BRUSSELS - The European Commission has unveiled an initial humanitarian budget of 1.9 billion euros for the year 2025, reaffirming its position as a leading contributor to global humanitarian aid.

The announcement, made on January 16, details the European Union's funding allocations aimed at addressing urgent needs in various regions around the world.

The EU plans to allocate 375 million euros to the wider Middle East, with focused attention on regions experiencing ongoing conflicts and instability.

The humanitarian situation in areas such as Gaza remains precarious, following significant upheavals in recent months, including recent actions in Syria, as stated by the European Commission.

In Africa, a significant share of the budget, amounting to 510 million euros, will be directed towards vulnerable populations across the continent.

North Africa and Yemen will receive 95 million euros, being regions that face challenging political, economic, and social conditions.

Specific focus areas within Africa include West and Central Africa, North-west Nigeria, the Sahel region, the Lake Chad Basin, the Great Lakes region, Central Africa, and the Greater Horn of Africa.

Additionally, the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean region is allocated 35 million euros, while the southern Caucasus and Central Asia are to receive 5 million euros.

In response to the crisis in Venezuela and its impact on neighboring regions, the EU has earmarked 113 million euros.

This funding aims to assist the most vulnerable communities in Venezuela, as well as those affected in Colombia, Haiti, Central America, Mexico, and Ecuador who are enduring armed conflicts.

The EU has also committed 140 million euros to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine as it enters its third year of conflict.

Furthermore, 8 million euros are designated for humanitarian programs in Moldova.

In Asia, 182 million euros have been allocated to address humanitarian needs primarily in Myanmar and Bangladesh, in addition to the situation in Afghanistan.

More than 295 million euros are set aside for sudden-onset emergencies and unforeseen global crises that may arise throughout the year.

Additionally, over 110 million euros will support horizontal actions, including innovative schemes and policy initiatives such as multi-year programmatic partnerships and improved response capacities, according to the European Commission.

This announcement underscores the European Union's ongoing commitment to providing substantial humanitarian aid, aiming to address urgent crises and foster stability in various regions worldwide.