An EU Humanitarian Partnership Certificate is awarded to organisations that, as a result of the positive assessment of their partnership application (more information on the application process can be found on the page ‘Become a DG ECHO Partner’), are considered suitable to apply for EU funding for the implementation of humanitarian aid actions.

Depending on the type of application submitted and on the type of partnership expected, the certificates that can be awarded to the Humanitarian Organisations are the following:

Awarded to all eligible non-profit-making autonomous non-governmental organisations that applied for standard partnership.

Awarded to successful applicant niche organisations, defined as non-profit-making autonomous non-governmental organisations providing specialised capabilities in support of humanitarian aid operations (e.g. map-making, mine-clearance, telecommunications, organisations offering specialised humanitarian transport services).

Awarded to organisations, which are non-profit-making autonomous non-governmental organisations with which DG ECHO may potentially establish programmatic partnerships (to be designed in support and for the implementation of innovative ways of working). Certified potential programmatic partners can apply for funding as standard partners as well.

The Certificates state that the organisation fulfils the conditions to apply for EU humanitarian funding.

For more information on the certification process and outcome and on the notions of partner, co-partner and implementing partner, see below the Guidance issued by the Commission.

They identify the basic principles and obligations that the certified organisation commits to (e.g. respect of the relevant EU, international and national law, commitment to humanitarian principles, coherence with EU policies on transparency and accountability, etc.) and set the minimum standards for the preparation and implementation of humanitarian actions.

Moreover, they define the duties of the certified organisation to ensure compliance with the conditions for the partnership for its entire duration, in particular regarding significant changes in the organisation’s set up, full respect and appropriate communication of the principles of the Certificate, exchange of information, promotion (through visibility and communication activities) of the partnership and of  EU humanitarian funding.

The Certificate will last seven years: from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2027. However, organisations may apply at any time.

Furthermore, it may be decided to award a provisional certificate if some weaknesses are identified in the rules and procedures of the applicant, at application stage. A provisional certificate is valid for one year: the certified partner will need to provide evidence that the weaknesses identified at application stage have been addressed before being awarded a fully-fledged certificate.