Each time a large crisis strikes, the need to link humanitarian aid and development (LRRD) appears on the political agenda. At EU level, Communications in 1996 and 2001 aimed to improve this link but tangible progress remains limited. After the recent Horn of Africa famine, LRRD appeared again as a priority for the humanitarian and development departments in the European institutions and member states. Moreover, the EU is working on its long-term policy and funding priorities for 2014-2020, which should take LRRD into account.

(Brussels 14/05/2012) Fewer countries will receive EU aid in the future, with EU member states endorsing a new plan to shift bilateral aid away from many middle income countries and open up the private sector to development aid funds. The agreement was made by national government ministers at a Foreign Affairs Council today in Brussels.

In the aftermath of the devastating January 12th 2010 earthquake in Haiti, its president and prime minister have called for building a "new Haiti." International NGO platforms from the Americas and Europe-together with their partners in Haitian civil society-stand ready to work in a multi-stakeholder framework to play their part in this important undertaking with the Haitian people.

Principles Governing Involvement in Haiti Recovery, Reconstruction and Development

The European Commission

3. There should be a Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Assistance who is in a position to promote the interest of EU development and humanitarian aid policies within the College of Commissioners and towards the Council.

4. The Commissioner should be responsible for policy formulation, programming of the use of the EU's cooperation with all developing countries and of the implementation of development and humanitarian aid policies in order to end the inconsistencies caused

As Development Ministers prepare to meet in Brussels next week, the report shows that European governments will not meet their 2010 aid target until 2012 unless serious action is taken now. Many governments are still inflating their aid levels by counting

The Irish overseas aid budget was cut by €45 million in July 2008, a further €15 million in October, and by €95 million in February of this year. Today's announcement takes another €100 million off the budget.

"Today's Budget means that in the first four months of 2009 aid spending has been cut by €195 million, or 21.8% of the projected total for the year. Despite what the government