LOC18:48
15:48 GMT
BRUSSELS, Jan 16 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) Wednesday announced the adoption of its highest ever initial annual humanitarian budget of 1.6 billion euro (USD 1.8 billion) for 2019.
"With this new budget, the EU remains a leading humanitarian donor in the face of crises such as Syria and Yemen. Humanitarian aid alone cannot solve all problems but we must do everything in our power to help the most vulnerable," said Christos Stylianides, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management in a statement.
From long-lasting conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, to the growing impact of climate change worldwide, humanitarian crises are worsening and conflict threatens aid delivery to those most in need, he said.
The biggest bulk of the budget will address the crisis in Syria, refugees in neighbouring countries and the extremely critical situation in Yemen, he noted.
The EU will also continue to provide assistance in Afghanistan and help Rohingya populations in both Myanmar and Bangladesh. (end)
nk.mt