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EU Recognizes Difficulty in Closing USAID Funding Shortfall Due to Stalled US Aid
The European Commission cautions that the EU cannot solely bridge the gap caused by the suspension of USAID funding, which impacts humanitarian and disability assistance initiatives in Ukraine and beyond.
The European Commission has declared that the European Union is unable to close the funding gap caused by the significant decrease in international humanitarian aid following the freeze on the United States Agency for International Development during the Trump administration.
A spokesperson for the Commission remarked that, although the EU continues to be a prominent humanitarian donor, the magnitude and intricacy of current worldwide needs necessitate a collective international effort, as the EU cannot bear this responsibility on its own.
This funding deficit has led to disruptions in numerous initiatives, particularly those aimed at assisting individuals with disabilities in the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the South Caucasus.
Disability NGOs have reported the halting of essential programmes and are urging the EU to provide urgent financial assistance.
One of the impacted projects is organized by the League of the Strong in Ukraine, which had received $373,303 to help 570 individuals in regions such as Chernihiv, Kirovohrad, and Kharkiv.
This initiative was set up to deliver services including assistive devices, digital training, and legal support.
Furthermore, a programme meant to aid 450 war veterans with disabilities in Ukraine has been suspended due to the lack of alternative funding.
The Commission's comments reflect a wider situation in which the Trump administration, since taking office on January 20, has frozen all foreign aid and reduced USAID’s workforce, affecting global efforts in improving health, alleviating poverty, and advancing human rights.
Disability advocacy groups, such as the European Disability Forum along with organizations from Albania, Ukraine, and Georgia, have called on the EU to incorporate disability inclusion into all of its humanitarian aid and funding processes and to collaborate with national governments to bolster support in the affected areas.
The stance taken by the European Commission highlights the urgent need for a coordinated international effort to tackle the escalating funding shortfall that currently leaves millions without the necessary assistance.
A spokesperson for the Commission remarked that, although the EU continues to be a prominent humanitarian donor, the magnitude and intricacy of current worldwide needs necessitate a collective international effort, as the EU cannot bear this responsibility on its own.
This funding deficit has led to disruptions in numerous initiatives, particularly those aimed at assisting individuals with disabilities in the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the South Caucasus.
Disability NGOs have reported the halting of essential programmes and are urging the EU to provide urgent financial assistance.
One of the impacted projects is organized by the League of the Strong in Ukraine, which had received $373,303 to help 570 individuals in regions such as Chernihiv, Kirovohrad, and Kharkiv.
This initiative was set up to deliver services including assistive devices, digital training, and legal support.
Furthermore, a programme meant to aid 450 war veterans with disabilities in Ukraine has been suspended due to the lack of alternative funding.
The Commission's comments reflect a wider situation in which the Trump administration, since taking office on January 20, has frozen all foreign aid and reduced USAID’s workforce, affecting global efforts in improving health, alleviating poverty, and advancing human rights.
Disability advocacy groups, such as the European Disability Forum along with organizations from Albania, Ukraine, and Georgia, have called on the EU to incorporate disability inclusion into all of its humanitarian aid and funding processes and to collaborate with national governments to bolster support in the affected areas.
The stance taken by the European Commission highlights the urgent need for a coordinated international effort to tackle the escalating funding shortfall that currently leaves millions without the necessary assistance.
