eu can aid (formerly Europe-Third World) is based on the understanding of the imbalance between North and South and of the injustice that this imbalance creates for those affected. These same guiding principles remain as valid today and underpin its daily work.

The origins of the association lie in the creation, in 1961, of the “Staff Committee for the Campaign Against Hunger” by staff representative organisations of the European institutions. The task of this Committee was to collect funds to help vulnerable people. The Committee’s mandate ran until the end of 1967. However, those involved wanted to continue what had been started and set up a permanent organisation.

It was decided, therefore, to found a new, independent body under Belgian law and dedicated to development aid. The name “Europe-Third World” was chosen at the founding meeting on 9 November 1967 and it was changed into eu can aid on 21 March 2013.