EU releases €710 million for crisis-hit communities

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen announced a 710 million euro aid package for people affected by crises, natural disasters and conflict, with most of the money directed to Africa.

Von der Leyen said in a statement to the UN General Assembly that the package would support displaced communities across Africa and the communities hosting them.

The EU said 380 million euros would go to Sub-Saharan Africa for protecting vulnerable migrants, supporting voluntary return and reintegration, strengthening migration governance and responding to forced displacement.

It also allocated 252 million euros from its emergency aid reserve for communities affected by conflict, forced displacement, epidemics and natural catastrophes. The EU said that funding includes support for people in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, and for Ukraine to prepare for winter.

Smaller sums will go toward stability efforts in the Great Lakes region and helping the Democratic Republic of Congo respond to an Ebola outbreak in the east of the country.