In implementing this Regulation, coherence and complementarity shall be ensured with other instruments and areas of Union external action and with other relevant Union policies, in particular humanitarian aid policy, development cooperation policy and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, while avoiding duplication and overlap, and recognising that humanitarian aid is governed by the humanitarian aid principles referred to in Article 5(1) of this Regulation. Particular attention shall be paid to ensure smooth transition between relief, rehabilitation and development.

The Commission and the Member States shall cooperate to achieve efficiency and effectiveness, by ensuring consistency and coherence between relevant national volunteering schemes and the actions under the EU Aid Volunteers initiative. Those actions shall build on relevant good practices and existing programmes and, where appropriate, make use of established European networks.

The Union shall foster cooperation with relevant international organisations, and other humanitarian partners and local and regional actors, in implementing the actions under the EU Aid Volunteers initiative.

In promoting a coherent international response to humanitarian crises, the actions under the EU Aid Volunteers initiative shall be in accordance with those undertaken by the United Nations, in order to support the central and overall coordinating role of UN-OCHA.