Once again an immense tragedy has hit Haiti which desperately needs swift, strong and coordinated support from the European Union and its Member States. 

 

The EU, founded on the principles of solidarity with third countries, as stated in art 3 and 21 of the TUE, shall help the Haiti population devastated by the earthquake. It must do this in the most effective way possible, together with other International organisations and the UN in particular.

 

Financial support is a crucial element and the European Commission's allocation of 3 million Euros for humanitarian aid should only be the first step. This financial aid on its own is not enough, much more can be done and must be done. The procedure to raise additional funds from the Emergency Aid Reserve should be launched immediately.

 

The High Representative shall take this occasion to assess, with the Council and the Commission, whether the Union's Civil Protection Mechanism and its Monitoring Information Centre should be further improved. A detailed report should be submitted to the European Parliament.

 

Further assessment should also be given to how Consular and diplomatic assistance has been provided to EU citizens in Haiti, and to how well the EU emergency plans in this region have worked (as foreseen by the 2006 Council Guidelines). Such assessment is foreseen by art. 23 TFUE.

 

It is of crucial importance that the EU action in this occasion should avoid the shortcomings encountered both after the Indonesian Tsunami and the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

 

Associated media

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