Leaders of EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway celebrated today the 25th anniversary of the European Economic Area, which brought these countries together as equal partners in the internal market, giving access to its four freedoms: of goods, persons, services and capital.

In 2017 every 2 seconds one person was forced to flee their home due to war, persecution or violence. With millions of people in need on a record high the European Union continues its work with partners around the world to address the humanitarian challenges and to provide long-term support. Last year, €2 billion of the EU's humanitarian budget was allocated to help displaced people and host communities in 49 countries. And EU Member States have granted protection to more than 538 000 people.