Brussels, 18/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - EU foreign affairs ministers gave a warm welcome to the Commission's communication calling on the EU to establish humanitarian aid consensus, coordination and increased efficiency in the European response to international humanitarian crises (EUROPE 9445 and 9444).
In their conclusions on this subject, adopted on 18 June in Luxembourg, they declared: “Natural disasters are occurring more frequently and are increasingly more serious. Together with the changing nature of conflicts and an international humanitarian environment that is currently being completely transformed, a consolidated reaction from the EU is required”. Ministers consider that consensus on humanitarian aid, which includes the fundamental principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, is indispensable because it will highlight the need for respect of international humanitarian law and the promotion of good practice in aid provision.
The Council stressed that member states, the European Commission, UN, Red Cross/Red Crescent movement and non-governmental agencies vigorously support these principles. The results of the consultation organised in December 2006 by the Commission to sound out humanitarian actors bore this out. The Council is therefore encouraging the continuation of work towards European consensus on humanitarian aid to be formalised as soon as possible. (an)