The European Commission has adopted the mid-term review that looks at the implementation of the 2007 Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, which sets out the EU's common vision, approach and driving principles in humanitarian action. Achievements to date are analysed, and further efforts are outlined, with the goal that the EU remains a world leader in the provision of effective humanitarian aid.

Despite the economic difficult situation Europe is going through, European citizens continue to overwhelmingly support EU humanitarian action around the world. For this reason, the European Commission maintains its commitment to get the most from each Euro spent within EU humanitarian aid policy. Humanitarian actors are confronted with the need to respond to crises of rising frequency and magnitude, exacerbated by natural disasters and recurring violence.

Within this context, the 2007 Consensus on Humanitarian Aid codifies the principles that drive EU's action, while its accompanying action plan specifies a set of practical measures, with the aim that the world's largest donor of humanitarian aid keeps on respondong to these growing needs in the best possible way.

The review finds that over the past three years, the EU has progressed substantially in implementing these documents. The EU has acted decisively and swiftly to alleviate deteriorating humanitarian situations and to respond to major disasters. It has also managed to mitigate the human costs of prolonged humanitarian crises.

However, there is scope for improvement namely regarding better coordination of EU efforts where improvement is both possible and desirable, most notably between Member States and the Commission. A recent example of action in this regard is the Commission's proposal to reinforce the disaster response capacity of the EU.

From relief actions to long-term development aid approach

The Commission proposes a number of measures and priorities for the coming years, including more targeted efforts to ensure the transition from relief to long-term development aid. The update of EU's ambitions will allow the European Commission and Member States-the world's largest humanitarian aid donor- to keep their promise of solidarity, and to fulfil their responsibility to those in need.

Further steps are also needed to ensure the long-term commitment of aid donors. Aid budgets are under increasing pressure across the EU; this creates a double challenge – first, to ensure the efficient use of limited resources, and second, to secure adequate funding for growing humanitarian needs. Finally, the mid-term review identifies the need for additional efforts to protect humanitarian space and to ensure that humanitarian actors can access people in need in a safe and efficient manner.