In reaction to the continuing deterioration of the situation in Syria,the EU Council of Ministers Tuesday approved the increase of 50 million euro in humanitarian aid to that country, bringing the total EU humanitarian support for Syria to 150 million euro in 2014.
This is to address the most pressing needs of the most vulnerable persons inside Syria and in the neighbour countries, said the Council in a statement. The additional support is aimed at helping health care services, providing medicines and scaling up water supply.
The Council also decided to increase development assistance in order to address the more medium-term needs in neighbouring countries, dealing with the unprecedented flow of refugees. Up to 125 million euro in commitments are made available in addition to the 75 million euro already made available, bringing the total EU development aid support to 200 million euro in 2014.
The Syrian conflict has caused the world's largest humanitarian crisis, in terms of the number of people affected and in need of assistance. With the conflict entering its fourth year, around 9.3 million people inside the country and further 2.8 million refugees are currently in need of vital assistance, it added.