The European Commission announced an initial humanitarian pledge of over €2.3 billion for 2025 to address urgent global crises at the European Humanitarian Forum concluded today in Brussels. These include the humanitarian impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the humanitarian situation across the Middle East, particularly Gaza, and the escalating crisis in Sudan.
The Forum took place against the backdrop of record humanitarian needs, driven by ongoing armed conflicts, climate-related disasters, and food insecurity. Over 305 million people around the world currently require urgent humanitarian assistance. In this challenging context, the EU and its Member States at the Forum pledged to boost humanitarian diplomacy, strengthen respect for International Humanitarian Law, and foster an integrated response to fragility.
The EU is now the world’s leading humanitarian donor and a key advocate for principled humanitarian action.
Key commitments
The Forum reaffirmed the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as needed and underscored the urgent need for sustained international humanitarian engagement.
Regarding Gaza, participants stressed the critical importance of unimpeded humanitarian access. Indications of a limited restart of aid by Israel were acknowledged, but what is needed is large-scale, sustained distribution of life-saving assistance, including the immediate restoration of essential services such as electricity for water desalination.
The crisis in Sudan—now the world’s largest displacement emergency—was also highlighted, with participants calling for more effective, coordinated responses to meet growing needs and address the regional spillover effects of the ongoing conflict.
Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said: ‘This year’s European Humanitarian Forum has once again demonstrated that the EU and its Member States are not only leading donors but also leading voices for principled, predictable and sustainable humanitarian action. We are taking concrete steps to promote humanitarian diplomacy, strengthen protection for civilians, and work more efficiently and effectively in fragile contexts. Our message is clear: humanity, solidarity, and the rule of law must remain at the heart of global humanitarian efforts.’
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland Radosław Sikorski said, ‘This year’s European Humanitarian Forum took place at the defining moment for the global humanitarian system. 2025 is a test for our humanity and international solidarity. We cannot shy away from bold decisions to deliver humanitarian assistance faster and smarter to those in need. The Polish Presidency, with its focus on building resilience, is seeking solutions to deliver on Europe’s commitment as a global donor and reaffirm our engagement in the multilateral system.’
Background
The Forum brought together participants from across the humanitarian community, including EU Member States, international partners, civil society, and local actors. Strategic discussions focused on upholding humanitarian principles, ensuring access to affected populations, and strengthening the effectiveness and sustainability of humanitarian responses.
Sessions emphasized the importance of local leadership in fragile contexts, enhanced protection efforts, and the need to bridge short-term relief with long-term recovery. In a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment, the Forum also supported the UN-led reform initiatives—such as the Humanitarian Reset and UN80—to ensure that the humanitarian system remains responsive, inclusive, and fit for purpose.
The Forum also marked a renewed EU commitment to addressing the root causes and impacts of fragility. The European Commission announced plans to develop by 2026 an integrated approach to fragility, combining humanitarian, development, and peace efforts to better respond to the needs of vulnerable populations and support long-term resilience.
