Europe

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CRS in Europe

While Catholic Relief Services began its humanitarian work in Europe in 1943 in the midst of World War II, the agency’s presence gradually phased out as war-affected countries recovered. With the break-up of the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia in the early 1990s, CRS re-established its presence across a number of countries in Eastern Europe and the Caucuses. Primary focus areas included the provision of emergency relief in those countries that suffered from armed conflict (e.g. Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, and Armenia) and the strengthening of civil society systems and structures.

Today, CRS continues to demonstrate the solidarity of the American people across the region, with a focus on Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Macedonia, Greece, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, and Armenia. A core focus of CRS' humanitarian work in Europe is to help national Caritas structures (many of which were only created after the fall of communism in the early 1990s) strengthen their capacities to better serve the poor and marginalized in their communities. CRS also helps our Caritas partners to respond to a range of disasters, both natural and man-made. 

As you explore the countries in which CRS works, we hope you see the tremendous potential behind the programs, stories and especially the people we’re privileged to serve.