From January to March 2006, the South American nation of Bolivia was hit by a series of floods, hail, snow and heavy frosts.  A quarter of a million people were affected by these disasters. The victims were especially vulnerable because Bolivia is the poorest country in Latin America. To make matters even worse, the victims were largely ignored by the outside media.  A local spokesman for Lutheran World Relief lamented, “This is one of the situations that we call a forgotten emergency…Few people were even aware that it was happening.” 1

Bolivia did, however, receive aid from one unlikely source: The European Union provided a €1 million (US$1.2 million) relief package, directed to the most vulnerable people in the most remote areas. The Bolivian government was especially grateful to receive such aid from the EU, given that Bolivia is located on the other side of the world and has almost no strategic importance to the EU, ranking only 138th among EU trade partners. 2

Amazingly, the EU provides 57% of all annual foreign aid to Bolivia. This assistance is a proud testament to the noble ideals of the new Europe.  Within just a few decades, as they join together in peace, these nations have become the leading providers of humanitarian aid to other countries. Indeed, the EU provides more foreign aid as a percentage of income than any country outside Europe and ranks consistently at the top of indices of national generosity. The EU has consequently earned a position of great esteem and trust among other nations.