EU increases humanitarian aid budget and directs part of funds to Ukraine

The European Commission has adopted a 2021 humanitarian budget of EUR 1.4 billion to respond to humanitarian needs that are exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic and global warming. The budget provides for the allocation of assistance to overcome crises in Ukraine, the Caucasus and the Western Balkans in the amount of EUR 28 million, The Journalist reported with reference to the press center of the European Union Delegation to Ukraine.

Overall, the budget has been increased by 60% compared to the previous year, when its total amount was EUR 900 million. The funds will be allocated as follows:

EUR 505 million will be allocated to respond to crises in Africa, crises related to food and nutrition, and crises caused by conflicts.

EUR 385 million will be allocated to the Middle East region and Turkey to meet the needs of those affected by the crisis in Syria and the extremely difficult situation in Yemen.

EUR 180 million will be allocated in humanitarian aid to help the most vulnerable populations in Asia and South America.

EUR 28 million will be allocated to finance projects to resolve crisis situations in Ukraine, the states of the Western Balkans and the Caucasus.

EUR 302 million will be allocated for EU humanitarian aviation services and unforeseen humanitarian crises or sudden exacerbations of existing crises.

As global warming increases the vulnerability of communities to humanitarian crises, funding aims to help better prepare for various natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes and cyclones among vulnerable populations in states where natural disasters occur.

“Humanitarian aid is aimed at saving lives. The gap between financial resources provided by donors and the skyrocketing humanitarian needs in 2021 is still widening,” said Janez Lenarcic, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

“We need to attract even more international partners so as not to leave anyone on the sidelines and fill this gap. We must remember that global challenges such as the coronavirus pandemic can only be tackled together.”

The European Union has provided humanitarian assistance to more than 110 countries since 1992. Humanitarian programs reach millions of people every year. The EU provides assistance through cooperation with international humanitarian organizations, in particular UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and the Red Cross network.