When you wake up in the morning and turn on your phone, what do you see immediately? A viral video. A new influencer. A global superstar filling stadiums from Paris to Buenos Aires.
We live in a world obsessed with fame — likes, views, and followers.
But somewhere else, at that exact same moment, something very different is happening.
In Gaza, a woman kneels beside a child, checking for a pulse. In Ukraine, a man unloads a box of medicine as bombs fall. In Sudan, an aid worker negotiates at a checkpoint so an ambulance can pass. In Afghanistan, a young woman risks her life to keep education for girls alive.
No cameras. No applause. No red carpets.
Some say we live in a time without heroes. I couldnt disagree more.
Look at the people here today – brave humanitarians. This is what a hero looks like: waking up every day knowing your work may put you in danger. Not for fame. Not for recognition.
But because someone is hungry. Someone is wounded. Someone needs help.
That is why today is about you: the humanitarian aid workers who protect others when everything else is falling apart.
I cannot think of a more noble calling.
Over the past year, as Commissioner for humanitarian aid, I have met your colleagues in Ukraine, Syria, Jordan, Bangladesh, Chad, Egypt, and Colombia.
I have watched them at work, so often tending to a child. A child who knows nothing about war or politics. Nothing about ceasefires, roadblocks, or the name of the hurricane. A child that simply says: “Im hungry. Im thirsty. Im afraid. Help me.”
And you help with whatever you have: a piece of bread, a cup of water, a sleeping bag, medicine. Small human gestures that change everything for another human being.
Today we honour you.
And yet, humanitarian workers are being killed, wounded, and kidnapped in record numbers. Last year was the deadliest year ever: 383 aid workers killed. This year has been almost as deadly, with 326 lives lost.
The world is failing humanitarian workers, and we have a responsibility to protect them.
For the European Union, protecting humanitarian workers is a top priority. And with attacks skyrocketing, this work is more urgent than ever.
The European Parliaments decision to nominate humanitarian aid workers in Palestine, and in all conflict zones, represented by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and UNRWA as finalists for the 2025 Sakharov Prize, sends a powerful message.
Your work reflects the values this Parliament was built to defend — in Gaza, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Sudan.
The European Union is not only funding humanitarian action, we are fighting to protect it.
That is why we created the Protect Aid Workers programme that provides emergency relocation, legal assistance, medical care, and psychosocial support.
It is our promise to you: your safety matters, and your rights matter.
So far, we have helped more than 400 humanitarian workers in their darkest moments, responding to over 200 security incidents across 17 countries.
Today, I am proud to announce that we are reinforcing this commitment with an additional €850,000 for 2025 and €3.5 million for 2026. This will allow us to reach more aid workers, respond faster, and stand even stronger beside those who work on the frontlines.
I intend to make our Protect Aid Workers programme a permanent EU tool.
But money alone will not solve this. We must also defend the rules that protect humanitarians. International Humanitarian Law must be respected.
An attack on an aid worker is not collateral damage. It is a war crime. And war crimes demand accountability.
The European Union has a unique role to play, not just to speak up, but to help set the rules.
That is why every year at the UN General Assembly, we keep the safety of humanitarian and medical workers high on the global agenda.
Just last week, the UN adopted — with an overwhelming majority — a resolution championed by the EU on the safety and security of humanitarian workers. A clear demonstration of European leadership.
And as a European Citizen, I am proud that this Parliament has nominated both humanitarian workers and journalists in conflict zones for next years Sakharov Prize.
They are our moral compass.
Dont let anyone tell you that heroes no longer exist. They are very much alive. They are here in this room. And they are at work right now in so many crises around the world.
Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your compassion. And thank you for showing up, day after day.
You are not alone. The European Union stands with you.
You are our heroes.