On the 18th of December 2007, The Presidents of the European Commission, European Parliament and Council of the European Union on behalf of the 27 EU Member States signed a 'European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid’.

The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters as well as the changing nature of conflicts and very significant changes in the international humanitarian environment require a consolidated reaction of the European Union, collectively the largest provider of international humanitarian aid.

In adopting the European Consensus - putting in place for the first time a comprehensive joint EU policy statement on humanitarian aid - the EU is showing its strong commitment to working closely together to help others.

The European Consensus, which was proposed by the Commission, aims at boosting EU coordination and emphasises good donor practice. The initiative for an EU consensus on Humanitarian Aid underlines the need to ensure respect of International Humanitarian Law, and to promote Good Humanitarian Donorship. The fundamental principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence are strongly supported by the EU.