The European Commission confirms that it is fully prepared to respond to humanitarian needs stemming from the fighting and its aftermath, following the dramatic events in Libya with the speedy progress of National Transition Council troops into Tripoli.

The European Union has repeatedly reiterated its commitment to deliver humanitarian assistance to all Libyans and people in need in an impartial and non-discriminatory manner. One example is the humanitarian aid delivered to Misrata last April. Out of the €80 million which the European Commission has allocated to respond to the Libyan conflict, funding of €10 million was reserved to provide assistance once Tripoli and the coastal cities opened up for delivery of relief.

The High Representative and Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton stated on 23 August that the EU is committed to use all instruments at its disposal to play its full part in supporting the country's reconstruction and development. Kristalina Georgieva, the European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response also added that the Commission has been planning for this event for months now. They have prepositioned humanitarian stocks in the accessible zones of Libya and have coordinated all efforts with their humanitarian partners.

The European Union commitment to deliver humanitarian assistance to all Libyans is evident in the fact that the EU is the largest donor in this emergency, with over €150 million worth of humanitarian aid. Throughout the crisis, the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) has constantly coordinated its work through its experts on the ground and through its humanitarian partners which include the International Committee of the Red Cross, UN agencies and NGOs. This coordination can now ensure the rapid and effective scaling up and delivery of aid to all parts of Libya.