European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an almost €710 million EU aid package for displaced people in sub-Saharan Africa and people affected by crises worldwide. Final budget approval is still pending for the €252 million humanitarian-aid allocation.
The package includes €380 million for migration-related measures in sub-Saharan African countries, including protecting vulnerable migrants, supporting voluntary return and reintegration, and responding to displacement. Another €7.5 million is planned for the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ebola response and long-term preparedness. Of the €252 million for urgent humanitarian needs, €97 million is intended for sub-Saharan Africa, €103 million for vulnerable populations in Palestine and Lebanon, and €52 million for Ukraine, including winter preparations, shelter, essential services and emergency energy assistance.
The Commission said the €97 million for sub-Saharan Africa would address needs linked to conflict, food insecurity, malnutrition and climate shocks. It described Palestine and Lebanon as facing an acute humanitarian emergency amid hostilities, large-scale displacement and pressure on essential services.
