Introduction
Europe has a long tradition of humanitarian service and is renowned for the birthplace of many relief organizations. The European Commission (EC), the executive body of the European Union (EU), is the second biggest humanitarian assistance donor, and collectively with its Member States, the EU is the world’s largest donor of humanitarian aid, nearly half of all international humanitarian assistance. The EU receives the overwhelming support of European citizens in this area. According to the most recent Eurobarometer survey, nine out of ten EU citizens say it is important for the EU to fund humanitarian aid.
