On 27 May 2026, Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib presented a new Communication on Humanitarian Aid, also on behalf of High Representative Kaja Kallas, calling for a 'revolution' in EU humanitarian action to address unprecedented global needs. The Communication is built on three priorities: protect humanitarian access and international humanitarian law; improve system performance through supply chain reforms and cash assistance; and strengthen partnerships, including with local actors and development actors.
Lahbib noted that nearly 240 million people now need humanitarian aid, eight times more than 20 years ago, and that there are around 130 active conflicts worldwide. She stressed that the EU, as the world's largest humanitarian donor, must change how it operates to be more efficient, faster, and closer to those in need.
Under the 'protect' priority, the Communication aims to strengthen EU humanitarian diplomacy, ensure better coordination between the Commission, the European External Action Service, and EU Special Representatives, and launch a global programme to protect aid workers. Lahbib also announced SHIELD (Sexual and Reproductive Health in Emergencies and Life in Dignity) to improve access to sexual and reproductive healthcare in crises.
For the 'perform' priority, the Communication proposes reforming humanitarian supply chains, which account for 60-80% of spending, by pooling procurement, warehouses, and cargo, and using AI. It also scales up cash assistance, which reaches 30% more people than in-kind aid, and sets a target of 25% localisation by 2027, more than double the current level.
Under 'partner', Lahbib emphasised the need to better connect humanitarian action with development and peace, citing an integrated EU approach to fragility. She highlighted the example of Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, where EU development funding supports local farmers who then supply food to Rohingya refugees. The Communication also calls for new alliances with third-country donors, international organisations, financial institutions, and the private sector.
Lahbib framed the Communication as a test of European principles, referencing Robert Schuman's vision 75 years ago and arguing that solidarity and multilateralism remain at the core of the EU project. She noted that nine out of ten Europeans are proud of the EU's humanitarian role.
No prior coverage of this Communication exists in recent months, making this the first major policy announcement on humanitarian aid under the current Commission.
Stakeholder impacts
The push for localisation and pooled logistics may reduce their operational autonomy but could lower costs and improve efficiency. The 25% localisation target by 2027 will require significant changes in how international partners design and report on funding proposals.
Increased direct funding and capacity-building should empower local organisations, bringing aid closer to communities and strengthening local economies. However, they may face administrative burdens in meeting new reporting requirements.
Reforms aimed at cutting waste in supply chains and scaling up cash assistance could improve value for money, with every euro saved redirected to direct aid. However, the overall budget for humanitarian aid is not increased in the Communication, so efficiency gains are critical.
The global programme to protect aid workers, including security training and support for victims of attacks, addresses rising violence. Over 300 aid workers were killed last year, mostly local staff. The SHIELD initiative also targets gender-based violence, which disproportionately affects women and children in crises.