EU Grants €120M in Aid to Latin America and the Caribbean

The European Commission has announced it will deliver €120 million in new humanitarian assistance to multiple Latin American and Caribbean countries throughout this year.

The funding aims to support the region’s most vulnerable populations, particularly in light of recent natural disasters and armed conflicts. A portion of the aid will also go toward improving disaster preparedness in a region highly susceptible to natural hazards.

In Venezuela, €38 million will be directed to humanitarian organisations to address the ongoing crisis. The funds will focus on aiding vulnerable groups with access to healthcare, nutrition, education, and protection services.

In Colombia, €21 million will be allocated to support communities displaced by armed conflict and those affected by migration along the Venezuelan border. This assistance will include food security, livelihoods support, water and sanitation services, healthcare, and education.

Additionally, €10 million will be distributed regionally across South America to aid forcibly displaced populations and those at risk. Ecuador is set to receive €2 million to assist people impacted by increasing violence.

Central America will benefit from €10 million aimed at addressing violence and food insecurity. An extra €10.1 million is earmarked to enhance disaster preparedness in the region.

In the Caribbean, over €18 million will be allocated to Haiti to confront the worsening humanitarian situation driven by escalating gang violence. Other Caribbean nations will receive more than €8.5 million, primarily focused on disaster resilience and preparedness efforts.

Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, commented:

“As more and more people suffer the consequences of violence and political unrest across Latin America and the Caribbean, the European Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to stand with the most vulnerable communities.”

She continued:

“This new EU funding will enable our humanitarian partners — many of whom are facing critical funding gaps — to continue delivering life-saving assistance where it is needed most. At the same time, the EU will continue supporting disaster preparedness in a region that is on the frontlines of climate change’s impacts and other hazards.”

“The Memorandum of Understanding on disaster risk management, signed a year ago with Latin American and Caribbean representatives, is a tangible example of the EU’s collaboration on resilience and preparedness. We must build on this momentum, and I look forward to deepening our cooperation to protect and save lives.”