EU allocates additional EUR 3.5 M in humanitarian aid to conflict-affected people

The European Commission has announced an additional €3.5 million in humanitarian aid to support vulnerable people affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the EU Delegation of Ukraine notes, the newly allocated €3.5 million will help the most vulnerable people, including elderly and people with disabilities, meet their basic needs. It will also address access to health services, as well as psycho-social and mental health support. The aid will reach vulnerable people living on both sides of the contact line.

“People in eastern Ukraine continue to live in fear and struggle to meet their basic needs... This additional funding will help them access healthcare and essentials, and prepare for the upcoming winter. The EU will support people in eastern Ukraine for as long as needed, but only permanent peace can bring a real solution,” EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said.

It is underscored that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the humanitarian situation, resulting in even more instability and vulnerability.

“The European Union stands by the people of Ukraine, including the most vulnerable ones, in the face of the conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic. Humanitarian assistance is a key element of our support,” said EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore during his visit to Kramatorsk.

The EU Delegation of Ukraine notes that the European Commission has allocated €29 million in humanitarian aid for eastern Ukraine in 2021. Since the start of the conflict, the EU has provided €194 million to help people in Ukraine.

As reported, the European Union has provided Ukraine with a total of €190 million in aid to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and a €1.2 billion macro-financial assistance program.

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