The European Commission is releasing €22.5 million in humanitarian aid to Yemen, in addition to the €87.5 million previously allocated for 2026, to address the consequences of the renewed conflict escalation and the critical needs of millions of people.
Despite an increasingly challenging operating environment, aid can still be delivered, and the EU remains committed to providing needs-based humanitarian assistance across Yemen in accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.
The continued military escalation in Yemen caused mass displacement, increased civilian casualties and further disrupted access to essential services and humanitarian assistance. Nearly 230,000 people have been displaced in recent weeks, while millions across the country continue to face acute food insecurity, malnutrition and limited access to healthcare and safe water.
This year, EU-funded assistance has been consistently addressing urgent humanitarian needs, with a focus on food security and nutrition, health, water, sanitation and hygiene, protection and other life-saving interventions. This new funding will allow humanitarian partners to respond to growing needs, reinforce operational capacity, pre-position critical supplies and strengthen preparedness in case of further deterioration, with a focus on the most vulnerable people, including displaced families, women and children, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities.
Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said:
‘Yemen is once again caught in the violence of war, while its humanitarian crisis remains largely forgotten. Families cannot wait for a ceasefire to put food on the table or find a safe place to sleep. Civilians on all sides are paying a terrible price. Attacks that kill civilians and destroy hospitals, homes and essential services must stop. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians. The people of Yemen must not be forgotten. The EU will stand by them for as long as it takes.’
Background
Yemen remains one of the world’s most severe and underfunded humanitarian crises. After more than a decade of conflict, economic collapse, and the deterioration of essential services, 22.3 million people in Yemen need humanitarian assistance and protection. Some 5.2 million people are internally displaced, while over 2.2 million children under five suffer from acute malnutrition.
The ongoing conflict continues to take a devastating toll on civilians. Military escalations and strikes affecting civilian infrastructure, including Sana’a airport, power stations and Red Sea ports, have caused civilian casualties and disrupted the flow of vital supplies. Interference in aid delivery continues to severely hamper humanitarian organisations’ ability to reach people in need.
The EU and its Member States remain committed to continuing the humanitarian assistance to Yemen, while advocating for effective protection of human rights and respect for International Humanitarian Law.
The EU promotes a coordinated approach linking humanitarian, development and peace action in Yemen. In an increasingly volatile context, flexibility and adaptability remain crucial to ensuring that aid reaches those most in need across Yemen.
