European Union Allocates €61 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Ethiopia Amid Rising Tensions

The European Union announced on 28 September 2026 that it is allocating €61 million in humanitarian funding to Ethiopia to support vulnerable populations affected by conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks, and climate-related hazards.

The announcement comes amid EU concerns over rising tensions and a deteriorating situation in Northern Ethiopia. The bloc cited reports of military activities across several localities, the take-over of airports in Mekelle, Axum, and Shire by Tigray People's Liberation Front forces, and recent drone strikes carried out by the Ethiopian National Defence Force. In response, the EU has called for an immediate de-escalation of violence, the protection of civilians, and unhindered humanitarian access.

According to the EU, the funding will deliver emergency food assistance, nutrition, healthcare, shelter, household essentials, water, sanitation, and hygiene services, as well as education during emergencies. It is also intended to strengthen rapid emergency response mechanisms, disaster preparedness, and anticipatory actions, with a focus on recently displaced individuals, refugees, and host communities.

Ethiopia faces complex humanitarian pressures across regions including Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, Oromia, and Tigray. In addition to internal displacement and climate shocks such as the impacts of El Niño, droughts, and floods, the country hosts over one million refugees, with ongoing conflicts in neighbouring Sudan and South Sudan driving further arrivals.

The €61 million total for 2026 includes an additional €18 million recently announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as part of a broader global aid package at the UN General Assembly. The EU noted that the total funding allocation remains subject to the approval of the Budgetary Authority.

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