Hadja Lahbib Takes on Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management
Hadja Lahbib's Appointment Challenges
Ursula von der Leyen has officially announced the composition of the new commission, with Hadja Lahbib inheriting the humanitarian aid portfolio. The responsibilities she shoulders will revolve around disaster preparedness and civil protection, marking a significant role for the current Minister of Foreign Affairs.
A Heavy Load on Humanitarian Grounds
- Previous Position: This portfolio was previously held by Slovenia's Lenarcic, which had expanded due to humanitarian and climatic catastrophes.
- EU Mechanism: The EU Civil Protection Mechanism, established in 2001, has been vital in strengthening cooperation among member states.
- Last year alone, it was activated 66 times, bringing significant visibility to the EU's efforts.
Recent actions prioritized support to Ukraine through essential supplies, alongside ongoing assistance to refugees in neighboring countries.
Climate Catastrophes: Urgent Responses Needed
Especially in recent months, the focus has been sharpened on climate disasters like wildfires and floods. Countries like Poland and the Czech Republic have actively sought European solidarity through this mechanism amid extreme weather conditions.
Financial Support for Crisis Management
Financial resources for this mechanism were notably utilized during the COVID crisis, highlighting its flexibility.
In January, during negotiations for the multiannual financial framework revision, emergency funds stood out as critically needed, securing an additional €1.5 billion for the period 2024-2027.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.