EU global humanitarian response to reach €1.5 billion in 2022

On 17 January, the European Commission adopted its initial annual humanitarian budget of €1.5 billion for 2022. This funding will help those most affected worldwide by conflicts, violence, and natural disasters.

“Humanitarian needs are at an all-time high and continue to grow. This is mostly due to conflicts but increasingly due to global challenges like climate change and COVID-19,” said Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič. “Our humanitarian funding will allow the EU to do its part and continue to save lives and cover the basic needs of affected populations”. 

A total of €152 million from EU humanitarian aid in 2022 will fund projects in Southeast Europe and the European Neighbourhood, addressing crises in Ukraine, the Western Balkans and the Caucasus, as well as the effects of the Syria crisis in Turkey.

Ten per cent of the funding across all regions will be allocated to education in emergencies to allow children and youth to continue their schooling.

A total of €370 million from the €1.5 billion will be used for unanticipated crises or sudden peaks in existing crises, as well as other operations.

The EU has been providing humanitarian aid since 1992 in over 110 countries, reaching millions of people across the globe each year. EU assistance is delivered strictly through humanitarian partner organisations, including UN agencies, non-governmental organisations, and the Red Cross family.

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Press release