Press Release: The Commission acquires an immediate response capability for dealing with humanitarian emergencies

On 6 June 2001 the European Commission adopted a new decision-making procedure covering 'primary emergency aid' which will enable it to respond immediately in future to emergency humanitarian situations, making it not only one of the biggest donors in the world, but also one of the fastest. The decision will allow the Commission to make a significant contribution to saving lives all over the world whenever disaster strikes and people are in great danger.