On 7 July 2026, the Irish-Lithuanian-Greek Presidency Trio of the Council of the European Union published a note outlining work priorities for the Working Party on Humanitarian Aid and Food Aid (COHAFA) for the 18-month period from 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2027. The priorities were established following the COHAFA Directors' meeting held on the same day and are annexed to the note, which was circulated to delegations by the Presidency and the General Secretariat of the Council.
The document sets the agenda for COHAFA, a Council working party that coordinates EU humanitarian aid policy and operations. The Trio's priorities will guide discussions and decisions on humanitarian assistance, food aid, and related crisis response during their joint presidency. The note does not specify the content of the priorities, but they are expected to address ongoing humanitarian crises, funding mechanisms, and coordination with international partners.
This is the first time in the last six months that the Council has published a forward-looking agenda for COHAFA, indicating a renewed focus on humanitarian aid policy. The Trio's work programme will shape EU humanitarian action until the end of 2027, affecting stakeholders including EU member states, humanitarian aid organisations, and beneficiary populations in crisis-affected regions. The Council is expected to follow up with more detailed proposals and decisions based on these priorities in the coming months.