The European Union has pledged over 710 million euros ($810m) to aid people affected by crises, natural disasters, and conflicts worldwide, with a sharp focus on Africa. The announcement came from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday via her X account, after she canceled an appearance at New York’s Global Citizen Festival.
“Conflicts, extreme weather events and rising living costs are throwing the lives of many people around the world into disarray,” von der Leyen said in a video. The funds aim to support displaced communities across Africa and those hosting them, addressing urgent humanitarian needs.
A European Commission press release detailed how 380 million euros ($430m) will go towards migration-related efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. This funding focuses on protecting vulnerable migrants, supporting voluntary return, and reintegration. An additional 97 million euros ($110m) targets worsening conditions caused by conflict, food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate shocks in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will receive 7.5 million euros ($8.5m) to respond to the ongoing Ebola outbreak and strengthen future preparedness. Ten million euros ($11.5m) will support efforts to promote peace and stability in the Great Lakes region, which faces armed conflict, humanitarian crises, and environmental challenges.
Beyond Africa, the Palestinian territories and Lebanon are set to receive 103 million euros ($117m) to assist vulnerable populations. Ukraine will get 52 million euros ($59m) for humanitarian aid and emergency preparedness.
Alongside the humanitarian aid, the European Commission announced Global Gateway investments at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York last week. These include an EU guarantee to attract private investment in health and nutrition businesses in sub-Saharan Africa, a European Investment Bank loan to expand vaccine and biological medicine production in Colombia, and 60 million euros ($68m) to strengthen primary healthcare in Ethiopia.
Since the start of the year, the Commission said it had allocated 2.5 million euros ($3m) for humanitarian aid.
Von der Leyen’s announcement comes as conflicts and climate events continue to disrupt millions of lives worldwide, with the EU stepping up efforts to respond in multiple regions. The funds highlight the European Union’s focus on migration, crisis response, and health investment amid growing global humanitarian demands.
According to Joy Online.
