Brussels – The European Union has announced a €9 million funding package aimed at preventing famine in Yemen, as part of its broader humanitarian response to one of the world’s most severe and protracted crises.

The funding, earmarked for emergency food assistance and nutrition support, will be channeled through EU humanitarian partners including the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 

It targets vulnerable communities in conflict-affected regions such as Hajjah, Taiz, and Hodeidah, where acute food insecurity has reached alarming levels.

EU officials say the initiative is designed to bolster local resilience and mitigate the impact of climate-induced shocks, displacement, and economic collapse. 

The package includes provisions for malnutrition treatment, livelihood restoration, and agricultural support, with a focus on women and children.

“Millions of Yemenis are on the brink of starvation. This funding is a lifeline to those most at risk,” said Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management. “We urge all parties to facilitate humanitarian access and uphold international humanitarian law.”

The €9 million allocation is part of a larger €80 million EU humanitarian commitment to Yemen for 2025. Since the start of the conflict in 2015, the EU has contributed nearly €1.6 billion in aid to Yemen, including food, health, education, and mine clearance efforts.

Humanitarian agencies warn that without sustained international support, famine could become widespread, especially as funding shortfalls force aid groups to scale back operations.