President von der Leyen announces €710 million to support displaced people in Africa and global crisis relief

As the 81st UN General Assembly High‑Level Week draws to a close in New York, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced almost €710 million in EU support to displaced people and communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as emergency assistance to people affected by crises worldwide. This announcement was made as part of international advocacy organisation Global Citizen's 2026 campaign efforts.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: “Conflicts, extreme weather and rising living costs are disrupting the lives of many around the globe. If we work together, we can make the world a better place. With today's package, we will support displaced communities across Africa – as well as the communities welcoming them. We are also boosting emergency aid for those affected by wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. My message is simple: Europe stands with you!”

Through the new assistance pledged today, the EU is reinforcing its partnership with African countries through €380 million in additional migration-related financing in 2026 for Sub-Saharan Africa, focused on protecting vulnerable migrants, supporting voluntary return and reintegration, strengthening migration governance, and responding to forced displacement.

This includes €240 million for the Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration programme for Sub-Saharan Africa and €140 million to cover, for instance, migration management, protection and durable solutions for displaced populations and host communities in Eastern Mauritania, to deliver services for refugees and host communities in Kenya, and to tackle the protracted refugee crisis there. In addition, this will promote skills development that is directly linked to real employment opportunities for the communities affected.