The European Union (EU) said in a press release on Monday, November 14, that it would provide €75 million in food assistance for Afghanistan. This is part of the European Union’s new humanitarian aid package of €210 million for the most vulnerable in 15 countries worldwide.
“€75 million for the Afghan regional crisis will address the dramatic food insecurity situation, with an estimated 24 million people in need, as well winter-related needs and natural disasters that have recently affected the country,” the EU said in its press release.
Previously, the EU had contributed €50 million to the World Food Program (WFP) — helping the Program provide the Afghan people with the basic necessities.
According to the EU, food insecurity has reached unprecedented levels in 2022 as “at least 205 million people” face acute food insecurity and require urgent assistance. “This is the highest level on record. Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen remain at risk of famine,” reads the EU’s recent statement.
Citing Ursula Von Der Leyen, President of the European Commission, the Pres Release says that “Russia’s War in Ukraine” has a major effect on the global food supply.
“Countries that were already vulnerable to food supply disruption have been put in a dramatic vulnerable situation. We must act to avoid famine in some of the poorest areas of the world,” she has been quoted as saying.