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EU Pledges €61 Million for Ethiopia as Fears Grow Over Renewed Conflict
European Commission
European Commission (Source: Copyright © European Commission)
European Commission
(Source: Copyright © European Commission)
(Source: Copyright © European Commission)
The EU says the situation in Northern Ethiopia is deteriorating rapidly. In a statement on the region, it expressed concern about reports of military activity in several areas, the takeover of airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire by forces of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, and drone strikes by the Ethiopian National Defence Force. It has called for immediate de-escalation, protection of civilians and unhindered access for humanitarian workers.
For families caught in the middle, the concern is immediate: whether they can remain safely at home, reach medical care and obtain enough food and clean water. A further escalation would make it harder for aid organisations to reach people who are already vulnerable.
For families caught in the middle, the concern is immediate: whether they can remain safely at home, reach medical care and obtain enough food and clean water. A further escalation would make it harder for aid organisations to reach people who are already vulnerable.
The funding is intended to support emergency food supplies and nutrition, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, shelter and essential household items. It will also provide protection services and education during emergencies. Particular attention will be given to recently displaced people, refugees and the communities hosting them.
The crisis reaches well beyond Tigray. Insecurity in Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz and Oromia has added to humanitarian needs, while Ethiopia also hosts more than one million refugees from neighbouring countries. Conflict in Sudan and South Sudan can bring sudden new arrivals. Droughts, floods and disease outbreaks place further strain on families and services.
The crisis reaches well beyond Tigray. Insecurity in Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz and Oromia has added to humanitarian needs, while Ethiopia also hosts more than one million refugees from neighbouring countries. Conflict in Sudan and South Sudan can bring sudden new arrivals. Droughts, floods and disease outbreaks place further strain on families and services.
The EU has stressed that international humanitarian law must be respected. Civilians must be protected, and aid workers must be able to operate independently and reach those in need. It has condemned strikes affecting humanitarian convoys and the denial of humanitarian access.
The €61 million figure includes an additional €18 million announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as part of a wider package of nearly €710 million for people displaced in Africa and affected by crises elsewhere. The total funding remains subject to approval by the EU’s budgetary authority.
The money can provide vital help, but its effect will depend on whether it can reach people safely. As tensions rise, the most urgent needs remain straightforward: protect civilians, allow aid through and prevent another wave of displacement.
The €61 million figure includes an additional €18 million announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as part of a wider package of nearly €710 million for people displaced in Africa and affected by crises elsewhere. The total funding remains subject to approval by the EU’s budgetary authority.
The money can provide vital help, but its effect will depend on whether it can reach people safely. As tensions rise, the most urgent needs remain straightforward: protect civilians, allow aid through and prevent another wave of displacement.
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