The EU is providing 61 million euros in humanitarian aid in response to the rapidly deteriorating situation in Ethiopia

Amid fears of a resumption of the conflict in northern Ethiopia, the European Union is providing 61 million euros in humanitarian funding to help the most vulnerable people in Ethiopia affected by the conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks and climate-related risks, including the impact of El Niño.

The European Union is deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating situation in northern Ethiopia and its impact on the population, including reports of military activity in various localities, as well as the seizure of the airports in Mekelle, Axum and Shire in Tigray by forces of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. In recent weeks, the EU has followed with concern the various drone strikes carried out by the Ethiopian National Defence Forces. The EU calls for an immediate de-escalation, the protection of the civilian population and unhindered humanitarian access.

Humanitarian needs in Ethiopia remain high, particularly in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach areas, as well as in Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, Oromia and Tigray. The country hosts a large refugee population, and conflicts in neighbouring Sudan and South Sudan are causing sudden, mass influxes. Ethiopia is also frequently affected by climate-related disasters, which further exacerbate the needs.

EU funding will provide vital assistance and protection to those most in need. It will support emergency food and nutritional assistance, healthcare, access to water, sanitation and hygiene, protection, shelter and essential household items, as well as education in emergency situations. The funding will also strengthen rapid response to sudden crises, as well as disaster prevention and preparedness measures. Particular attention will be paid to recently displaced people, refugees and affected host communities.

The European Union has reiterated that respect for international humanitarian law is imperative and non-negotiable, including the protection of civilians at all times and respect for the impartiality and independence of humanitarian operations. The EU strongly condemns attacks on humanitarian convoys and any instance of denial of humanitarian access.

Background

Ethiopia continues to face multiple overlapping humanitarian crises, caused by the combined effects of conflict, climate-related disruptions and recurrent disease outbreaks.

Persistent insecurity in several regions, including Amhara and Oromia, continues to cause the displacement of communities and restrict access to essential services. Furthermore, the country is hosting more than one million refugees from neighbouring countries. Recurring droughts, floods and public health emergencies further exacerbate food insecurity and humanitarian needs, leaving vulnerable populations increasingly exposed to multiple crises.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced last Saturday in New York an aid package of almost 710 million euros to support displaced people in Africa and provide assistance to those affected by crises around the world, at the close of the 81stHigh-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly. Of this amount, 18 million euros will be allocated to meet humanitarian needs in Ethiopia, thereby bringing the EU’s total humanitarian aid to that country in 2026 to 61 million euros. The total amount of funding is subject to approval by the Budgetary Authority.

 

More information: European Commission