Allocation for African migration and displacement
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a funding package of 710 million euros on 26 September 2026 to support communities affected by conflict, climate disasters, and forced displacement. The announcement coincided with the conclusion of the 81st United Nations General Assembly high-level week in New York and the 2026 Global Citizen campaign. The largest share of the funding allocates 380 million euros directly to migration management and refugee assistance across Sub-Saharan Africa. Within that total, 240 million euros funds the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme to assist voluntary returns and protect vulnerable migrants. Another 140 million euros targets regional refugee crises, directing resources to displaced populations and host communities in eastern Mauritania and Kenya.
Von der Leyen outlined the humanitarian scope of the package during her address.
On behalf of Europe, I pledge more than 700 million euros to help people in need across the world. We will support displaced people in Africa and the communities hosting them. We will provide food, shelter, safety and healthcare, helping more children receive education.
Emergency reserve for the Middle East, Africa, and Ukraine
The European Commission also proposed mobilizing 252 million euros from the EU Emergency Aid Reserve to address acute crises across multiple regions. From this emergency allocation, 103 million euros is designated for humanitarian assistance to populations in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon. Another 97 million euros addresses food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate shocks affecting vulnerable populations in Sub-Saharan Africa. The remaining 52 million euros supports Ukraine with winter preparedness measures, focusing on emergency energy infrastructure, shelter repairs, and essential civic services. Releasing funds from the Emergency Aid Reserve requires formal legislative approval from the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
Targeted funding for health and regional stability
In addition to migration programs, the European Union committed specific allocations for public health and conflict mitigation across central and eastern Africa. A sum of 60 million euros will reinforce primary healthcare systems in Ethiopia as part of the Global Gateway strategy. The European Commission also allocated 7.5 million euros to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to counter an active Ebola outbreak and improve disease surveillance protocols. Furthermore, 10 million euros will finance mediation initiatives and peace processes in the African Great Lakes region, supporting the participation of women, youth, and civil society groups. Related Global Gateway health measures include an investment guarantee for African nutrition businesses and a European Investment Bank loan to expand vaccine manufacturing in Colombia.
Von der Leyen delivered a message of solidarity to crisis-affected populations worldwide.
Conflicts, extreme weather and rising living costs are disrupting the lives of many around the world. My message is simple: Europe is with you.
Budgetary implementation and international context
The aid pledge was delivered via video statement after severe weather prompted the suspension of the in-person Global Citizen Festival in New York. The financial components will be executed through a combination of existing humanitarian budgets, Global Gateway investments, and the dedicated emergency reserve. EU officials noted that the funding aims to stabilize vulnerable communities before displacement pressures expand further. Implementation of the reserve funding will begin once the European Parliament and the Council conclude their budgetary review.