The European Commission said it has allocated €1.9 billion for life-saving humanitarian assistance in 2026, including €126 million to address urgent needs in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission said an estimated 239 million people worldwide currently require humanitarian assistance, noting that many donors have reduced their humanitarian budgets.
The European Union said the funding is targeted at communities with the greatest needs and will provide life-saving food assistance, emergency shelter, essential healthcare, support for the most vulnerable, and help for children’s education in crisis-affected areas.
The EU added that, despite other donors scaling back and humanitarian operations facing unprecedented pressure, it remains committed to supporting people in need worldwide.
According to the Commission, €557 million has been allocated to west and central Africa, the Lake Chad Basin, north-west Nigeria, central Africa, southern Africa and the Great Lakes region. At least €448 million has been earmarked for the Middle East, particularly for those in Gaza, Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon.
About €145 million has been allocated for humanitarian needs in Ukraine this year. The Commission said several countries in south-east Asia, South America and North Africa are also included in the 2026 humanitarian assistance package.
In addition, more than €415 million has been set aside to respond to sudden global emergencies and to maintain supply chains for essential humanitarian needs.
