EU announces €21.5 million in humanitarian aid for Asia-Pacific region, new Air Bridge flights

The European Commission Tuesday (15 Oct) announced a new humanitarian aid package of €21.5 million for the Asia-Pacific region, bringing the total European Union support to almost €95 million in 2024.

The new funding will support humanitarian projects in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Furthermore, a new EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flight taking essential supplies for victims of typhoon Yagi, that left a trail of destruction in the Asia-Pacific region, is being launched and due to arrive in the coming days in Laos, reads a press release of the EU.

The announcements come as Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, is visiting the Philippines and Indonesia this week to reinforce cooperation in disaster preparedness and response with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other countries in the region.

In this regard, Commissioner Lenarčič will represent the EU at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila, Philippines where he will highlight the EU’s commitment to supporting disaster preparedness and response, both in the EU and beyond. The EU recently supported the Philippines following typhoons Yagi and Gaemi.

New agreement on EU-ASEAN disaster management

Later this week in Jakarta, the Commissioner will attend the signature of an agreement on disaster management between the EU’s department for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and ASEAN’s Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).

This agreement will further strengthen cooperation between the EU and ASEAN countries in preparedness and response to disasters by: Exchanging knowledge and best practices between ASEAN and the EU; Deploying and exchanging experts; and Developing training programmes.

Furthermore, during his stay in Jakarta, the Commissioner will mark the 20th anniversary of the devastating tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2004, recalling the EU solidarity during the response.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “The ongoing monsoon season has been particularly hard in Southeast Asia, where several countries have suffered severe floods and cyclones. As climate-induced disasters become more frequent and intense, it is even more important to reinforce international cooperation for better preparedness and efficient response. I am convinced that this agreement between the EU and ASEAN disaster management bodies will bring many gains, allowing us to learn from each other and better protect our populations.”