EU Releases €710m Humanitarian Aid Package for Crisis-Hit Regions

The European Union has announced the release of more than €710 million ($810 million) in humanitarian assistance to support people affected by conflicts, natural disasters, food insecurity and other crises around the world, with a major share allocated to sub-Saharan Africa.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the package on Saturday, September 27, 2026, following the cancellation of the Global Citizen Festival in New York, where she was scheduled to speak.

She said the funding would support displaced communities across Africa as well as communities hosting them, amid conflicts, extreme weather events and rising living costs.

According to the European Commission, €380 million ($430 million) will be allocated to migration-related programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. The funding will focus on protecting vulnerable migrants, supporting voluntary returns and helping migrants reintegrate into their communities.

Another €97 million ($110 million) will be used to address worsening humanitarian needs linked to conflict, food insecurity, malnutrition and climate-related shocks in several African regions.

Part of the funding will also support efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighbouring countries.

The DRC will receive an additional €7.5 million ($8.5 million) for Ebola response and preparedness, while €10 million ($11.5 million) will support efforts to promote peace and stability in the conflict-affected Great Lakes region.

The EU also announced that €103 million ($117 million) would go to vulnerable populations in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, while Ukraine would receive €52 million ($59 million) for humanitarian assistance and emergency preparedness.

The European Commission further announced three new Global Gateway investments, including support for health and nutrition businesses in sub-Saharan Africa, vaccine and biological medicines production in Colombia, and €60 million ($68 million) to strengthen primary healthcare in Ethiopia.

The Commission said it had allocated €2.5 billion ($3 billion) in humanitarian aid since the beginning of 2026.

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