The recent conflict has added to the hardship of a million already displaced Iraqis and over 218 000 Syrian refugees.

The Commission is concerned by the deteriorating humanitarian situation. It has stepped up its assistance: with a surge in its funding for relief operations, a humanitarian air bridge to bring in-kind assistance and presence on the ground.

Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva has been to the country twice in recent months: in March and August, to discuss the emergency with the authorities, humanitarian organisations and community leaders and to express Europe's solidarity with the victims.

Through a humanitarian air bridge, coordinated by the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, EU in-kind assistance is reaching the people in need on the ground. The United Kingdom has sent kitchen sets for the displaced Iraqis while Sweden and Italy have provided tents, blankets and other in-kind assistance. Several Member States stand ready to deploy humanitarian experts to support the United Nations' immediate relief operations on the ground.

EU experts are ensuring coordination with partner organisations from the Commission's humanitarian office in Erbil (opened in May).

The Commission's total humanitarian funding for Iraq is €17 million in 2014 so far.