Belgium’s Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib looks on during a NATO foreign ministers meeting at the Alliance’s headquarters in Brussels, Belgium November 28, 2023. [Reuters/Yves Herman]
The European Union announced on Monday a new humanitarian aid package of 140 million euros ($142.8 million) for Ukraine and a further 8 million euros worth of aid for Moldova.
The aid package was announced as European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, responsible for crisis management, visited Ukraine to discuss humanitarian challenges as the country’s war with Russia continues. The funding is designed to help with food, shelter, clean water and heating for Ukraine’s population.
“Our new funding of €148 million in humanitarian support is more powerful proof that we stand with Ukrainians in their hour of need. We will continue to do everything in our power to help those affected by this crisis with all our partners and the Ukrainian authorities,” Lahbib said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Moldova is facing an energy crisis, particularly in the separatist region of Transdniestria, due to the suspension of Russian gas supplies by Gazprom. This has led to rolling blackouts and heating shortages, with thousands of residents left without essential utilities. Moldovan President Maia Sandu has accused Russia of using energy resources as a tool to destabilize Moldova’s pro-European government. [Reuters]