European Parliament Calls on EU to Condemn Attacks on Aid Workers and Address Global Humanitarian Funding Shortfalls

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling on the European Union to take a firmer stance on violations of international humanitarian law, including the obstruction of aid delivery and the killing of humanitarian workers. The resolution, passed by a show of hands at plenary, also addresses mounting concern over a global humanitarian and development funding crisis.

Resolution Follows Joint Communication on Humanitarian Aid

The parliamentary resolution was prompted by the publication on 27 May 2026 of a joint communication by the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, entitled 'Defending values, driving reform, delivering impact: the EU's humanitarian action in a shifting global order'. The motion for a resolution on that joint communication was subsequently adopted by the Parliament's plenary.

Violations of International Humanitarian Law

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) condemned in clear terms the obstruction of humanitarian aid and the use of aid delivery to advance military agendas. They also condemned what they described as the politicisation of humanitarian assistance through the severe restriction of access to life-saving aid.

The resolution further condemns the increase in attacks on and killing of humanitarian workers in conflict areas. MEPs reiterated that intentional attacks against personnel involved in a humanitarian assistance mission constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law (IHL).

The European Commission and EU member states should, according to the resolution, unequivocally condemn the killing of humanitarian workers and invest in the investigation and prosecution of those responsible. Parliament also called on the EU to strengthen its capacity to monitor and document violations of IHL, including through support for independent accountability mechanisms and cooperation with international investigative bodies.

Global Funding Crisis and Shifting Donor Priorities

The resolution reflects the Parliament's concerns about a global humanitarian and development funding crisis. MEPs expressed particular concern over decisions by key donors — including several EU member states — to reduce their aid budgets.

Parliament also flagged the risk that growing geopolitical competition and shifting donor priorities may divert attention and resources away from the world's least developed and most fragile countries. MEPs insisted that the quality and accountability of EU humanitarian assistance are of key importance, and that any humanitarian reforms must be needs-based, results-driven, and focused on effectiveness and real impact.

Displaced Populations and Durable Solutions

On the issue of displacement, MEPs called on the Commission and member states to increase their support both for displaced populations and for the communities that host them. Parliament stressed the need to invest in durable solutions and self-reliance, and to ensure that responses to protracted displacement caused by humanitarian crises bridge humanitarian, development, and peace action.

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