Drought is a sustained and regionally extensive occurrence of below average natural water availability. Drought affects all components of the water cycle from a deficit in soil moisture, through reduced groundwater recharge and levels, and to low streamflows or dried up rivers. It is a reoccurring and worldwide phenomenon, with spatial and temporal characteristics that vary significantly from one region to another. Drought has wide ranging social, environmental and economic impacts. The most severe social consequences of drought are, however, found in arid or semi-arid regions where the availability of water is already low under normal conditions. Drought should not be confused with aridity, which is a permanent feature of a dry climate. Neither with water scarcity which implies a long-term imbalance of available water resources and demands. Drought research and operational applications have been lagging behind the development in flood related areas. There is thus an urgent need to address emerging issues in drought research and management. The EDC will in this respect interact with the scientific and operational communities as well as policy makers and society to raise the awareness of the drought hazard.