The main vehicle for this policy is the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). Its actions are geared to fighting poverty, providing for the basic needs of the population, preserving the environment, gender equality and promoting sustainable development. In the case of humanitarian catastrophes such as famine, natural disaster or armed conflict, AECID also provides for the needs of the population with the aim of minimising personal impact.

In addition, Spain is an important member of supranational organisations such as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and has signed international agreements that are fundamental for the development of a humanitarian policy, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) declaration.

 
The Millennium Goals and the principles of effective aid are the overarching elements of the 2013-2016 Master Plan for Spanish Cooperation, which establishes development aid priorities. Spain will concentrate its efforts on 25 countries in three priority geographical areas: Latin America, North Africa and the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The overriding concern will be the consolidation of democratic processes and the rule of law, reducing inequality and of the vulnerability of extreme poverty and the promotion of the rights of women and gender equality.