New 148M euro EU humanitarian aid package for Ukraine

New European Commission funding totalling 148 million euro will be used to provide life-saving support and ensure that essential aid reaches the most vulnerable populations in Ukraine, the European Commission (EC) said on January 13.

“As Russia’s war of aggression continues to devastate Ukraine, approximately 12.7 million people are in need of urgent assistance,” the EC said.

The 148 million euro in new funding will continue to support vital humanitarian aid in both Ukraine and Moldova, and will bring the total of humanitarian aid allocated by the European Commission to more than 1.1 billion euro.

Of the new package, 140 million euro is allocated for humanitarian projects in Ukraine.

The funding will be directed towards emergency assistance, including food, shelter, clean water, healthcare, and winter protection.

Key priorities are supporting vulnerable populations in the heavily war impacted regions of eastern and southern Ukraine.

Eight million euro is allocated for humanitarian projects in Moldova. Support will focus on aiding Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan host communities, prioritising cash assistance, access to critical services like healthcare and education, and psychosocial support.

On January 13, European Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality Hadja Lahbib is visiting Ukraine to reinforce the EU’s ongoing efforts to provide critical assistance.

During the visit, Lahbib is expected to meet with key Ukrainian leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior officials, to discuss urgent humanitarian challenges and the strategic allocation of EU aid.

She will also meet with beneficiaries of EU humanitarian aid and local partners.

Since the beginning of the Russian aggression, the EU has been coordinating its largest ever operation under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, delivering more than 150 000 tons of in-kind assistance into Ukraine, the EC said.

The EU has also deployed assistance from its rescEU stockpiles, including, power generators, medical equipment, temporary shelters, and water treatment stations to Ukraine.

(Photo: EC Audiovisual Service)

The Sofia Globe staff

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