The Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU has issued an indicative work programme for the Working Party on Humanitarian Aid and Food Aid (COHAFA) covering 1 July to 31 December 2026. The programme, outlined in a note from the Presidency and General Secretariat of the Council dated 7 July 2026, sets the agenda for COHAFA meetings during the second semester of Ireland's rotating presidency.
The work programme, presented following the COHAFA Directors' meeting on 7 July, will guide discussions on humanitarian aid and food aid policy, coordination, and operational responses. It reflects the Presidency's priorities for the semester, including crisis response, humanitarian access, and the nexus between humanitarian aid and development. The programme is addressed to delegations and serves as a planning tool for member states and the European Commission.
As the first COHAFA work programme under the Irish Presidency, it builds on previous presidencies' efforts to enhance EU humanitarian action. The programme does not specify exact meeting dates or agendas but indicates the thematic focus areas for the semester. Stakeholders, including EU member states, humanitarian NGOs, and international partners, will monitor how the Presidency balances urgent crises with longer-term resilience building.
The work programme is expected to be implemented through regular COHAFA meetings, with outcomes feeding into Council conclusions and operational decisions. The Irish Presidency will report on progress at the end of its term.