Programmes financed by ECHO

The European Union is one of the world’s largest providers of funds for humanitarian aid operations.
Since 1992, the Commission has financed relief projects in more than 140 countries, easing the suffering of millions of disaster victims in crisis zones outside the EU.

Within the Commission, the aid is managed by the Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO). Funds are allocated for vital goods and services including food, shelter, medical provisions, water supplies, sanitation and demining. Disaster preparedness and risk reduction projects in regions prone to natural catastrophes are also among the life-saving activities financed by the Commission.

Aid is channelled impartially to the affected populations, regardless of their race, ethnic group, religion, gender, age, nationality or political affiliation, through operational partners. Implementing partners include around 200 European non-governmental relief organisations, United Nations agencies and the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement.