"I wish there was less need for such aid. But I realize that this might be wishful thinking," he told a debate on crisis management organised by the European Commission Representation in Slovenia, the STA and the Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia.

Lenarčič pointed out that climate change would increase the intensity and frequency of natural disasters. "Without action, the consequences of these phenomena will be unmanageable."

He plans to actively support the ambition of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to make the Commission "more geopolitical," which means more integrated internally and more ambitious in the world.

The crisis management portfolio, which has 900 employees, will have EUR 11 billion available in the next multiannual financial framework, of which EUR 4 billion will be set aside for civil protection mechanisms.

In principle the aid is available to people in need outside the EU, helping make the bloc the biggest donor of humanitarian and development assistance.

The provision of humanitarian aid is associated with migrations since humanitarian crises accelerate migrations whereas rapid and effective aid reduces migration pressure.

But Lenarčič pointed out that these funds may not become a mechanism for managing migrations. "Those who need aid must get it."

Turning to Slovenia, Lenarčič described it as a "humanitarian superpower" which has some of the highest per capita spending on humanitarian aid. It is also among the leaders in civil protection.