Highlights

© European Union
ECHO/Vicente Raimundo

The first Council meeting chaired by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton took place on 18 January. Development ministers were convened to an extraordinary session to coordinate the EU's humanitarian aid to Haiti following the recent devastating earthquake.

The immediate priority for the EU has been to deliver equipment to remove the debris and dispatch search and rescue teams. In view of the possible implications of the disaster, the current focus is to provide emergency health care, water and food, medical care, shelter and restore communications.

In the conclusions adopted at the meeting, the Council underlined the need for security on the ground to ensure safe and unhindered access of aid deliveries and emergency assistance. Another priority would be the reinforcement of Haiti's institutions to enable them to fulfil their basic governance functions.

The Council welcomed the European Commission’s commitment of a total of 30 million EUR in humanitarian assistance, and that of the Member States who have pledged a further 92 million EUR. In time, an additional financial contribution from the EU would amount to at least 200 million EUR.
The Council will continue to follow the situation in Haiti and provide further support, as necessary, in coordination with its international partners, in particular the UN and the USA.

More information:
Council conclusions 
Statement by Herman Van Rompuy 
Council webcast of press conference