Karabakh, the European Commission mobilizes 500 thousand euros for humanitarian aid

The European Commission is mobilizing 500 thousand euros of humanitarian aid to support populations affected by the escalation of hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh. This can be read in a press release from the EU executive. “Fleeing violence, thousands of people are now displaced and in need of assistance. EU humanitarian aid will help those affected cover their basic needs through cash assistance, including shelter and psychosocial support,” the statement reads. The emergency funding, Brussels specifies, is in addition to the 1,17 million euros of humanitarian aid that the EU allocated for the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis at the beginning of the year. Underlining the critical need for safe humanitarian access, the Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, stated that “the escalation of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh had serious repercussions on civilians” and that the EU response also supports those displaced by hostilities on the ground.

“We are closely monitoring the situation on the ground and stand ready to offer further assistance. While the EU welcomes the ceasefire, I strongly urge all parties to the conflict to ensure immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian organisations. We must ensure that humanitarian workers can provide emergency aid to people in need,” added Lenarcic. L'Ue is in close contact with its humanitarian partners on the ground and stands ready to respond to growing humanitarian needs in the event of further escalation. “We have supported humanitarian operations in Armenia and Azerbaijan with over 21 million euros since the large-scale escalation of the conflict in 2020,” concludes the EU executive note.