As the US began attacks on Iraq, the European Commission appealed for Eur 100 million ($106.2 million) in emergency humanitarian aid to alleviate the effects of war on the Iraqi people. Aid chief Poul Nielson said that the EC had set aside Eur 21 million ($22.3 million) from its existing aid budget, but called on the European Parliament and EU states to authorise an urgent release of additional funds. Nielson emphasised the importance of swift access to victims of the conflict for aid agencies.