EU pledges €161 million to aid vulnerable Afghans and regional refugees

KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — The European Union has announced €161 million in humanitarian aid to support vulnerable Afghans facing severe poverty, displacement, and lack of access to essential services.

The funding will address urgent needs in food security, healthcare, clean water, education, and protection services across Afghanistan. Of the total amount, over €141 million will go to humanitarian organizations working on the ground to assist women, children, and internally displaced people through local and international NGOs.

An additional €20 million has been earmarked to support Afghan refugees in neighboring Iran and Pakistan. This includes shelter, food, and medical care for those living in refugee camps and urban settlements.

The aid package also includes the airlift of nearly 100 tons of critical relief supplies to Kabul via a humanitarian corridor, now delivered to partner organizations operating in the country.

Afghanistan remains one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian crises. Over two-thirds of the population—more than 28 million people—require immediate assistance amid the collapse of public services, prolonged conflict, and worsening climate conditions.

The EU says it remains committed to ensuring that aid bypasses political roadblocks and reaches the most vulnerable populations. Working exclusively through trusted humanitarian channels, the bloc aims to maintain neutrality while maximizing the impact of its assistance.

As humanitarian needs escalate, the European Commission has urged the global community to increase funding and coordination to prevent further deterioration. International agencies continue to warn that Afghanistan risks spiraling into an even deeper crisis unless sustained global support is mobilized.