EU Commits €123 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Latin America and Caribbean Amid Growing Crises
The European Union is providing €123.3 million in humanitarian aid to Latin America and the Caribbean this year, addressing multiple crises that have left millions vulnerable across the region (EC, News Source). This funding comes as humanitarian needs in the area have reached alarming levels, with 15.6 million people identified as requiring humanitarian assistance in 2025 (EC, News Source). The aid package targets countries experiencing violence, displacement, and natural disasters, with significant portions allocated to Venezuela, Colombia, Haiti, and Central America where needs are most acute.
The scale of displacement in Latin America and the Caribbean has reached unprecedented levels, with up to 21 million people forcibly displaced throughout the region and having limited access to essential services (EC, News Source). This humanitarian funding aims to provide critical support to these populations, many of whom have fled violence or economic collapse in their home countries. The European Commission has designated €52 million to provide relief to Venezuelan people in need in the region and their host communities, representing the largest country-specific allocation in the aid package (EC, News Source).
"The European Union stands firmly with the most vulnerable people in Latin America and the Caribbean, where crises in countries like Venezuela, Colombia, and Haiti continue to deepen," said Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management. "When I visited Colombia last November, I met people forced to flee their homes and communities struggling to survive conflict, displacement, and more frequent natural disasters. I saw how EU humanitarian aid provides food, water, shelter, and medical supplies to people in their darkest moment" (EC, News Source).
Colombia, which hosts many displaced Venezuelans while also dealing with its own internal conflicts, will receive €17 million to support people affected by armed conflict and displaced in border areas (EC, News Source). Another source indicates Colombia will receive €21 million to support people displaced by armed conflicts and address migration impacts in border areas (News Source). The discrepancy in figures may reflect different reporting methods or additional funding streams beyond core humanitarian assistance.
Haiti, which has been experiencing escalating gang violence, will receive €23 million to address the humanitarian impact of this crisis (EC, News Source). Another report indicates that over €18 million has been allocated for Haiti to tackle the humanitarian crisis stemming from escalating gang violence (News Source). These funds are critical as Haiti faces one of the most severe humanitarian situations in the region, with widespread insecurity limiting access to basic services.
The European Union is also directing €38 million to humanitarian organizations in Venezuela to target the ongoing crisis there (News Source). This substantial allocation reflects the severity of Venezuela's humanitarian situation, which has driven millions to flee the country in recent years. The aid will support those who remain in Venezuela facing severe economic hardship and limited access to essential services.
Central America and Mexico will receive €11 million to support vulnerable people affected by violence, displacement, and food insecurity (EC, News Source). Another report indicates €10 million in Central America targets those affected by violence and food insecurity, with another €10.1 million for disaster preparedness (News Source). The region faces complex challenges including gang violence, poverty, and climate impacts that have driven migration northward.
"As more and more people suffer the consequences of violence and political unrest across Latin American and the Caribbean, the European Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to stand with the most vulnerable communities," Commissioner Lahbib stated. "This new EU funding will enable our humanitarian partners – many of whom are facing critical funding gaps – to continue delivering life-saving assistance where it is needed most" (News Source).
The funding crisis for humanitarian operations in Latin America and the Caribbean is severe. Almost all the Humanitarian Response Plans in the region in 2025 were funded at less than 20% (EC, News Source), while food insecurity is on the rise and humanitarian operations are being scaled back globally due to funding cuts (EC, News Source). This EU aid package represents a critical lifeline for humanitarian organizations struggling to meet growing needs with diminishing resources.
Climate vulnerability is another key focus of the EU's humanitarian assistance. The region is the second most exposed to extreme weather events in the world, with nearly three quarters of the population living in high-risk disaster areas (EC, News Source). In response, part of the EU aid will bolster disaster preparedness and response in the region due to this high exposure to natural hazards (EC, News Source). Over €16.3 million for the rest of South America will support disaster preparedness and response (EC, News Source).
The EU's commitment to disaster risk management in the region was formalized a year ago when EU and Latin American and Caribbean representatives signed a Memorandum of Understanding on disaster risk management (News Source). This agreement has provided a framework for cooperation on building resilience to natural disasters, which Commissioner Lahbib highlighted as "a tangible example of the EU cooperation on resilience and preparedness" (News Source).
"This funding will also help save lives by strengthening disaster preparedness in a region exposed to hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. I saw this clearly in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, where preparedness made a real difference for thousands of families," Commissioner Lahbib noted. "Europe is a reliable and principled humanitarian partner, and we will continue to stand by people in crisis" (EC, News Source).
The remainder of the aid package includes €10 million allocated regionally in South America to aid those forcibly displaced and at risk, including €2 million for Ecuador (News Source). Additionally, €4 million for the rest of the Caribbean will focus on the humanitarian situation in Cuba, Dominican Republic, and countries hosting refugees (EC, News Source). Another report indicates over €8.5 million for other Caribbean nations, primarily for disaster preparedness (News Source).
The EU's humanitarian aid package represents a significant commitment to addressing the complex crises affecting Latin America and the Caribbean. However, with 15.6 million people requiring assistance and humanitarian response plans severely underfunded, the challenges remain immense. The European Commission's focus on both immediate relief and disaster preparedness reflects an approach that addresses both current needs and future resilience in a region facing multiple, overlapping humanitarian challenges.