Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has announced nearly €710 million in support for displaced people and communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, along with emergency assistance for those affected by crises globally. The announcement was made during the conclusion of the 81st UN General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, coinciding with the 2026 campaign by the international advocacy organization Global Citizen.
Details of the Assistance Package
In her remarks, von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of responding to global challenges, stating that conflicts, extreme weather, and rising living costs are severely impacting lives worldwide. The new financial package includes €380 million in additional migration-related funding for Sub-Saharan Africa in 2026. This funding aims to protect vulnerable migrants, facilitate voluntary return and reintegration, enhance migration governance, and address issues of forced displacement.
The package allocates €240 million specifically for the Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration program, along with €140 million earmarked for initiatives that improve migration management and offer sustainable solutions for displaced populations in regions such as Eastern Mauritania and Kenya. The support aims to provide services for refugees while also focusing on skills development tied to employment opportunities for affected communities.
An additional €10 million will be directed towards promoting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region. This funding will bolster local peace initiatives led by women, youth, and civil organizations by aligning them with broader national and international peace processes. Furthermore, it will help foster social cohesion in the area.
To address urgent health needs, €7.5 million will be allocated in the Democratic Republic of Congo to combat the Ebola crisis and to enhance health surveillance and response capacities through collaborations with local research institutions.
The package also includes €252 million from the Emergency Aid Reserve, which awaits approval from the budgetary authority. This funding is intended to deliver emergency support to those affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and health emergencies in regions facing severe humanitarian needs.
Specifically, in Sub-Saharan Africa, €97 million will aid regions grappling with conflict, food insecurity, and climate-induced challenges. Support will also be provided to Palestine and Lebanon, addressing humanitarian crises driven by ongoing hostilities and displacement. Furthermore, €52 million will assist those in Ukraine as part of winter preparedness measures, including shelter and energy support.
Why It Matters
This substantial investment underscores the EU’s commitment to addressing humanitarian crises and advancing global health resilience. The coordinated response aims not only to mitigate immediate suffering but also to work towards long-term stability and integration for vulnerable populations, highlighting the role of international cooperation in tackling complex global challenges.
