This issue of VOICE OUT LOUD examines NGOs' perspectives on their national governments' policies and practices. Humanitarian aid professionals from VOICE member organisations in Spain, France, Ireland, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Denmark discuss the impacts of their governments' policies on their operational work as well as on their advocacy efforts. By bringing together these NGOs' points of view, the common challenges that they face become clearer. At the same time, it is impressive to learn about their shared progress in gaining recognition from their governments, the EU institutions and the wider public through high quality humanitarian aid together with effective policy advocacy. Through these country perspectives, the writers illustrate what is at stake for humanitarian NGOs and why national governments can and should support their work.