EU Allocates Over €710 Million in Humanitarian Aid for Crisis-Affected Regions

The European Union has pledged to release more than 710 million euros ($810 million) to assist people affected by crises, natural disasters, or conflicts worldwide, with a significant focus on Africa. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the funding in a post on her X account on Saturday, following the cancellation of New York’s Global Citizen Festival, where she was scheduled to speak. Von der Leyen stated, "Conflicts, extreme weather events and rising living costs are throwing the lives of many people around the world into disarray." The aid aims to support displaced communities across Africa, as well as the communities that host them. According to a European Commission press release, the aid package allocates 380 million euros ($430 million) for measures related to migration in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the protection of vulnerable migrants and support for voluntary return and reintegration. Additionally, 97 million euros ($110 million) is designated for sub-Saharan Africa to address worsening humanitarian needs caused by conflict, food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate shocks. The funding will also enhance the response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries. Specifically, 7.5 million euros ($8.5 million) will be allocated to support the Ebola crisis response and future preparedness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while 10 million euros ($11.5 million) will be directed towards promoting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region, which faces armed conflict, humanitarian crises, and environmental changes. The Palestinian territories and Lebanon will receive 103 million euros ($117 million) to support vulnerable populations, and Ukraine will receive 52 million euros ($59 million) for humanitarian assistance and emergency preparedness. The European Commission also announced three new Global Gateway investments at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York last week, including an EU guarantee to mobilize private investment in health and nutrition businesses in sub-Saharan Africa, an EU-backed European Investment Bank loan to expand vaccine and biological medicines production in Colombia, and 60 million euros ($68 million) to strengthen primary healthcare in Ethiopia. Since the beginning of the year, the European Commission has allocated 2.5 million euros ($3 million) for humanitarian aid.