The European Commission has announced almost €710 million in new EU crisis aid for people affected by conflicts, displacement, natural disasters and other emergencies around the world, with most of the funding directed towards Africa.
The package was announced on Saturday by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“Conflicts, extreme weather and rising living costs are disrupting the lives of many around the globe,” von der Leyen said.
Most of the EU crisis aid will go to Africa
The largest part of the package is €380 million in additional migration-related financing for Sub-Saharan Africa in 2026.
Of this, €240 million will finance the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration programme, while another €140 million will support measures including migration management, protection for displaced people and host communities, services for refugees and employment-related skills development.
According to the announcement reported by Yle, the funding is intended to protect vulnerable migrants, support voluntary returns and reintegration, strengthen migration governance and respond to forced displacement.
A further €10 million will support peace and stability efforts in the Great Lakes region of Central Africa.
€252 million for humanitarian emergencies
The package also includes €252 million from the EU’s Emergency Aid Reserve, subject to approval by the EU budgetary authority.
Of this amount, €97 million is intended for humanitarian needs in Sub-Saharan Africa, including those caused by conflict, food insecurity, malnutrition and climate-related shocks. Part of the funding will also support the response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries.
Another €103 million will go to vulnerable populations in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, where conflict and displacement have put essential services under increasing pressure.
Ukraine will receive €52 million, including funding for shelter, essential services, energy-related emergency assistance and preparations for the coming winter.
As DR reported, the announcement comes as the United Nations holds its annual General Assembly in New York, with humanitarian aid, conflicts and climate-related emergencies among the issues under discussion.
