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EU Recognizes Inability to Address USAID Funding Shortfall Due to Halted US Aid
The European Commission cautions that the EU cannot solely compensate for the shortfall caused by the suspension of USAID funding, which impacts humanitarian and disability assistance initiatives in Ukraine and elsewhere.
The European Commission has indicated that the European Union is unable to fill the funding void created by the drastic decline in international humanitarian aid after the United States Agency for International Development was frozen under the Trump administration.
A spokesperson for the Commission highlighted that, although the EU is a significant humanitarian contributor, the magnitude and intricacy of current global demands necessitate a unified international approach, as the EU cannot bear this burden alone.
This funding deficiency has caused disruptions in numerous initiatives, particularly those aiding individuals with disabilities in the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the South Caucasus.
Disability NGOs have reported halts in essential programs and are urging the EU to deliver emergency financial aid.
Among the affected projects is one by the League of the Strong in Ukraine, which was allocated $373,303 to assist 570 individuals across regions such as Chernihiv, Kirovohrad, and Kharkiv.
This initiative aimed to provide services including assistive devices, digital training, and legal assistance.
Furthermore, a program meant to support 450 war veterans with disabilities in Ukraine has been suspended due to a lack of alternative funding.
The Commission's comments are part of a wider narrative in which US President Donald Trump’s administration, since it took office on January 20th, has frozen all foreign aid and reduced the workforce of USAID, impacting projects that aim to enhance health, alleviate poverty, and promote human rights worldwide.
Disability organizations, including the European Disability Forum and groups from Albania, Ukraine, and Georgia, have called on the EU to incorporate disability inclusion into all its humanitarian aid and funding frameworks and to collaborate with national governments to boost support in the affected areas.
The European Commission’s stance highlights the necessity for a collective international response to tackle the escalating funding gap that now leaves millions without necessary assistance.
A spokesperson for the Commission highlighted that, although the EU is a significant humanitarian contributor, the magnitude and intricacy of current global demands necessitate a unified international approach, as the EU cannot bear this burden alone.
This funding deficiency has caused disruptions in numerous initiatives, particularly those aiding individuals with disabilities in the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the South Caucasus.
Disability NGOs have reported halts in essential programs and are urging the EU to deliver emergency financial aid.
Among the affected projects is one by the League of the Strong in Ukraine, which was allocated $373,303 to assist 570 individuals across regions such as Chernihiv, Kirovohrad, and Kharkiv.
This initiative aimed to provide services including assistive devices, digital training, and legal assistance.
Furthermore, a program meant to support 450 war veterans with disabilities in Ukraine has been suspended due to a lack of alternative funding.
The Commission's comments are part of a wider narrative in which US President Donald Trump’s administration, since it took office on January 20th, has frozen all foreign aid and reduced the workforce of USAID, impacting projects that aim to enhance health, alleviate poverty, and promote human rights worldwide.
Disability organizations, including the European Disability Forum and groups from Albania, Ukraine, and Georgia, have called on the EU to incorporate disability inclusion into all its humanitarian aid and funding frameworks and to collaborate with national governments to boost support in the affected areas.
The European Commission’s stance highlights the necessity for a collective international response to tackle the escalating funding gap that now leaves millions without necessary assistance.
