EU provides €61 million in humanitarian aid to Ethiopia

Key points

• The EU is providing €61 million in humanitarian funding for Ethiopia to address conflict, displacement, disease and climate hazards.
• The EU expressed concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in the north, including military activity across multiple localities and the takeover of Mekelle, Axum and Shire airports by Tigray People's Liberation Front forces.
• The EU cited several recent drone strikes by the Ethiopian National Defence Force and called for immediate de-escalation, protection of civilians and unimpeded humanitarian access.
• Humanitarian needs are high in conflict-affected, hard-to-reach areas including Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, Oromia and Tigray.
• Funding covers emergency food, nutrition, healthcare, water and sanitation, protection, shelter, essential household items and education in emergencies.
• Funding will also strengthen rapid emergency response to sudden crises and anticipatory and disaster-preparedness actions.