Record number of Europeans support EU humanitarian aid in spite of hardship at home

Public support for humanitarian aid has gone up in the European Union in spite of the economic crisis. This is one of the key findings of the latest Eurobarometer survey on humanitarian aid and civil protection.

Almost nine out of 10 citizens (88%) believe it is important for the European Union to continue funding humanitarian aid, a rise of nine percentage points since the last survey in 2010. Almost as many, 84%, support maintaining humanitarian aid funding in spite of the current economic crisis and pressures on public finances.

"Even in times of hardship, the EU public still supports us in helping people around the world who through no fault of their own find themselves in dire need – and that support has strengthened over the last two years," said Kristalina Georgieva, European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response.

"I'm proud for Europe that there is such a strong commitment and support for humanitarian aid and civil protection despite the difficulties we face today. We do not take such generosity for granted. It is our duty to do our utmost to deliver aid and protection in a compassionate, professional and efficient way," the Commissioner added.

This year the European Commission marks the 20th anniversary of delivering humanitarian aid through ECHO, its humanitarian aid and civil protection department. The EU as a whole – the European Commission together with the Member States – is the world's leading humanitarian aid donor.
(EU Neighbourhood Info)