The European Union has unveiled an initial humanitarian assistance package worth €1.9 billion for 2025, aimed at addressing escalating humanitarian crises across Africa and the Middle East.
Of this funding, €510 million will be directed towards Nigeria and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with a strong emphasis on areas experiencing severe instability.
The European Commission made the announcement on Thursday, detailing how the funds will be distributed across various regions.
The allocation includes support for West and Central Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad basin, North-West Nigeria, Central Africa, the Great Lakes region, and the Greater Horn of Africa.
These areas are facing mounting humanitarian challenges, including armed conflicts, displacement, and extreme weather conditions, all contributing to the vulnerability of over 300 million people expected to require aid in 2025.
EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, underscored the urgent need for both financial support and the adherence to international humanitarian law to ensure that aid reaches those most in need.
Lahbib emphasized that while funding is critical, safe and unimpeded access to vulnerable populations is equally essential to effectively address the humanitarian crises.
“With more than 300 million people needing humanitarian assistance in 2025, the EU is upholding its commitment to help those most in need as a leading humanitarian aid donor,” Lahbib said.
“Our humanitarian aid funding will support our partners on the ground – the UN family, the Red Cross/Red Crescent family, international and local government and non-governmental organisations – to provide life-saving, emergency assistance where needed.”
In addition to the €510 million earmarked for Africa, the EU has allocated €470 million for the Middle East and North Africa.
Of this, €375 million will be focused on the Middle East, with a particular focus on Gaza, a region that continues to suffer from the ongoing conflict and humanitarian devastation.
The remaining €95 million will be directed towards North Africa and Yemen, where humanitarian conditions remain dire.
The funding is part of the EU’s broader strategy to respond to complex and multifaceted humanitarian needs across the globe. It also reflects the bloc’s commitment to remain a leading donor in the global humanitarian aid landscape.
In 2025, the EU’s efforts will be channeled through multiple channels, including partnerships with the United Nations, Red Cross/Red Crescent organizations, and both international and local non-governmental organizations.
This announcement comes amid growing concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in regions already grappling with conflict, poverty, and environmental challenges.
The EU’s financial commitment for 2025 aims to provide critical life-saving support, but the Commission is also calling for stronger cooperation to ensure aid reaches those who need it most.
Lahbib’s statement highlights the EU’s determination to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery.
She reiterated that while financial support is important, international law must guide humanitarian aid efforts to guarantee protection for vulnerable populations, especially in conflict zones where access to aid is often hindered.
As the world faces increasingly complex humanitarian crises, the EU’s €1.9 billion package for 2025 is a significant step in alleviating the suffering of millions, especially in regions where instability continues to drive mass displacement and poverty.
