The Commission continues to scale up humanitarian assistance to respond to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

At COP28, Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, will endorse on behalf of the EU 2 new flagship initiatives to address the human impact of the climate crisis and emphasizing the interconnectedness of climate change, conflicts, and growing humanitarian needs.

The current cholera epidemic broke out in February 2023, and has since affected all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe. Until 20 November 2023, there had been nearly 10,000 cases and 206 people had lost their lives.

Today, Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič is meeting the Italian Minister for Civil Protection and Sea Policies, Nello Musumeci, for the opening session of the European Civil Protection Mechanism “lessons learnt” meeting on wildfires and floods.

The Horn of Africa continues to face multiple challenges resulting from extreme weather events: a catastrophic prolonged drought has been followed by widespread and devastating floods, affecting thus far more than 3 million people in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya.

Following a request of assistance from Bolivia, the EU has mobilised firefighters’ teams from France through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Around 40 firefighters have been deployed to assist the Bolivian authorities in their efforts to extinguish the wildfires currently active in the country.

On 27 November, High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič will travel to Barcelona, Spain, to take part in the 8th Regional Forum of the Union for Mediterranean (UfM).

The new EU humanitarian package announced today consists of €11.5 million for Syria and €3.5 million for Lebanon. It will provide life-saving humanitarian aid including food assistance and water, sanitation and hygiene support for those who need it the most.

The funding will provide assistance to the most vulnerable, including shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as support for livelihoods and other basic needs.