Whenever there is a disaster or emergency anywhere, with people stricken by man-made and natural disasters, the EU provides humanitarian assistance to the affected countries and populations. 

From flood disasters to earthquakes, nutrition crises, water shortages and more, for over 30 years, working with partners, EU humanitarian aid has been saving lives and alleviating suffering worldwide. 

Twentieth Anniversary

This year’s World Humanitarian Day 2023 marks the twentieth anniversary a devastating event.

On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killed 22 humanitarian aid workers, including the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello.

The theme of this year’s campaign is No Matter What (#NoMatterWhat), reflecting the commitment of humanitarians helping the people they serve, despite the dangers. Below are five facts you need to know about EU Humanitarian aid.. 

Five Facts about EU Humanitarian Aid

1. It has been helping those most in need for 30 years.
2. It has reached millions of people in 110 countries across the world.
3. It is delivered by over 200 humanitarian organisations, including UN agencies and specialised agencies from EU countries.
4. It reached the budget of €1.7 billion for 2023 to help meet the growing humanitarian needs worldwide.
5. It has a field network of over 400 experts and offices in more than 40 countries.

See below for further information about the EU's contribution to humanitarian aid and to learn more about World Humanitarian Day. 

• Follow the link to learn more about the EU’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid programme
• Learn more from the UN about World Humanitarian Day 19 August 2023