to disasters;<br \/>\nfacilitate rapid and efficient response in the event of disasters or imminent disasters, including by taking measures to mitigate the immediate consequences of disasters;<br \/>\nincrease public awareness and preparedness for disasters;<br \/>\nincrease the availability and use of scientific knowledge on disasters; and<br \/>\nstep up cooperation and coordination activities at cross-border level and between EU countries prone to the same types of disasters.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Risk_prevention_and_management\"><\/span>Risk prevention and management<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Disaster prevention is a major focus of the mechanism with particular emphasis on risk assessment and risk management planning. Amending Decision (EU) 2019\/420 requires EU countries to:<\/p>\n<p>further develop the assessment of risk management capability at national or appropriate sub-national level;<br \/>\nprovide the European Commission, every 3 years, with a summary of the relevant elements of the assessments, focusing on key risks;<br \/>\nparticipate, on a voluntary basis, in peer reviews on the assessment of risk management capability.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Union_Civil_Protection_Knowledge_Network\"><\/span>Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To improve training and knowledge sharing, Decision (EU) 2019\/420 requires the Commission to establish a network of relevant civil protection and disaster management actors and institutions, including centres of excellence, and universities and researchers. These will form, together with the Commission, a Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network.<\/p>\n<p>The Commission is also tasked with:<\/p>\n<p>strengthening cooperation on training and the sharing of knowledge and experience between the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network and international organisations and non-EU countries;<br \/>\ndeveloping a communication strategy in order to make the results of the actions taken under the mechanism visible to citizens; and<br \/>\nawarding medals in order to recognise and honour long-standing commitment and extraordinary contributions to EU civil protection.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emergency_Response_Coordination_Centre\"><\/span>Emergency Response Coordination Centre<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To enhance preparedness and response to disasters at EU level, there is a 24\/7 operational Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) managed by the Commission in Brussels. The ERCC is a communication and coordination hub available to civil protection actors.<\/p>\n<p>Additional tools include:<\/p>\n<p>the Common Emergency Communication and Information System (CECIS), an IT tool allowing for immediate emergency communication among the participating countries;<br \/>\nexercises and a training programme to improve EU countries\u2019 disaster response capacity and coordination of civil protection assistance;<br \/>\ncivil protection modules: units of personnel and equipment ready to mobilise;<br \/>\nthe European Civil Protection Pool: a voluntary pool of pre-committed EU countries\u2019 disaster response capacities, ready to mobilise for EU civil protection operations. This includes high-quality modules of relief teams, experts and equipment, and receives higher rates of EU co-financing.<\/p>\n<p>Amending Decision (EU) 2019\/420 also establishes \u2018rescEU\u2019, an additional pool of capacities to provide assistance in situations where the overall existing capacities at national level and the capacities previously allocated by EU countries to the European Civil Protection Pool are insufficient to ensure an effective response.<\/p>\n<p>By means of implementing acts, the Commission defines rescEU\u2019s capacities, taking into account<\/p>\n<p>identified and emerging risks; and<br \/>\noverall capacities and gaps at EU level, in particular in the areas of:<br \/>\naerial forest-fire fighting,<br \/>\nchemical,<br \/>\nbiological,<br \/>\nradiological and nuclear incidents, and<br \/>\nemergency medical response.<\/p>\n<p>Implementing Decision (EU) 2019\/570 sets out the initial composition of rescEU in terms of capacities and quality requirements. The rescEU reserve so far consists of aerial forest firefighting capacities, medical aerial evacuation capacities, emergency medical team capacities and medical stockpiling capacities.<\/p>\n<p>The Commission has amended Implementing Decision (EU) 2019\/570 3 times:<\/p>\n<p>Implementing Decision (EU) 2019\/1930 which provides for two different types of medical evacuation (Medevac) capacities respectively for:<br \/>\ndisaster victims with highly infectious diseases; and<br \/>\nother disaster victims with non-infectious diseases.<br \/>\nImplementing Decision (EU) 2020\/414 in response to the Council conclusions on COVID-19, which brings the stockpiling of medical countermeasures, intensive care medical equipment, and personal protective equipment aimed at combating serious cross-border threats to health within the capacities of rescEU.<br \/>\nImplementing Decision (EU) 2020\/452 establishes rescEU capacities to manage low probability risks with a high impact. To establish these capacities, the categories of low probability risks with a high impact are defined, taking into account the possible scenarios for such risks.<br \/>\nAdditional implementing rules for rescEU are laid down in Implementing Decision (EU) 2019\/1310. This implementing act lays down all the rules needed for a rescEU operation such as the criteria for deployment and conflicting requests, rules on demobilisation, rules on national use and other rules.<\/p>\n<p>Budget<\/p>\n<p>Just over \u20ac574.02 million have been allocated for the implementation of the mechanism for the 2014-2020 period.<\/p>\n<p>Participation<\/p>\n<p>Participation in the mechanism and the various tools listed above is open to European Economic Area (EEA) countries, acceding countries, candidate and potential candidate countries. The EU countries plus Iceland, Norway, Serbia, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia and Turkey participate in the mechanism.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Application_Background-3\"><\/span>Application &amp; Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It has applied since 1 January 2014.<\/p>\n<p>BACKGROUND<\/p>\n<p>For more information, see:<\/p>\n<p>EU Civil Protection Mechanism (European Commission).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MAIN_DOCUMENT-4\"><\/span>MAIN DOCUMENT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Decision No 1313\/2013\/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, pp. 924-947)<\/p>\n<p>Successive amendments to Decision No 1313\/2013\/EU have been incorporated into the original text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.<\/p>\n<p>RELATED DOCUMENTS<\/p>\n<p>Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019\/1310 of 31 July 2019 laying down rules on the operation of the European Civil Protection Pool and rescEU (OJ L 204, 2.8.2019, pp. 94-99)<\/p>\n<p>Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019\/570 of 8 April 2019 laying down rules for the implementation of Decision No 1313\/2013\/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards rescEU capacities and amending Commission Implementing Decision 2014\/762\/EU (OJ L 99, 10.4.2019, p. 41-45)<\/p>\n<p>See consolidated version.<\/p>\n<p>Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018\/142 of 15 January 2018 amending Implementing Decision 2014\/762\/EU laying down rules for the implementation of Decision No 1313\/2013\/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 25, 30.1.2018, pp. 40-48)<\/p>\n<p>Commission Implementing Decision 2014\/762\/EU of 16 October 2014 laying down rules for the implementation of Decision No 1313\/2013\/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism and repealing Commission Decisions 2004\/277\/EC, Euratom and 2007\/606\/EC, Euratom (OJ L 320, 6.11.2014, pp. 1-45)<\/p>\n<p>See consolidated version.<\/p>\n<p>Commission Staff Working Document: Interim Evaluation of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (2014-2016) accompanying the document Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the Interim Evaluation of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism for the period 2014-2016 (SWD(2017) 287 final, 30.8.2017)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Humanitarian_food_assistance\"><\/span>Humanitarian food assistance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>European Commission Communication (COM(2010) 126 final) \u2014 Humanitarian food assistance<\/p>\n<p>This European Commission communication defines the strategic framework in which the EU provides food assistance in the event of a humanitarian crisis*.<\/p>\n<p>It is presented together with another Commission communication on food security and development.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Objectives\"><\/span>Objectives<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>EU humanitarian food assistance* aims to ensure that sufficient, safe and nutritious food is consumed before, during and after a humanitarian crisis to prevent mortality, acute malnutrition or detrimental coping mechanisms (e.g. where the vulnerable sell off their assets or go into debt).<\/p>\n<p>The specific objectives are:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>to safeguard the availability of, access to and consumption of adequate, safe and nutritious food for populations affected by humanitarian crises;<\/li>\n<li>to protect and restore livelihoods and to help improve the resilience of vulnerable groups to future shocks; and<\/li>\n<li>to strengthen the capacity of the international humanitarian aid system in the delivery of food assistance.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>This includes:<\/p>\n<p>providing food assistance in the form of cash, vouchers, food products and other commodities or services, skills and knowledge;<br \/>\ncomplementary interventions like access to fuel, water and hygiene;<br \/>\nrestoring basic livelihoods, such as enabling farmers to have access to seeds;<br \/>\nassisting in preventing and treating malnutrition; and<br \/>\nstrengthening capacity with enhanced and innovative approaches, tools and training.<\/p>\n<p>The choice of the most appropriate response, including transfer means (e.g. cash or kind), is based on the specific context and is regularly reviewed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Principles-2\"><\/span>Principles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In accordance with the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, interventions in humanitarian food assistance operations:<\/p>\n<p>must respect the fundamental humanitarian principles of<br \/>\nhumanity,<br \/>\nneutrality,<br \/>\nimpartiality, and<br \/>\nindependence;<br \/>\nmust be needs- and results-based, flexible, effective and harmless;<br \/>\nshould be coordinated with other donors and food security development interventions to:<br \/>\nensure an optimal coverage of emergency and development needs, and<br \/>\nmaximise opportunities for sustainable impact as well as the resilience of food crisis victims.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Assistance_operations\"><\/span>Assistance operations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>EU humanitarian food assistance usually applies when:<\/p>\n<p>emergency rates of mortality or acute malnutrition have been reached or will be reached due to a lack of food, according to forecasts;<br \/>\nthere are serious threats to the population or risks of extreme suffering due to a lack of livelihood or bad strategies for coping with the crisis (e.g. sale of productive assets, migration or insecure survival practices).<br \/>\nNevertheless, food assistance can be provided as soon as a crisis begins, and not only once extreme risks occur.<\/p>\n<p>Normally, humanitarian food assistance is not to be used to address chronic food insecurity*, unless:<\/p>\n<p>the situation presents an imminent and very severe humanitarian risk;<br \/>\nother actors cannot act;<br \/>\nthe action may have a positive impact within a short time.<br \/>\nSafe, sufficient and local food<\/p>\n<p>People should have access to safe and well-balanced food of sufficient quantity and quality. The type of food proposed should, if possible, conform to local dietary preferences.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Background\"><\/span>Background<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>About 795 million people worldwide \u2014 or around one person in nine \u2014 are hungry, according to the latest UN hunger report (The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2015). The number of African countries facing food crises doubled from 12 in 1990 to 24 in 2015. In 2014, the Commission alone provided \u20ac349 million in humanitarian funding for food assistance.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, see:<\/p>\n<p>Food assistance on the European Commission\u2019s website<br \/>\n* KEY TERMS<\/p>\n<p>Humanitarian crisis: an event which represents a critical threat to the health, safety, security or well-being of people. A humanitarian crisis can result from natural or man-made disasters, can have a rapid or slow onset and can be of short or protracted duration<\/p>\n<p>Humanitarian food assistance: food assistance provided to victims of humanitarian crises<\/p>\n<p>Chronic food insecurity: the persistent inability to access adequate nutrient intake, either on a constant basis or on a periodic, seasonal basis<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MAIN_DOCUMENT-5\"><\/span>MAIN DOCUMENT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament \u2014 Humanitarian Food Assistance (COM(2010) 126 final of 31.3.2010).<\/p>\n<p>RELATED ACTS<\/p>\n<p>Commission staff working document \u2014 Accompanying document to the communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament \u2014 Humanitarian Food Assistance (SEC(2010) 374 final of 31.3.2010).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"EU_humanitarian_action\"><\/span>EU humanitarian action<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Commission communication on the EU\u2019s humanitarian action: new challenges, same principles<\/p>\n<p>Council conclusions on the Commission communication on the EU\u2019s humanitarian action: new challenges, same principles<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Through_the_communication_the_European_Commission_proposes_a_series_of_initiatives_to_strengthen_the_European_Unions_EU_global_humanitarian_action_in_order_to_meet_the_substantially_rising_humanitarian_needs_exacerbated_by_the_COVID-19_pandemic_The_conclusions_set_out_the_Council_of_the_European_Unions_position_on_EU_humanitarian_action_in_response_to_the_communication_Objectives\"><\/span>\nThrough the communication, the European Commission proposes a series of initiatives to strengthen the European Union\u2019s (EU) global humanitarian action in order to meet the substantially rising humanitarian needs exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.<br \/>\nThe conclusions set out the Council of the European Union\u2019s position on EU humanitarian action in response to the communication.<\/p>\n<p>Objectives<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The communication sets out a number of key objectives to address growing humanitarian needs and support a better enabling environment for the delivery of principled humanitarian aid:<\/p>\n<p>providing assistance according to the tried and tested principles of humanitarian aid;<br \/>\nensuring that EU humanitarian aid can be delivered swiftly and efficiently to those in need, by leveraging innovation and capacities;<br \/>\npromoting \ufb02exible and efficient humanitarian action and funding mechanisms, by expanding the use of cash-based assistance and digital tools as well as by stepping up support to local responders;<br \/>\ntackling the root causes of crises by better linking humanitarian, development and peace efforts, in particular in priority areas like education, health, food security, disaster preparedness and climate resilience;<br \/>\nexpanding the resource base for humanitarian action, by strengthening EU engagement and alliances with traditional and emerging donors;<br \/>\nenhancing the EU\u2019s engagement and leadership to maximise the impact of the EU\u2019s humanitarian action;<br \/>\nreinforcing the promotion and respect of international humanitarian law and putting it at the heart of the EU\u2019s external action.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_actions\"><\/span>Key actions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The communication proposes a number of key actions to address these objectives and accomplish the goals set. These include:<\/p>\n<p>developing a European Humanitarian Response Capacity that would be complementary to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and rely on the operational readiness of the EU\u2019s Emergency Response Coordination Centre;<br \/>\nundertaking systematic joint analyses of crises and develop, when appropriate, joined-up programming and planning of EU policies;<br \/>\npromoting effective humanitarian civil\u2013military coordination to protect the humanitarian space;<br \/>\nincreasing multiannual, flexible and harmonised funding arrangements;<br \/>\nstepping up humanitarian funding commitments with Member States and encouraging better responsibility-sharing among traditional and emerging donors to respond to growing humanitarian needs;<br \/>\nincreasing the share of climate funds to make disaster-prone regions more resilient;<br \/>\nsetting up an EU-level monitoring and coordination mechanism on international humanitarian law;<br \/>\nenhancing compliance with international humanitarian law as a condition for EU assistance;<br \/>\nensuring that international humanitarian law is fully reflected in EU sanctions policy, including through the consistent inclusion of humanitarian exceptions in EU sanctions regimes;<br \/>\norganising a European Humanitarian Forum to encourage dialogue on humanitarian policy;<br \/>\npromoting a Team Europe approach among EU institutions and Member States.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Council_conclusions\"><\/span>Council conclusions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In its conclusions on the communication, the Council made a number of key points, including:<\/p>\n<p>its serious concern at the unprecedented scale of humanitarian needs, the shrinking of humanitarian space and the growing funding gap;<br \/>\nthe importance of putting respect for and compliance with international humanitarian law consistently at the heart of the EU\u2019s external action, as well as ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, supporting and promoting principled humanitarian action and safeguarding humanitarian space;<br \/>\nthe urgent need to enhance global efforts to significantly increase the resource base for humanitarian action, as well as the importance of delivering humanitarian aid more efficiently with available resources;<br \/>\nthe essential coordinating role of the United Nations in responding to humanitarian crises, and the need to step up support for local and national actors, recognising their knowledge and experience as frontline responders that are in place before, during and after emergencies;<br \/>\nits support for the Commission\u2019s plan to organise a European Humanitarian Forum.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"MAIN_DOCUMENTS\"><\/span>MAIN DOCUMENTS<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the EU\u2019s humanitarian action: new challenges, same principles (COM(2021) 110 final, 10.3.2021)<\/p>\n<p>Council conclusions on the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the EU\u2019s humanitarian action: new challenges, same principles, 20.5.2021<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-18012\" data-postid=\"18012\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-18012 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n    <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>EU guidelines on the promotion of compliance with international humanitarian law Updated EU guidelines on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) The guidelines set out operational tools for the EU to promote compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL) through its relations with the rest of the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[220],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18012"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18012"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18012\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18314,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18012\/revisions\/18314"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18012"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18012"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}