EU mobilises 40 million for Ukraine ahead of winter to ensure electricity and heating

Brussels – Like a year ago, Russia is targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with relentless attacks to wear down the civilian population ahead of winter. A strategy already seen, to which the European Commission has decided to respond by increasing humanitarian aid to Kyiv with an additional €40 million. Of this, €35 million is earmarked for humanitarian projects in Ukraine and €5 million to support Ukrainian refugees and their host communities in Moldova.

“Temperatures will drop soon, and that is why we will be stepping up our humanitarian aid to Ukrainians in need,” announced European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, stressing that the funding will be targeted mainly at repair work on damaged buildings and energy infrastructure, to ensure electricity, heating, and housing for those most in need. In Moldova, new funding targets the most vulnerable refugees to provide them with protection and access to essential services and improve preparedness for further refugee flows.

The announcement comes as the Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, is in Lithuania today to participate in a regional forum on civil protection to mobilise additional support for Ukraine in the coming winter. During his visit, he will meet with Lithuanian Interior Minister Agnė Bilotaitė.

With the new funding announced today, the European Commission has allocated a total of €966 million for humanitarian aid programs for civilians affected by the war in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Of these funds, €895 million were allocated for humanitarian programs in Ukraine and €71 million to support refugees who fled to neighbouring Moldova.