During the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a substantial aid package of nearly €710 million ($809 million) aimed at supporting displaced individuals and crisis relief efforts globally. This initiative includes €380 million ($433 million) designated for migration funding in Sub-Saharan Africa and €52 million ($59 million) allocated to assist Ukraine in preparing for the winter months.
The announcement was made as the high-level week of the UNGA concluded on September 26, 2026. Von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian needs resulting from conflicts and crises, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Targeted Support for Ukraine and Africa
The €52 million earmarked for Ukraine will facilitate humanitarian assistance and emergency preparedness, focusing on winterization, shelter, essential services, and energy support as the cold season approaches. Von der Leyen stated, “With today’s package, we will support displaced communities across Africa – as well as the communities welcoming them.”
The largest portion of the funding, approximately €380 million, is directed towards Sub-Saharan Africa. This funding aims to protect vulnerable migrants, assist those returning home, and enhance the management of migration and forced displacement in the region.
Of this amount, around €240 million will be allocated to the EU’s Migration Protection, Return, and Reintegration program, while the remaining €140 million will support various projects, including migration management and assistance for displaced individuals in eastern Mauritania and refugee services in Kenya.
Emergency Aid for the Middle East
Ukraine’s allocation of €52 million is part of a broader €252 million drawn from the EU’s Emergency Aid Reserve, pending approval from the bloc’s budgetary authority. The funding will also provide €103 million to Lebanon and Palestine, addressing the ongoing hostilities and mass displacement affecting essential services and daily life.
Additionally, €97 million is designated for Sub-Saharan Africa to address the deepening humanitarian needs caused by conflict, hunger, and climate shocks.
Health Investments and Future Plans
Alongside the aid package, the European Commission announced three new health investments under its Global Gateway strategy, including a guarantee to attract private investment in health and nutrition businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa and a loan to expand vaccine production in Colombia.
Since the beginning of the year, the Commission has allocated over €2.53 billion ($2.89 billion) in humanitarian aid, pending budget approval. As Ukraine prepares for winter amidst ongoing conflict, it is actively seeking additional funding and air defense support from international partners.
In a related development, EU member states agreed to release €6.6 billion ($7.5 billion) from the European Peace Facility, previously blocked by Hungary. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent meetings with US officials in New York aim to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities, including securing Patriot missile systems.
