The Council of the European Union has scheduled a meeting of the Working Party on Humanitarian Aid and Food Aid (Directors) for 7 and 8 July 2026 in Brussels, according to a notice of meeting and provisional agenda published on 24 June 2026. The two-day session will focus on EU humanitarian action, system-wide reform, and food security, with discussions on the Joint Communication on EU Humanitarian Action, an exchange with the ICRC Director General, and early action responses to shocks such as El Niño.
The meeting, to be held at the Justus Lipsius Building, will open on 7 July at 14:00 and continue until 18:15, resuming on 8 July from 10:15 to 13:15. Delegations are limited to 1+2 format and must register via the Delegates Portal. The agenda includes the adoption of the agenda, a presentation of the Trio Programme and Irish Presidency Priorities, and a session on humanitarian reset and system-wide reform. Two side events are planned: an evening event on 7 July and an informal breakfast with humanitarian INGOs on 8 July, with details to follow. Delegates without a Council badge must send their list to access.general@consilium.europa.eu.
The meeting brings together directors from EU member states to shape policy on humanitarian aid and food aid. Key stakeholders include EU member states, which will coordinate positions; the European Commission, which will present its Joint Communication; the ICRC, whose Director General will exchange views; and humanitarian INGOs, which will engage informally. The discussions are expected to influence EU funding priorities and operational approaches, particularly on early action and system reform. No legislative outcome is anticipated, but the meeting will set orientations for future Council conclusions and Commission proposals.