EU provides 148m euro humanitarian aid package for Ukraine
The EU has announced a new package of 148 million euros in humanitarian aid for Ukraine and Moldova. The European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, Belgium's Hadja Lahbib, is visiting Ukraine to reinforce the EU's ongoing efforts to provide critical assistance.
Lahbib has been in Ukraine since Sunday. During her visit, she was due to meet president Volodymyr Zelensky and senior officials to discuss urgent humanitarian challenges and the strategic allocation of aid. She will also meet beneficiaries of EU humanitarian aid and local partners.
"As Russia continues its cruelty in the dead of winter, the EU is intensifying its support to keep the lights on and homes warm"
Of the new aid package of 148 million euros, 140 million is allocated for humanitarian projects in Ukraine, to support vulnerable populations in the regions of eastern and southern Ukraine heavily impacted by the Russian invasion.
The funding will be directed towards emergency assistance, including food, shelter, clean water, healthcare and winter protection.
The remaining 8 million is allocated for humanitarian projects in neighbouring Moldova, to help Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan host communities.
“As Russia continues its cruelty in the dead of winter, the EU is intensifying its support to keep the lights on and homes warm,” Lahbib said in a statement. “Our new funding of 148 million euros in humanitarian support is more powerful proof that we stand with Ukrainians in their hour of need.”
To date, the European Commission has allocated more than 1.1 billion euros for humanitarian aid, including today's 148 million euros. Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the EU has already sent 150,000 tonnes of equipment to the country.
EU Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality Hadja Lahbib © PHOTO NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP
Related news
