BRUSSELS — The European Union pledged more than 710 million euros ($810 million) to support populations affected by crises, natural disasters and conflicts globally, with a substantial portion directed toward Africa. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the commitment Saturday, following the cancellation of the Global Citizen Festival in New York, where she was scheduled to speak.
"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 statement. The aid package "will support displaced communities across Africa, as well as the communities that host them."
According to the European Commission, 380 million euros ($430 million) from the package will fund migration-related measures in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically aimed at protecting vulnerable migrants and supporting voluntary return and reintegration efforts. An additional 97 million euros ($110 million) targets escalating humanitarian needs in sub-Saharan Africa, addressing conflict, food insecurity, malnutrition and climate shocks.
The EU will deploy 7.5 million euros ($8.5 million) to the Democratic Republic of Congo for immediate Ebola response and future preparedness. Another 10 million euros ($11.5 million) will support peace and stability initiatives in the Great Lakes region, where armed conflict and humanitarian crises persist.
Outside Africa, the Palestinian territories and Lebanon will receive 103 million euros ($117 million). Ukraine is allocated 52 million euros ($59 million) for humanitarian assistance and emergency preparedness.
The European Commission also announced three new Global Gateway infrastructure investments during the U.N. General Assembly in New York last week. One investment is an EU guarantee designed to mobilize private capital for health and nutrition businesses across sub-Saharan Africa. A second involves a European Investment Bank loan to expand vaccine and biological medicines production in Colombia. The third allocates 60 million euros ($68 million) to strengthen primary healthcare services in Ethiopia.
