Its a pleasure to be here today to discuss this crucial topic. I want to thank DEVE Chair Barry Andrews and the Committee for your invitation.
Recently, I visited Ukraine, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. I met people, heard their stories, and saw their significant needs. I also witnessed the European Unions efforts to aid those in distress, providing education and hope for children.
Returning to Brussels, I carry the voices of these people, with one clear message: “We are grateful for all the humanitarian support from the European Union.” However, they need more than just aid. Sustainable solutions, resilience, and self-sufficiency are essential.
Humanitarian aid is vital but not sufficient for sustainable solutions. We must support people and communities in a coordinated and comprehensive manner, working as one Team Europe.
This is how we can have the greatest impact, mitigating global crises, which is also beneficial for Europe.
Today, we face the most severe crises since World War II. While many begin outside Europe, they have significant implications for the EU. Special advisor Niinisto highlighted this in his report.
Fragile contexts hold a quarter of the worlds population but 73% of those in extreme poverty. Climate change affects low-income countries more than developed ones. Despite this, fragile contexts receive less private investment and climate finance.
Inaction has costs: humanitarian needs, European security risks, and geopolitical imbalances, allowing powers like Russia and China to benefit from perceived EU disengagement.
Fragile contexts require strong EU cooperation and a long-term vision. This is why President Von der Leyen tasked me with developing an integrated approach to fragility, linking urgent relief to long-term solutions.
We must act now, prioritizing the most vulnerable and addressing global crises. Im committed to quick, decisive action.
- Creating a framework for quick EU crisis responses, aligning policies with Member States.
- Ensuring consistency between global policies, regional engagement, and country-specific responses.
- Identifying tools for the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, assessing our toolbox, and suggesting adjustments.
- Continuing EU humanitarian aid with independent action in fragile countries.
- Increasing investment in disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
- Tailoring approaches to specific needs, recognizing no one-size-fits-all solution.
- Improving accountability and monitoring progress.
We will build on the previous Commissions best practices in the nexus approach, addressing priorities like social safety nets in Pakistan and displacement in Ethiopia.
Success requires everyones involvement. Im pleased to collaborate with Commissioner Síkela, High Representative Kallas, and others, including Commissioner Hoekstra on climate finance. We will work with the European Parliament and Member States as the strategy develops. Todays exchange enriches our approach.