Debate: Innovative humanitarian aid strategy: spotlight on current and forgotten crises
Date: TUESDAY, 21 NOVEMBER 2023
Speaker: Ylva Johansson
Language: EN

We meet at a time of catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the world. Today, over 360 million people worldwide are in need of our help – the highest figure ever. Never has our institution faced such a grave and overwhelming global humanitarian challenge. That is why I am so pleased to see this report come to plenary today, after being successfully adopted in the DEVE Committee. It is proof that this honourable House has a clear and realistic understanding of the situation and the ambition and vision to act decisively at this critical moment. Humanitarian crises, whether driven by conflict or natural disasters, are taking an increasing space on our common agendas. They are no longer distant news items, but a reality in the lives of Europeans. They are wildfires outside the villages where we grow up, floods destroying our family homes, drought forcing our communities off their lands. And yet, even in this heightened time of crisis, the gap between humanitarian needs and resources available is growing exponentially. The Commission agrees with the report’s urgent call for substantial increases of humanitarian budgets. Because if we truly want to prevent the most tragic scenario, we must close this funding gap. The Commission also supports the Council’s call in its May conclusions, encouraging Member States to contribute to reducing this funding gap at a level commensurate with their financial means, ensuring that an appropriate share – for example 10% of their ODA – is devoted to humanitarian action. We also welcome the political agreement on the initial reinforcement of the 2024 humanitarian budget by EUR 250 million. I thank this Parliament for their sustained support for this much-needed increase. It will be a lifeline for millions of people in need. But as the global risk landscape worsens, we will need to substantially increase the solidarity and emergency aid reserve. We must keep this as a high priority in the context of the ongoing MFF negotiations. I am also glad that this report acknowledged our commitment to direct at least 15% of our initial annual humanitarian budget to so-called ‘forgotten crises’. At a time when donor fatigue is high and today’s crisis risks being tomorrow’s old news, it is crucial we sustain our support and leave no one behind. I am glad this report insists on the centrality of international humanitarian law, which, if respected, protects civilians in conflict – the primary driver of humanitarian crises – and ensures humanitarian assistance reaches those in need. The EU must remain united in its demand for respect of international humanitarian law, a universal obligation in any conflict, because even wars have rules. The report also rightly tackles the need for the nexus approach to today’s emergencies. Building sustainable solutions through flexible, conflict-specific and multi-layered responses. Europe works best when we work together. Using the nexus approach is our best chance to reduce humanitarian needs and ensure a coherent policy response. Increasingly, this nexus approach will require a climate preparedness and anticipation dimension. The report points clearly in this direction. The Commission supports the view that climate funding needs to prioritise the most vulnerable communities, meaning the localisation of strategies and partnership will be key. I want to close by thanking you, Mr Zorrinho, for insisting once again on the importance of preserving the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, independence and humanity – the four cardinal points of humanitarian aid – and by thanking this Parliament, and in particular the DEVE Committee, for their substantial investment and deep understanding, for the dire humanitarian situation we are facing. Thank you for your critical support when it is most needed. I hope that this support is voiced again when this report is voted tomorrow.