European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on X that the EU will release €710 million (about $810 million) to support people affected by crises worldwide, with a particular focus on Africa.
Von der Leyen said in a video that “conflicts, extreme weather events and rising living costs are throwing the lives of many people around the world into disarray.” She added that the aid would “support displaced communities across Africa, as well as the communities that host them.”
The package, detailed in a European Commission press release, allocates €380 million to migration‑related measures in sub‑Saharan Africa, aimed at protecting vulnerable migrants, supporting voluntary return and reintegration. Another €97 million is earmarked for sub‑Saharan Africa to address worsening humanitarian needs caused by conflict, food insecurity, malnutrition and climate shocks across several regions, including a reinforcement of the response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring countries.
Additional allocations include €7.5 million for the DRC to support Ebola response and future preparedness, €10 million for peace and stability efforts in the Great Lakes region, €103 million for the Palestinian territories and Lebanon to aid vulnerable populations, and €52 million for Ukraine to provide humanitarian assistance and emergency preparedness.
The Commission also highlighted three new Global Gateway investments announced at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York: an EU guarantee to mobilise 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 to strengthen primary healthcare in Ethiopia.
Since the start of the year, the European Commission has allocated €2.5 million for humanitarian aid. The new €710 million package represents a significant increase in the EU’s global humanitarian response.
Observers note that the funding will be crucial for regions grappling with conflict and climate‑related challenges. The EU’s commitment underscores its role as a leading provider of international humanitarian assistance.
