Evaluation of the implementation of the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid

Aid (the European Consensus) was signed in late 2007, cementing the commitment of EU Institutions and Member States to provide a principled EU response to humanitarian crises.

The European Consensus brings together and consolidates commitments to established humanitarian principles and good practices that underpin EU humanitarian aid. This includes, among other things, the fundamental humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence; the international humanitarian law, the human rights and refugee laws; as well as the Good Humanitarian Donorship principles on donor best practice. The European Consensus also confirms the distinction between EU humanitarian aid and the EU’s crisis management tools.

The European Consensus further establishes a common framework to deliver humanitarian aid based on coordination, coherence and complementarity within the EU as well as with other humanitarian actors. Furthermore it clarifies the scope of humanitarian aid and strives for greater coherence with other external instruments.